1998 Dodge Dakota Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 3%of 545 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the 545 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The spare tire hoist / carrier cable broke, causing the full size spare tire to drop to the road. Fortunately, it happened as I pulled into my driveway. This could have easily been a severe accident on the interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #10472003, filed 2012-08, 128,000 miles“The paint is coming off of my truck. I have seen quite a few trucks on the road with the same problem. A repair shop near my house says he has seen this often, also. He says the primer used is probably the cause.”
NHTSA complaint #10235961, filed 2008-07, 65,000 miles“I own a 1998 Dodge Dakota sport 4x4 5.2l v-8 w/125k miles, in the last two years the once shiny black paint is flaking off in large areas on the roof, the flaking/peeling has now begun to start on the top of the doors and the bed rails. I have contacted my local Dodge dealer here in dublin california and spoke directly with the service manager who told me that Dodge has not taken a position on this issue, that they realize it is wide spread and refuse to do anything about it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10066004, filed 2004-04, 75 miles“Upper and lower ball joints deteriorating 5-24-2004, 27,675 miles steering intermediate shaft 6-22-2004. Ball joints, lower control arm, and right wheel bearing had to be replaced by dealer. Steering intermediate shaft had to be replaced at freehold Dodge nj very loose front end, hard to control, bounce. Typical symptoms of a front end falling apart. Dates above are replacement dates. Third major problem is all of the bolts attaching the cab are deteriorated. Taking to my nm Dodge dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10083079, filed 2004-08, 27,675 miles“Our truck's paint is flaking. We want daimler chrysler to re-paint our truck. We found out from our insurance that this is a manufacturer issue and screwup. Our roof and hood are flaking and if not taken care of soon it is going to rust. We have noticed that other trucks in our area that is in the same year model range is doing the same as ours with the paint. What is the deal?”
NHTSA complaint #10159340, filed 2006-06Related recalls
- 98V208000Sep 8, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. These vehicles may have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. The bolts were used to attach…Covers: Dodge Dakota 1998, RAM 1998
Related service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10220995Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 3% |
| 2002 | 18 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 1% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1996 | 18 | 10% |
| 1995 | 20 | 10% |
| 1994 | 7 | 4% |
| 1993 | 11 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 6% |
| 1991 | 5 | 4% |
| 1990 | 4 | 6% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 3 | 15% |
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 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