1987 Dodge DAKOTA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
11 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
69,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1987 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 11 complaints (18.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 18.2% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 9.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 9.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Equipment:Mechanical:Carrier/Rack | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | 1 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) | 1 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 1 |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 1 |
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Equipment:Mechanical:Carrier/Rack: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 1; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl): 1; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 1; Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
1995: 3; 1996: 3; 2000: 1; 2001: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 1
Pattern summary
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 963897 · 1995-04-17 (April 17, 1995)
LEFT REAR DRUM FAILED; ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF BRAKE DRUM OUTSIDE OF BOLT HOLE PATTERN FAILED; NOTHING HOLDING BRAKE DRUM WHILE IN OPERATION; LOST CONTROL. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 963897 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 968155 · 1995-07-03 (July 3, 1995)
THE FRONT BRAKES NEEDED REPLACEMENT AFTER 20,000 MILES. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 968155 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10207185 · 2007-10-24 (October 24, 2007)
1987 DODGE DAKOTA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED IN THE FIRE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED BEFORE CATCHING ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN REPLACED RECENTLY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10207185 at NHTSA ↗