Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
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.
I have had numerous problems with my 1998 Dodge Dakota. I purchased it brand new. 2 months after 8/98 purchase date, the transmission went out. The brakes have had to be replaced several times, the map sensor went out while driving down the highway causing the vehicle to shut down. I recently had to replace the lower ball joints. The seat belts come off entirely too easy. All of this and the vehicle only has 39,000 miles on it. I sent arbitration papers to Chrysler twice with no response.
I bought my 1998 Dodge Dakota with the confidence of knowing that I had selected a safe, comfortable, reliable car. However, that perception was gone this morning when I found the website called www.unsafebelts.com . I am appalled (yet not surprised, quite honestly) to learn that Chrysler is knowingly allowing many people to drive their cars with seatbelts that are not adequate or reliable. I am more shocked that NHTSA and other groups like it are not lobbying for safer belts. As the other owner of my car drives the vehicle at least 20 hours per week, I am shocked and saddened by this inaction. I would like to call for a recall of these belts. I will be contacting the dealership where I purchased my car today and requesting replacements for my seat belts. I will also be asking Chrysler to cover the cost of this replacement.
Windshield has manufacture defects. Optical distortions appear in multiple, if not the entire windsheild. Dealer discribed them as normal and that every other windshield in the Dakota and durango line have similar problems...er character. I was asked to get use to the distortion, but cannot. My problem with visability through the windshield has caused misjudgements in sign legibility, distance/physical appearance and sometimes resulted in eyestrain leading to headaches.
Passenger seatbelt will not lock passenger in place in the event of accident. Dealership has acknowledged the problem, replaced the belt one time. Problem still exists. Currently waiting for a second replacement. Rear brakes only wore out and required replacement. 5,000 miles prior they had been checked by the dealership and reported to be "line new". Front brakes are still fine at 48,000 miles.
Dealership service department contacted numerous occasions over past 7+ months with either no response or extremely slow response. Tansmission/brakes/shocks/tires, and seat belts, not repaired to date.( dot number: tire size: 235 75r15 )
The seat belt on the passenger's side does not lock. The belt would not restraint the occupant in the event of a crash. The seat belt was replaced, but belt seems to be doing the same thing. Please provide any further information.
Consumer's shoulder belt on driver side wasn't retracting once it has been pulled to secure occupant. Dealer has been contacted, and there was only a 36,000 mile warranty for seat belts. No recall has been initiated.
The bolt that had been securing the shoulder anchor of the seat belt to the frame worked its way loose allowing the anchor to disengage from the frame. Manufacturer will be contacted.
Consumer having problems with seat belt equipment not staying latched. Dealer and the manufacturer has been notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
Seat Belt complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1998 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the seat belts of the 1998 Dodge Dakota, 4% of the model year's 545 complaints. The component named most often is front › anchorage (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Dakota seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts recall for the 1998 Dodge Dakota, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Dakota seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to seat belts 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.