1987 Dodge Dakota Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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).
Should 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.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 1987 Dodge Dakota? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Dodge Dakota by Year
Compare KeepScores 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 KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1987 Dodge Dakota
Parts and accessories matched to your 1987 Dodge Dakota
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Just bought a 1987 Dodge Dakota? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Dodge Dakota's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Dodge Dakota
Most Reliable Cars to Buy Used (Top 10 Ranked)
Get our expert-ranked list of the 10 most reliable used cars you can buy today, saving money and avoiding future headaches with smart choices.
Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Lasts Longer?
Get the definitive answer: Which truly lasts longer, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner? Our comparison reveals their long-term durability.
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevy Colorado: Reliability Compared
Explore a head-to-head reliability comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado. Discover which truck truly stands out for long-term dependability.