1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup.
Recalls on the 1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
MACHINING ERROR IN LOCATING WHEEL STUD HOLES MAY PREVENT FULL SEATING OF BRAKE DRUM TO SHAFT FLANGE.
Power train: gear position indication (prndl)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.
Source: NHTSA
What 62 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup at a glance
- Engine
- 2.2L 4-Cylinder, 3.9L 6-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd, Automatic 3-spd
- Drivetrain
- RWD, 4WD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Truck
Other Dodge Dakota Pickup years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup?
Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup with NHTSA, most often about the steering. There are 3 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 3 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.