Recalls 1 and 5 describe the same underlying defect. Recalls 2 and 3 describe the same underlying defect. Recalls 4, 6, and 7 describe the same underlying defect.
The 1994 Dodge Dakota has 7 recalls covering three distinct issues, the most serious being front suspension bolts on 4x4 models that can break and allow the upper control arm to separate, causing sudden loss of steering control.
The fuel system carries a related risk: support strap studs on the fuel tank may not be properly secured, allowing one or both straps to let go and drop the tank. A falling tank can rupture fuel lines and create a fire hazard. There is also a steering concern unrelated to the suspension: extra keys on the driver's key ring can catch in the screw access holes on the back of the steering wheel while turning, preventing the wheel from returning to center or, in some cases, switching the ignition off mid-drive.
At a glance
What can fail
Keys on the operator's key ring can catch on the steering wheel back cover during turning, preventing the steering wheel from returning to center.
What the fix does
The steering wheel back cover will be replaced with a redesigned 1995 model year style cover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
During turns, extra keys on your key ring can temporarily get stuck in the screw access holes on the back of your steering wheel.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your steering wheel back cover with a redesigned version that prevents this.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Extra keys on the operator's key ring can become stuck in airbag screw holes on the back of the steering wheel, making it harder to return the wheel to center. Forcing the wheel back may accidentally turn off the ignition.
What the fix does
Plugs will be installed in the airbag screw holes on the steering wheel back cover to prevent keys from getting stuck.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Upper control arm attachment bolts may break due to improper heat treatment, causing the upper control arm to separate and potentially lose vehicle control.
What the fix does
Replace upper control arm attachment bolts with bolts that meet proper hardness specifications.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some upper control arm bolts were not properly heat-treated, making them too soft. These bolts can break under steering system stress.
What the fix does
Replace the upper control arm attaching bolts with properly treated bolts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts holding the fuel tank support strap may not be tight enough, which could cause the strap to come loose and allow the fuel tank to drop.
What the fix does
The fuel tank support strap bolts will be tightened to the proper tension.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts that attach the fuel tank support straps were not tightened enough, which could cause the straps to come loose and let the fuel tank shift or completely separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
The fuel tank support strap bolts will be tightened to the proper specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
