1994 Dodge Dakota: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Dodge Dakota: 3 recalls, 166 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #94V005000 · 1994 · 9,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Two fuel tank support strap attaching studs were not adequately tightened, which could cause one or both of the strap(s) to separate, mislocating the fuel tanks or allow complete separation of the fuel tank from the vehicle.
Why it matters: In either case fuel tank support strap(s) failure results in fuel leakage which could result in a fire.
The fix: The fuel tank support strap attaching studs will be properly tightened.
Suspension Vehicle recall #94V043000 · 1994 · 1,500 vehicles
What's wrong: Some upper control arm attaching bolts can fail due to improper heat treatment. The bolts are too soft to withstand the stresses in the steering system and can break.
Why it matters: If the attaching bolts of the upper control arm break, the vehicle can experience loss of steering control which could result in an accident.
The fix: Replace the upper control arm attaching bolts.
Steering Vehicle recall #95V088000 · 1995 · 293,043 vehicles
What's wrong: While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering wheel.
Why it matters: This condition can hamper the steering wheel return orcause the ignition to be turned off, resulting in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering wheel back cover with a redesigned cover.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the 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: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 23 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (25): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (24): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (7), noise or vibration (5).
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), fire / smoke (5), stalls / loses power (5).
- Airbags (22): the most common themes are fails to deploy (12).
The 1994 Dodge Dakota has 166 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 22 Dakota model years for complaints (well below the 295 average). Complaints peaked in 1995 (42 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 120,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (134 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (208 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | 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 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 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 | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 14 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-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 1994 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Dodge Dakota, plus 1 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 1994 Dodge Dakota problems?
Owners have filed 166 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (25), brakes (hydraulic) (24), electrical (23).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Dodge Dakota get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 13 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 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.