Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Me and a friend were in a car accident .when we lost control of my 1998 Dodge Dakota and hit the side of a building at 40-45 MPH when we hit the air bags did not deploy and the seat belts did not lock up like they were supposed to in result we bounced or faces and heads off of the steering wheel and dash board and now having head neck and back problems.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that at engine startup, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 160,000. Updated 02/01/12 the consumer stated the air bag light intermittently illuminated. The intermittent behavior would occur at idle, when cold, hot, all speeds and when the vehicle was first started. The consumer stated a recall was issued. However, Chrysler denied a recall existed. The consumer paid $1,243 for the repair, which included a defective clock spring assembly as noted in the recall. Updated 02/10/12
Michael bogner was going at about a speed of 35 to 45 MPH when he lost control of his truck and hit a parked car. His airbag did not deploy and because of it he suffered neck and shoulder injuries. We contacted Chrysler corp. To let them know. They sent out an agent, and he claims that the airbag didn't deploy because he hit an object. He went further to say that the airbag "May" have gone off if he hit a brick wall. Right now my michael and I are waiting on the report. We were promised it three weeks ago and we still not have recieved it. We both feel like something is being kept from us and would appreciate it greatly if you were to look into it.
1. Front crank seal leaking at first oil change, dealer finally replaced. 2. Leaking front right shock absorber noticed at first oil change. Dealer replaced both at owners request. 3. There is a loud popping sound coming from the front steering components when the vehicile is in motion and you turn the steering wheel lock to lock. The sound is made when turning left or right. 4. Water leak through back slider window resulted in two new carpet/pad assemblies to installed. Dealer finally fixed after 4th visit and threat of filing for lemon law protection. 5. Drivers side air bag failed to deploy at 25 MPH in a front end collision.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and the air bag sensor activated. The dealer stated that the vehicle would have to be brought in to be placed on a diagnostic computer to determine the cause of the failure. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The current mileage was 136,069 and failure mileage was 135,900.
While driving, the air bag light illuminated on the dash board and stayed on. The air bag module was replaced but the problem resurfaced. The consumer saw recall 01v-153000 which was related to the air bag clockspring dealer they stated that the vehicle was not in the recall, but it has the same model and year. Consumer had to pay for cost of repairs.
Vehicle was moving at approximately 35 MPH when it was impacted by a mid size GM auto traveling at approximately the same speed. Impact damage to the vehicle extended from the front grill area to the left side ending at the driver door. Extensive engine compartment and front driveline damage occured. Neither air bag deployed.
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision with a Chevrolet, celebrity at 40 MPH. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. Dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. Please feel free to provide us with any further information concerning this matter.
While driving on a state route, traveling about 40mph another vehicle pulled out in front of consumer. Consumer applied brakes and hit vehicle in front.upon impact, driver's side airbag didn't deploy. Contacted the dealer .
No deployment of the driver and passenger side air bag when vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole (passenger went forward striking right temple of her head on the rearview resulting in fatal injury to passenger). Nlm
Related recalls
Air bags
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the Ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from May 16, 2000 through October 23, 2000; st.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began June 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed,…
Airbag complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1998 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Dodge Dakota, 6% of the model year's 545 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Dakota airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-153 (air bags, May 8, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Dakota airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 134,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 20 crashes, 0 fires and 18 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.