1987 Dodge Dakota Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 1987 Dodge Dakota
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the vehicle speed control:linkages.
- Scores 2 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1988 Dodge Dakota earns a 70.
- The system most likely to surface first: body & frame corrosion (critical severity).
The 1987 Dodge Dakota at a glance
- Is the 1987 Dodge Dakota reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 1987 Dodge Dakota 68/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A charmingly simple workhorse that demands proactive rust mitigation and a watchful eye on its aging wiring.
- Should I buy a used 1987 Dodge Dakota?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 1987 Dodge Dakota. The 1987 Dodge Dakota is a characterful, capable, and surprisingly robust compact pickup, but its age and inherent vulnerabilities demand a highly cautious approach. A meticulously inspected, rust-free example with a documented service history can be a rewarding, inexpensive workhorse or weekend cruiser, but be prep…
- Which Dodge Dakota years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 1987-1991 (First Generation, pre-Magnum engine, simpler electronics). Years to avoid: No specific years to avoid, but any example with extensive rust or a visibly neglected maintenance history should be considered high-risk..
- What are the most common problems with the 1987 Dodge Dakota?
- The top failure points on the 1987 Dodge Dakota are Body & Frame Corrosion (typically around Any mileage, worsens with exposure miles), Electrical System (typically around 60,000-100,000+ miles), Fuel Delivery System (typically around 80,000-120,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 1987 Dodge Dakota?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 1987 Dodge Dakota is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, provided maintenance was consistent, the vehicle is likely still in excellent mechanical shape, requiring only basic fluid changes and inspections.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 1987 Dodge Dakota?
For the enthusiast or casual user seeking a genuinely classic and serviceable compact pickup, the 1987 Dodge Dakota represents a solid, no-nonsense choice, provided you prioritize a rust-free example and are prepared for typical age-related maintenance. Its fundamental simplicity makes it repairable, but ignoring its vulnerabilities will lead to a costly and frustrating ownership experience.
The 1987 Dodge Dakota is a characterful, capable, and surprisingly robust compact pickup, but its age and inherent vulnerabilities demand a highly cautious approach. A meticulously inspected, rust-free example with a documented service history can be a rewarding, inexpensive workhorse or weekend cruiser, but be prep…
Best Model Years
1987-1991 (First Generation, pre-Magnum engine, simpler electronics)
Years to Avoid
No specific years to avoid, but any example with extensive rust or a visibly neglected maintenance history should be considered high-risk.
Biggest Strengths
- Simple, robust mechanicals that are easy to repair
- Strong, full-frame construction for durability
- Abundant and affordable replacement parts
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 1987 Dodge Dakota, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The frame, cab corners, bed mounts, and wheel wells are highly susceptible to severe rust due to inadequate rustproofing from the factory and exposure. This can compromise structural integrity and make repairs exceedingly difficult.
Brittle wiring insulation, corroded grounds, and aging components (alternator, starter, wiring harnesses) lead to intermittent issues like flickering lights, gauge malfunctions, and no-start conditions. Finding specific shorts can be tim…
For carbureted models, worn carburetors, clogged fuel lines, and failing fuel pumps are common. Even TBI models (late '87 V6) suffer from aging fuel injectors and sensor failures leading to poor running, stalling, or hard starting.
1987 Dodge Dakota Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 1987 Dodge Dakota most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, provided maintenance was consistent, the vehicle is likely still in excellent mechanical shape, requiring only basic fluid changes and inspections.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage typically calls for a more comprehensive tune-up, including spark plugs, wires, belts, hoses, and a thorough inspection of the brake system and suspension bushings.
Elevated Risk Zone
Age-related wear on suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), early signs of electrical gremlins, and potential fuel system issues (especially if carbureted) will likely begin to surface. Rust will also be a growing concern.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, major components like engine or transmission may be nearing the end of their service life if not meticulously maintained. Chronic electrical issues and extensive rust become highly probable, requiring significant inves…
1987 Dodge Dakota Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 1987 Dodge Dakota on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-700
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., suspension refresh, fuel system overhaul)
How Long Does the 1987 Dodge Dakota Last?
For a 1987 vehicle, mileage is far less critical than the overall condition and documented maintenance history. A high-mileage, well-cared-for example can be a better buy than a low-mileage truck that has been neglected or stored improperly.
What 1987 Dodge Dakota Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Surprisingly robust V6 engine for its class
- Simple, honest utility and easy maintenance for DIYers
- Distinctive, classic American truck styling
- Strong hauling and towing capacity for its size
Common Frustrations
- Proneness to severe rust and corrosion
- Frequent electrical gremlins and poor grounding issues
- Spongy brakes and vague steering compared to modern trucks
- Spartan interior with brittle plastics and faded trim
Who Should Buy the 1987 Dodge Dakota?
Best For
- DIY automotive enthusiasts seeking a project or simple work truck
- Small business owners needing light hauling capability on a budget
- Collectors of classic American compact pickups
Not Ideal For
- Anyone seeking a 'turn-key' daily driver with modern amenities
- Drivers in rust-prone regions without covered storage
How the 1987 Dodge Dakota Compares to Rivals
The Dakota carves out a niche as a larger 'compact' offering slightly more capability than its direct rivals, but generally shares the common vulnerabilities of any truck from the mid-to-late 80s, particularly concerning rust and aging electrical systems.
More Reliable Than
- Early Chevrolet S-10 (often worse rust issues)
- Early Ford Ranger (some models had more persistent transmission problems)
Comparable To
- Nissan Hardbody (similar age-related electrical/rust concerns)
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM CABLES MAY PARTIALLY DISENGAGE AND BIND AT THE CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT.
PARKING 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 DEFECT: IF THE TRUCK IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND THE PARKING BRAKE SET, IT MAY ROLL BACK CAUSING DAMAGE OR AN ACCIDENT.
What breaks on the 1987 Dodge Dakota?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
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Dodge Dakota by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Dodge Dakota. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1987 Dodge Dakota
Parts and accessories matched to your 1987 Dodge Dakota
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Where the 1987 Dodge Dakota report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 1987 Dodge Dakota for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Dodge Dakota. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
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