1998 Dodge Dakota body problems

19 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,000.

owner complaints: 19
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 65,000
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Frame and members
6
Body
5
Body: tailgate
1
Body: hood: hinge and attachments
1
Body: hood
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Dodge Dakota body problems in other years

Related recalls

StructureReported September 8, 1998 · 12,400 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. 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.
Risk: This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.

Recall number 98V208000 · Recall details

What 1998 Dodge Dakota owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 10, 2014 · Body · 100,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. While driving 45-50 MPH, the frame detached from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 10/24/2014*lj updated 04/20/2015

Filed Aug 23, 2012 · Body · 128,000 miles · VA

The spare tire hoist / carrier cable broke, causing the full size spare tire to drop to the road. Fortunately, it happened as I pulled into my driveway. This could have easily been a severe accident on the interstate.

Filed Jul 28, 2008 · Body · 65,000 miles · CT

The paint is coming off of my truck. I have seen quite a few trucks on the road with the same problem. A repair shop near my house says he has seen this often, also. He says the primer used is probably the cause.

Filed Jun 8, 2006 · Body · AL

Our truck's paint is flaking. We want daimler chrysler to re-paint our truck. We found out from our insurance that this is a manufacturer issue and screwup. Our roof and hood are flaking and if not taken care of soon it is going to rust. We have noticed that other trucks in our area that is in the same year model range is doing the same as ours with the paint. What is the deal?

Filed Aug 25, 2004 · Body · 38,000 miles · NC

Vehicle leaks on the passenger side floor board. After searching for the leak spotted the source under the front dash.

Filed Aug 1, 2004 · Body, Steering · 27,675 miles · NM

Upper and lower ball joints deteriorating 5-24-2004, 27,675 miles steering intermediate shaft 6-22-2004. Ball joints, lower control arm, and right wheel bearing had to be replaced by dealer.*ak steering intermediate shaft had to be replaced at freehold dodge nj very loose front end, hard to control, bounce. Typical symptoms of a front end falling apart. Dates above are replacement dates. Third major problem is all of the bolts attaching the cab are deteriorated. Taking to my nm dodge dealer. Can not even take off the bots they are so bad on the cab of my truck [xxx] I have been the owner from day one. In my parents name in new jersey for insurance rate reduction. Updated 07/24/2012* js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Apr 12, 2004 · Body · 75 miles · CA

I own a 1998 dodge dakota sport 4x4 5.2l v-8 w/125k miles, in the last two years the once shiny black paint is flaking off in large areas on the roof, the flaking/peeling has now begun to start on the top of the doors and the bed rails. *ak I have contacted my local dodge dealer here in dublin california and spoke directly with the service manager who told me that dodge has not taken a position on this issue, that they realize it is wide spread and refuse to do anything about it. Many other dodge owners inthe mid west have been able to receive some sort of good faith effort form their local dealer by way of a $300 credit toward paint. Here in california we are not so lucky. The local dealers do not give a [xxx] about the dodge owners once the leave the lot. I challenge any northern calif dealer to prove to me this is an isolated issue! Dodge will never get any of money again and have soured me from any dodge chrysler product! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Body · FL

Water on passenger side floor board.

Filed Aug 24, 2003 · Body · NE

I own a 1998 dodge dakota sport with paint fading on the hood in several places. There was no damage to these areas that would cause a paint problem. I am very dissapointed that I am having this problem with a vehicle that is only 4 years old. I have searched for a possible recall since this appears to be a factory problem. I have found many other owners reporting simular problems but no recall at this time. I would like to know if dodge is planning on resolving this problem soon.

Filed Jul 18, 2003 · Body · RI

White spots were showing through the black paint on the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that vehicle was made with faulty primer. Manufacturer was willing to pay half of the cost.

Questions about the 1998 Dodge Dakota body

Does the 1998 Dodge Dakota have body problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the body of the 1998 Dodge Dakota, 3% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Dakota body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Dodge Dakota body?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V208000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Dakota have the most body problems?

The Dodge Dakota model years with the most body complaints are 1995 (20 complaints), 1998 (19 complaints) and 1996 (18 complaints).