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1991 Dodge Dakota problems

The most common problem on the 1991 Dodge Dakota is transmission and drivetrain. It has fewer complaints than a typical Dakota model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
126
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
20
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
11-21mpg

The worst 1991 Dodge Dakota problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    60
  • Steering
    15
  • Brakes
    13
  • Fuel system
    8
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Electrical
    7
  • Engine
    6
  • Body
    5
  • Tires
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Dodge Dakota

ABS 5Won't shift 5

Recalls 4

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported April 11, 2000 · 123,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with a500 automatic transmission. Inadvertent placement of the shift lever in reverse can occur when the driver believes that the transmission has been placed in park.
Risk
This can cause the vehicle to roll away with the engine on after the driver has left the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steel manual valve in the transmission with an aluminum version.

Recall number 00V106000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported May 12, 1995 · 78,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The steering wheel armature stamping can crack due to fatigue and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Risk
This condition can cause separation of the center hub attachment to the steering column resulting in a loss of control and an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks and replace any wheels exhibiting cracks. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation if cracking occurs.

Recall number 95V089000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 12, 1991 · 38,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The right front brake hose may rub against the tire during a full lock left turn, which may eventually cause wear through of the brake hose on the right front side.
Risk
Wear through of the right front brake hose would causefluid loss from half of the split brake hydraulic system and increase stoppingdistance which could result in an accident.
Remedy
If clearance between the brake hose and tire on the right front is inadequate, replace brake hose with a modified version to ensure adequate clearance.

Recall number 91V200000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported October 1, 1990 · 3,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Steel braided fuel hose routing may allow contact between the hose and transmission wiring harness.
Risk
This contact could cause hose damage and fuel leakagethat, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Install a tie strap to secure the transmission wiring away from the fuel hose.

Recall number 90V176000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1991 Dodge Dakota

Defect investigations

Rollaway in reverse when parkedOpened May 31, 1996, closed August 10, 2000

There is no summary currently available

EA96006

Inadvertent movement of shifterOpened June 23, 1995, closed May 31, 1996

Odi received an inquiry regarding alleged park to reverse problems with the automatic transmissions on 1991 and 1992 dodge dakota picup trucks.the odi database revealed 11 complaints, several of which had been reported in the months just preceding the opening of the pe.the consumers claim that they move the vehicle, place the transmission in park and exit the vehicle.then, almost always with the engine running, the vehicle allegedly shifts into reversethe vehicle then begins to back up, usually stopping only when it hits something.

PE95041

Steering wheel separationOpened January 19, 1995, closed May 11, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE95004

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Dodge Dakota 20

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 20 bulletins for the 1991 Dodge Dakota

1991 Dodge Dakota fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cylRWD182421
3.9L 6‑cylRWD11-1511-2011-17
3.9L 6‑cyl4WD1418-1915-16
5.2L 8‑cylRWD12-1316-1714
5.2L 8‑cyl4WD111613

What 1991 Dodge Dakota owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 5, 2017 · Brakes, Transmission · 75,000 miles · IL

Abs found flashing code 7,performedppt, found module bad.( check safety recall f05) when performing recall a/t manual valve , found discoloration in transmission fluid possible cooler restriction is a major factor in condition .. Tech told this customer this is a major problem with this transmission truck only has 75000 actual mile...

Filed Jan 23, 2012 · Airbags · 50,000 miles · IL

The airbag light comes on as I turn a corner at low speeds and then it eventually goes off as I straighten out. It has done this intermittently for a couple years but now it's getting much worse as it happens almost every day.

Filed Oct 9, 2008 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · WA · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 1991 dodge dakota. While the vehicle was parked in the contact's driveway, it suddenly rolled in reverse with the shifter in the park position. There were no warnings prior to this failure. The vehicle's door crashed into the gate and was severely damaged. There were no injuries or property damage. The vehicle is currently at the authorized dealer for the same failures mentioned in the recall notice. The vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v034000 (power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication). The contact was displeased to know that there was not a sufficient remedy with the recall defect repair. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2008 · Steering, Transmission · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 1991 dodge dakota. There are two safety recalls that the contact would like to have repaired on the vehicle: the federal safety agency campaign id number's 00v106000 (powertrain: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)) and 95v089000 (steering: wheel and handle bar). The dealer stated that the recalls apply to his vehicle, but they could not get the parts. There had been no failure to date. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 151,139.

Filed Sep 21, 2006 · Engine · OH · fire

1991 dodge dakota caught fire in the engine compartment. *kb the consumer heard a noise prior to the fire erupted. The vehicle transmission had been service a week before the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle burned completely.

Filed Aug 6, 2004 · Body · MA

Paint flaking off. I am the only owner of the truck. The paint started flaking off over a year ago.

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Fuel system · MI

The fuel supply tube wore through the firewall and floor pan which caused a fuel leakage. *ph the fuel supply tube was installed so that it was directly against the junction of the firewall and floor pan. This was a sharp welded junction which wore through the steel fuel supply tube and caused the fuel leak. (defective at the factory and presented a fire/explosion hazard) *scc

Filed Jun 13, 2003 · Electrical · KY · fire

While driving vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle could no longer be driven.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Steering · ID

Power steering pump is leaking fluid, causing vehicle to be inoperable. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts

Filed Nov 25, 2002 · Transmission · PA

Consumer attempted to engage 4-wheel drive and heard a loud "metal scraping" noise. Checked by dealer who diagnosed that the front axle is defective. Ts

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1991 Dodge Dakota before you buy

Compare the 1991 Dodge Dakota

Other model years

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Questions about the 1991 Dodge Dakota

Is the 1991 Dodge Dakota reliable?

Owners have filed 126 complaints about the 1991 Dodge Dakota, fewer than a typical Dakota model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Dodge Dakota?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 60 complaints. Next is steering (15).

How many recalls does the 1991 Dodge Dakota have?

4 recalls, covering power train, steering and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 1991 Dodge Dakota transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V106000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Dakota have bad transmission?

The Dodge Dakota model years with the most transmission complaints are 1992 (110 complaints), 2001 (93 complaints) and 2002 (89 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Dodge Dakota get?

Official estimates for the 1991 Dodge Dakota range from 11 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 24 highway.

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