1998 Dodge Dakota Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 545 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 126,487miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Dodge Dakota, 1% of the 545 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 126,487 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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 emine will die amytime! Going around cormers lor on expressway sitting in driveway idling. My family has had this vehicle sine 1999. This just started 6 months ago. Up until then it never happened. Replaced several sensors (tps,iac,map,coolant temp and also computer)so far nothing fixes it. I know Dodge knows about this and so do you!!! Something needs to be done there are too many Dakota/durangos on the road I am surprised no one has died or at very least been hurt badly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11114557, filed 2018-07, 114,000 miles“Engine mysteriously dies for no apparent reason. It may happen at idle all the way to and including highway speeds. Dry weather or wet weather. Cold weather or hot weather. Cold engine or warm engine. No pattern detected. It doesn't splutter -- it just dies as if the ignition key has been turned off, and it throws no code.”
NHTSA complaint #11182413, filed 2019-02, 133,000 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“The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. During the failure, there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal a clicking noise was present and the vehicle would not immediately stop. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not determined. …”
NHTSA complaint #11465684, filed 2022-05, 210,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 11 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 7 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1998 | 5 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsTires
18 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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