1998 Dodge Dakota: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Dodge Dakota: 5 recalls, 545 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 7 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #97V170000 · 1997 · 7,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The front brake hoses or anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensor wire May be abraded at the front wheels by contact with a front wheelhouse splash shield.
Why it matters: Prolonged brake hose contact can cause a partial loss of the braking system. Prolonged ABS sensor wire contact can cause a loss of ABS function.
The fix: Dealers will trim the front wheelhouse splash shields and the brake hoses and ABS sensor wires will be inspected. If evidence of abrasion is found on any hose or ABS wire, they will be replaced.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #98V208000 · 1998 · 12,400 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. The bolts were used to attach the cab and the core support to the frame.
Why it matters: This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #00V193000 · 2000 · 40,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l engines. Some vehicles May have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.
Why it matters: A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #00V198000 · 2000 · 437,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Some vehicles May have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.
Why it matters: A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained.
Airbags Vehicle recall #01V153000 · 2001 · 216,100 vehicles
What's wrong: Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the Ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from May 16, 2000 through October 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from May 19, 2000 through October 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from May…
Why it matters: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
The fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began June 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign.
7 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Affinia (brake parts, Inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #06E024000 · 2006 · 44,386 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, and 57-1530. Also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. P5007069 and p5007070). All kits were manufactured from April 20, 1999, through September 23, 2004. These assemblies were manufactured as replacement equipment for certain Dodge pickup trucks…
Why it matters: A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
The fix: K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on April 20, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Suspension Equipment recall #08E064000 · 2008 · 2,805 vehicles
What's wrong: Br930361, sold as a service part for 1997-2004 Dodge dakota vehicles and 1999-2003 Dodge durango vehicles equipped with 2-wheel drive & rear axle ABS. Due to a specification error, the rotor pilot for the hub unit May be too long. This results in the wheel to not be seated fully against the hub flange face during mounting.
Why it matters: Improper seating of the wheel can result in excessive vibration, brake rotor noise, difficulty removing the wheel after installation and operation of the vehicle, and possibly wheel-end separation during vehicle operation. Should wheel-end separation occur, the driver could loose control of the…
The fix: Skf will notify owners and replace the defective hub units free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 29 injuries and 6 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (217): the most common themes are noise or vibration (51), steering problems (23).
- Transmission & drivetrain (74): the most common themes are noise or vibration (18), hard / delayed shifting (17), stalls / loses power (9).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (68): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (17), noise or vibration (8), leaks (8).
- Engine & cooling (60): the most common themes are noise or vibration (16), leaks (10), stalls / loses power (8).
The 1998 Dodge Dakota has 545 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 22 Dakota model years for complaints (1.8× the average Dakota year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (119 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 68,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (446 complaints, 5 recalls), 1999 (641 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Dodge Dakota.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Dodge Dakota, plus 7 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Dodge Dakota problems?
Owners have filed 545 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (217), transmission & drivetrain (74), brakes (hydraulic) (68).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Dodge Dakota get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Dodge Dakota repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.