1995 Dodge Dakota
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Dodge › Dakota › 1995
These records cover every 1995 Dodge Dakota. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1995 Dodge Dakota. Newest first.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Owner complaints
208 complaints38 involved a crash6 involved a fire23 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
I bought this 1995 Dodge Dakota brand new in 1995 and it only has original 92,110 miles on it. The problem with this Dakota I have replaced the Drivers front seat belt and the replacement again is falling apart again where it will not release for a person to get out of. I don't know if the air…
I bought this 1995 Dodge Dakota brand new in 1995 and it only has original 92,110 miles on it. The problem with this Dakota I have replaced the Drivers front seat belt and the replacement again is falling apart again where it will not release for a person to get out of. I don't know if the air bags will not deploy if the seat belt is not working properly. Again the seat belt needs to be replaced again as it physically is falling apart again.
- Tires › Sidewall
TL* the contact owns a 1995 dodge dakota equipped with goodyear assurance tires, size: 215/75r/15 (na). While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle shook violently. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed moderate tire separation on the sidewalls of the front and rear passenger side…
TL* the contact owns a 1995 dodge dakota equipped with goodyear assurance tires, size: 215/75r/15 (na). While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle shook violently. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed moderate tire separation on the sidewalls of the front and rear passenger side tires. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The tire failure mileage was approximately 4,263. The vin and vehicle failure mileage were unknown.
- Wheels
I was driving the car at 35 miles an hour up to 45 and the tire came off. it caused a 3 car accident. luckily ino one was hurt but I got a careless driving ticket. I feel the tire snapped off the drive train. it happened in 2006. it was lightly raining but this should not affect a tire coming off completely.. I can send in police report later I put in a request for a copy but I have not recieved it yet.
- Seat belts
My daughter's seat belt would not unlatch. she could not get out of the car. she had to leave and drive back home, where her dad was able to get her out with a screw drive. our mechanic said dodge no longer carries these seat belts.
- Seat belts
Drivers side seat belt retractor non functional fails to retract
- Seat belts
My daughter, who was the driver, was unable to unlatch her seat belt. Her boyfriend had to force it apart in order for her to be able to exit the car. Now it IS broken...she was at a standstill at her boyfriend's house.
- Visibility/wiper
Not sure what happened...just a gradual downfall of the gasket on the windshield that IS now completely out of the window on the passenger side in the upper corner..can see the curve of the gasket out of the window...its as if it shrunk from one week to the next. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1995 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to pass the state vehicle inspection due to the frame being corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician verified the failure and stated that the damage was beyond repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1995 dodge dakota sport. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the front driver and passenger side seat belts failed to release after the release button was depressed. The release button also detached from its housing. The vehicle was not taken to the repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. updated 02/15/12*lj updated 03/05/12
- Steering
There seemed to be an increasing amount of "play" in the steering. It has now gotten to the point I don't feel comfortable driving this truck long distances. I looked underneath the front end, and the steering rack moves from side to side approximately 1/2 -1". *tr
- Exterior lighting
IS this campaign #06e049000 still in affect consumer has a problem with aftermarket lights on 1995 dodge dakota. *nj
- Electrical system
Pickup was parked in drive way on a thursday evening appros 1700 hrs, on sat appros 1730 hrs the horn sounded and the windows appeared to be tinted, investigation showed the steering column to be ablaze, firedept called and fire extinguished, steering column total loss. Vehicle unusable. total loss. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
TL* - the contact owns a 1995 dodge dakota. while driving the vehicl the driver saw smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was pulled over, and the headlights were turned off. *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
My complaint IS with the fact that dodge was allowed to put defective seats in the 1995 dodge dakota (as well as other years) without having to make the necessary fix to those vehicles. The seats clearly do not protect against neck injury in rear end collisions. I am the original owner of one of these vehicles. *Jb
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Faulty seat belt in 1995 dodge dakota,had to be cut out of seat belt.told its going to be 300 to 400 to replace.even though truck IS 10 years old I feel it was a defect ready to happen.no warning just put on as usual and tried to unlatch and wouldnt.had to drive to fire dept and be cut out.
- Steering
I am trying to find if there IS any recall information on my dodge dakota, the reason I ask IS the front on this truck IS gone and I don't understand why? I take care of this truck, but the bearings are gone and I need a total front end overhaul. It just doesn't make sense to me I've got another…
I am trying to find if there IS any recall information on my dodge dakota, the reason I ask IS the front on this truck IS gone and I don't understand why? I take care of this truck, but the bearings are gone and I need a total front end overhaul. It just doesn't make sense to me I've got another truck chevy 1986 3/4 4WD and the front end on this truck IS just fine? They are both 4WD trucks and I treat them the same, and take care of both of them equally. *jb
- Seat belts
The vehicle was being parked and when it had come time to get out of the vehicle, the seat belt would not unlatch. the seat belt eventually had to be cut off in order to get the passenger out of the vehicle. *ak *sc *jb
- Air bags · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Steering › Column · Suspension
Air bag malfunction on 1995 dodge dakota. *mr the air bag was inoperative, since no one was taking responsibility, the consumer believed the problem may have originated from the factory. The fuel pump was replaced for a third time, the steering column displayed a noise when turning, the left…
Air bag malfunction on 1995 dodge dakota. *mr the air bag was inoperative, since no one was taking responsibility, the consumer believed the problem may have originated from the factory. The fuel pump was replaced for a third time, the steering column displayed a noise when turning, the left front door lock did not unlock with the key or the remote intermittently, and there was clunking in the front end. also, refer to odi# 10092738 (same consumer). *sc *jb
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering · Suspension
Various problems with 1995 dodge dakota. *mr while, making a left hand turn, the vehicle shut down completely. the fuel pump was found to be bad. at 25596 the fuel sending unit failed to read accurately, at 59209, the gas connector failed. the consumer requested to be compensated for the…
Various problems with 1995 dodge dakota. *mr while, making a left hand turn, the vehicle shut down completely. the fuel pump was found to be bad. at 25596 the fuel sending unit failed to read accurately, at 59209, the gas connector failed. the consumer requested to be compensated for the break down(s). the vehicle also had a problem with spark plug knocking and engine oil consumption. the intake manifold had a leak, there were unresolved suspension problems, there was a clunking noise when going over bumps, the replacement steering column had play in it, there was a bad ball joint, and the air bag was inoperative. *sc
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
4 wheel drive wont work, makes pounding noise . *ak
- Structure › Body
About 1 year ago, paint started to blow off my 1995 dodge dakota. this truck has had no body work done and has suffered no damage. the paint IS peeling in many places all over the cab and in a couple of areas has begun to rust. paint should last more than 9 years and I am surprised that dodge…
About 1 year ago, paint started to blow off my 1995 dodge dakota. this truck has had no body work done and has suffered no damage. the paint IS peeling in many places all over the cab and in a couple of areas has begun to rust. paint should last more than 9 years and I am surprised that dodge would allow such a problem for their customers. my vehicle IS a 1995 club cab short bed 4X4 and IS two tone blue and grey in color. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmision doesn't like to up shift from first to second gear unles I let off the throtel. Also truck has roled when in park 5 times.i contacted dealor about this4 TO8 times. Dealer could not find prob. Dealer changed trans fluid/filter 2 times this did not work.i have only hade my dakota sence…
Transmision doesn't like to up shift from first to second gear unles I let off the throtel. Also truck has roled when in park 5 times.i contacted dealor about this4 TO8 times. Dealer could not find prob. Dealer changed trans fluid/filter 2 times this did not work.i have only hade my dakota sence 02/17/03.i talked to dodge cust serv they said they had no complants on this truck.unles dodge has a recal I will look at other brands of truck.incident IS on going.*ak
- Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure · Unknown or other
This IS just a run down on repairs I made to my vehicle, but they are problems that should have been taken care of at the factory. First of all, the brake problem still exists. This IS the only vehicle that I know of that has to have air in the front caliphers to work. I had to put bearings in both…
This IS just a run down on repairs I made to my vehicle, but they are problems that should have been taken care of at the factory. First of all, the brake problem still exists. This IS the only vehicle that I know of that has to have air in the front caliphers to work. I had to put bearings in both front and rear differential assemblies. The front one came from the factory without a bearing in the left side of the differential assembly.
- Power train
When I drive 50 + miles, transmission won't up shift unless I take foot off gas, it has done this about 12 times since purchase in feb . Also truck has rolled ahead when in park 6 times since purchase in feb.
- Power train · Unknown or other
When trying to use headlights high beam, the head lights would go out all together. bill luke dodge replaced a component and then it happened again. a vibration was noted at aroud 27 mph when the truck had less that 5,000 miles. it took two trips to get them to recognize the problem an fix it by…
When trying to use headlights high beam, the head lights would go out all together. bill luke dodge replaced a component and then it happened again. a vibration was noted at aroud 27 mph when the truck had less that 5,000 miles. it took two trips to get them to recognize the problem an fix it by replacing the drive shaft under warrenty. you asked the question if the truck had been in a crash. it was a less than 10 mph fender bender when a van pulled into the side of the truck. the paint IS peeling off the roof and some on the side of the box.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr…
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(G), nhtsa has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models, excluding the 1993 jeep grand cherokee and 1994-1995 dodge RAM series trucks that were recalled (93v210 & 96v230) for steering column failure.if the analysis of these vehicles had identified a potential problem, the scope could have been expanded in an investigation.a review of odi's data base shows no recent complaints and a lack of a complaint trend concerning the subject issue on the subject vehicles as a whole or by individual models.therefore, the petition IS denied.for details, see federal register notice volume 68, no. 130, july 8, 2003.
- Frame cracks
Mr. Edward w. Bailey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration by letter, undated, requesting that an investigation be conducted into the matter of a frame crack in his 1995 dodge dakota truck.the petitioner alleges that the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle IS cracked…
Mr. Edward w. Bailey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration by letter, undated, requesting that an investigation be conducted into the matter of a frame crack in his 1995 dodge dakota truck.the petitioner alleges that the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle IS cracked, through no fault or responsibility of his own, and believes that this deficiency constitutes a safety defect, which he alleges may cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a crash.for the 1993 through 2003 model year dakota trucks, theonly complaints of frame cracking were on the 1995 and 1996 model year vehicles. A review of consumer complaints of frame cracking on the dakota, and peer vehicles, did not reveal any loss of control, crashes, injuries or fatalities.frame cracking on the dakota trucks occured at an average mileage of93,000. For the reasons stated in thefederal register notice (vol. 68, no. 3, monday, january 6, 2003) the petition IS denied.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220995Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139596Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
- 10005298Frame cracking.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089000Information on transmission cooler reverse flushing with cooler bypass kit installed. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088803Information regarding no start - engin failed to crank. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 610005Experiencing spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 607913Subject regarding spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak.
- 604710Information regarding front brake caliper mounting to steering knuckle thread repair.
- 603635Subject on flash programming failure recovery.
- 603153Subject regarding airbag on - off switches.
- 603144Subject regarding ignition system cross fire/ secondary ignition wire induction.
- 602327The outer exhaust manifold studs may fatigue and break.
- 602318Discussion on airbag on- off switches for selected vehicles
- 600862Information on installation of radio transmitting equipment.
- 54423Authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity.
- 52970When vehicles in the start position, engine will not crank over.
- 52963Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
- 52529Timing chain noise.
- 52527Cold sag/hesitation.
- 51942Difficult to clean light colored "chalky" residue from plastic body components that are molded in black.
- 46371Bulletin supersedes technical service bulletin 08-16-95, dated apr. 14, 1995. If the vehicle operator **repeatedly** presses and releases the set button with their foot off of the accelerator (a 'lift foot set' to begin speed control operation), the vehicle may accelerate and exceed the desired set speed by up to 5 mph (8 km/h) and then decelerate to less than the desired set speed before finally achieving the desired set speed.
- 44048Unknown
- 43056Unknown
- 43051Unknown
Every Dodge Dakota model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.