1998 Dodge Dakota Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 3%of 545 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 170,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the 545 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 170,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My truck has a bad PCM I have it rebuilt 3 times and the same problem will start once then will not start put a PCM in from a 8cyl runs all day not well because its from 8cyl everything has been replaced and still will not start I have seen a lot of this same thing on line this is my first Dodge nd it will be my last and all of this is from the Dodge dealer”
NHTSA complaint #11120464, filed 2018-08, 119,974 miles“The truck has a electrical issue the lights go off and on out of no where I was driving down the road in very dark two lane road and lights go off. Thank god nobody tried passing in oncoming traffic pr we would be dead I replaced light switch a few months ago and it was fine until recently started doing same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10948781, filed 2017-02, 170,000 miles“Head lights flicker and turn off intermittently whether driving or at a stand still. This has occurred since this vehicle was purchased used and is a common problem with this and the Dodge durango. Have been stopped twice by local law enforcement. The vehicle is stock with no aftermarket additions.”
NHTSA complaint #10544547, filed 2013-09, 170,000 miles“1 Safety recall found,Reprogram Pcm and inspect Catalytic Converter.I never got a recall notice in the mail just happen to go on line and find it.My engine light,Anti -brake light and emergency light stays on.My speedometer and odometer quit working.I took my truck to the Dodge dealership and they said the parts are discontinued and they cannot get them but they did do a inspection and said everything was ok.I still have the same problems and I am concerned about my safety and the safety of others involved while I am driving my truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11486564, filed 2022-09“For Dodge cars around 98 or ones that have the automatic door locks, they stop working. It sounds like they want to actuate the lock but it won't lock or unlock. All other function remains in the doors opening and closing. Upon my quest of trying to fux the problem on both doors, I took apart the electronic motor housing where the gears are. There is a little blue piece under all the gears that has broken and appears to be broken from the pressure of the friction spring behind it. Thinking this was the problem with the other one, I tore it apart and was the same thing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10881821, filed 2016-06Related service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10176211Mar 23, 2020This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 6 | 17% |
| 2009 | 3 | 17% |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% |
| 2007 | 14 | 10% |
| 2006 | 30 | 11% |
| 2005 | 32 | 7% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 34 | 11% |
| 2002 | 52 | 8% |
| 2001 | 58 | 9% |
| 2000 | 21 | 3% |
| 1999 | 23 | 4% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 17 | 4% |
| 1996 | 19 | 10% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
| 1994 | 23 | 14% |
| 1993 | 8 | 6% |
| 1992 | 23 | 11% |
| 1991 | 7 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Dakota
217 complaintsBrakes
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsSeat belts
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsTires
18 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsFuel system
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology