Model year guide

1987 Dodge dakota

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Dodge dakota is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1987 Dodge dakota — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1987 Dodge dakota at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints20
Combined17 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1987 Dodge dakota recalls 2

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages NHTSA Campaign #87V050000 · 14/04/1987

SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM CABLES MAY PARTIALLY DISENGAGE AND BIND AT THE CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT.

Fix: INSTALL A WASHER AT SPEED CONTROL CABLE TO CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.

Parking Brake:conventional:mechanical:linkage And Cable NHTSA Campaign #86V115000 · 18/08/1986

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 DEFECT: IF THE TRUCK I…

Fix: REPLACE BOTH REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1987 Dodge dakota common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

1987 Dodge dakota MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,758

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1987 Dodge dakota costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,790
Fuel only$18,790
Per mile$0.25

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.

1987 Dodge dakota trims & engines on record

Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 91 hp

1987 Dodge dakota vehicles on record

1987 Dodge dakota 1987 Dodge dakota1B7EN14C4HS494879

Other Dodge dakota model years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

1987 Dodge dakota — frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Dodge dakota have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1987 Dodge dakota. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Dodge dakota?

Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, structure, engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Dodge dakota get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1987 Dodge dakota at about 17 mpg combined (15 city / 20 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.