1990 Dodge Dakota: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Dodge Dakota: 3 recalls, 63 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #89V237000 · 1989 · 634,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine valve cover gasket May dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.
Why it matters: The leakage of oil in the engine compartment could causea fire.
The fix: Replace gasket cover with revised cover, and rtv sealant will be applied in place of a gasket.
Steering Vehicle recall #96V094000 · 1996 · 140,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture.
Why it matters: The steering gear can separate from the vehicle frame resulting in a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will add reinforcements to the frame and replace the steering gear mounting bolts. If the frame is already cracked, the steering gear weld nuts will also be replaced.
Steering Vehicle recall #01V232000 · 2001 · 4,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture.
Why it matters: The steering gear can separate from the vehicle frame resulting in a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will add reinforcements to the frame and replace the steering gear mounting bolts. If the frame is already cracked, the steering gear weld nuts will also be replaced. Owner notification began August 27, 2001.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (27): the most common themes are steering problems (21).
- Transmission & drivetrain (14): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), noise or vibration (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (11): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Body & structure (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 Dodge Dakota has 63 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 22 Dakota model years for complaints (well below the 295 average). Complaints peaked in 1996 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (128 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 | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 11 | 11 | 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 1990 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.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Dodge Dakota. 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 1990 Dodge Dakota problems?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (27), transmission & drivetrain (14), brakes (hydraulic) (11).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Dodge Dakota get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 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.