1987 Dodge dakota
1B7EN14C4HS494879
Vehicle history report for the 1987 Dodge dakota (VIN 1B7EN14C4HS494879). Title: Clean. 250,000 mi reported. Registered in Wa. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1987 Dodge dakota data →
MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1987 Dodge dakota.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1987 Dodge dakota costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1B7EN14C4HS494879
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM CABLES MAY PARTIALLY DISENGAGE AND BIND AT THE CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A WASHER AT SPEED CONTROL CABLE TO CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.
NHTSA Campaign #87V050000 · 14/04/1987PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
THESE TRUCKS WERE EQUIPPED WITH REAR PARK BRAKE CABLES WHICH CAUSED LIMITED REAR BRAKE SHOE TRAVEL RESULTING IN THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM NOT HOLDING THE VEHICLE IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION WHEN PARKED ON A 20% GRADE, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105. CONSEQUENCE OF DEF…
Remedy: REPLACE BOTH REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES.
NHTSA Campaign #86V115000 · 18/08/1986We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Dodge dakota, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔥 2 involved a fire
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 20
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1987 Dodge dakota.
STRUCTURE
THE SPARE TIRE RETAINER FAILED, ALLOWING THE SPARE TIRE TO DETACH FROM IT'S MOUNT UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FALL TO THE ROAD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE SPARE TIRE IS HELD UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE BY A RETAINER ATTACHED TO A STEEL CABLE. THE STEEL CABLE IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF TENSION SUPPORTING THE SPARE TIRE THE STEEL CABLE HAD DEVELOPED CORRO…
NHTSA ODI #10231936ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10207185STEERING
THE 1988-1990 DAKOTAS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS CONCERN WHY NOT THE 1987? 01V232000. *AK
NHTSA ODI #753293ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #886593ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT A FIRE STARTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE DUE TO FACT THAT IT BURNT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Fire · NHTSA ODI #876941STRUCTURE
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50-55 MPH THE FRAME BROKE. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROLBEM. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #822988SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED.
NHTSA ODI #529915STRUCTURE
CROSS MEMBER THAT HOLDS THE RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE WHERE THE BOLTS HOLD IT TO THE FRAME. *AK
NHTSA ODI #518693+ 12 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 1B7EN14C4HS494879 valid?
1B7EN14C4HS494879 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 1987 Dodge dakota.
Does the 1987 Dodge dakota have any open safety recalls?
Yes — 2 open NHTSA safety recalls are on record for the 1987 Dodge dakota. Recall repairs are carried out free by any franchised dealer; see the recall details above.
What fuel economy does the 1987 Dodge dakota get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1987 Dodge dakota at about 17 mpg combined (15 city / 20 highway).
Data last checked 27 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.