1996 Dodge Dakota

Recalls

2 recalls name the 1996 Dodge Dakota. Newest first.

• Exterior lighting

  May 24, 2006NHTSA 06E04900027,176 vehiclesEquipment

  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.

  Full recall details →

• Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist

  Oct 20, 1995NHTSA 95V199000600 vehicles

  The power brake booster vacuum hose could be improperly installed and not clamped to the brake booster vacuum nipple.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  A disconnected vacuum hose can cause an increase in engine idle speed and loss of brake power assist during brake application without prior warning.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect the vehicles to insure that the brake booster vacuum hose connection IS fully seated and clamped to the vacuum check valve nipple at the brake booster.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Power train33
2. Engine and engine cooling28
3. Service brakes, hydraulic23
4. Electrical system19
5. Structure18
6. Suspension13
7. Seat belts12
8. Air bags12
9. Fuel system, gasoline10
10. Vehicle speed control10

Latest complaints

• Mar 31, 2016OH144,000 mi
  Structure › Body
  I have a 96 dodge dakota that frame IS rusting out. It has rusted out where the emergency brake cable hooks up so now no emergency brakes. Tubular frame IS rusted out in about 3 places, a bumper bracket rusted out. I have tried twice to paint frame with out any success. Body IS not rusting at all.…

  I have a 96 dodge dakota that frame IS rusting out. It has rusted out where the emergency brake cable hooks up so now no emergency brakes. Tubular frame IS rusted out in about 3 places, a bumper bracket rusted out. I have tried twice to paint frame with out any success. Body IS not rusting at all. I am also a volunteer fire fighter. Called dodge and they said there IS nothing they are doing to fix or recall this problems done research and mine IS not the only one this IS been happening to. Included a youtube video of one that they took the body off of http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=96+dodge+dakota+frame+problems+youtube&view=detail&mid=4094674f6964c6f203f74094674f6964c6f203f7&form=vire

• Nov 4, 2015TN113,000 mi
  Seat belts

  TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the seat belt buckle was fractured. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

• Jun 22, 2015AL
  Exterior lighting

  The headlights go out going down the road.

• Jan 19, 2014IA235,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure › Body
  At idle/park my 1996 dodge dakota 4X4 V8 5.2L slt will sputter and sometimes kill the engine. Now I'm not sure if that's a safety feature so the engine doesn't over flood itself, but I've replaced the iac valve, pcv valve, distributor rotor/cap, and spark plugs with no improvement. I recent had a…

  At idle/park my 1996 dodge dakota 4X4 V8 5.2L slt will sputter and sometimes kill the engine. Now I'm not sure if that's a safety feature so the engine doesn't over flood itself, but I've replaced the iac valve, pcv valve, distributor rotor/cap, and spark plugs with no improvement. I recent had a problem where the conditions out we're somewhat icy and mid turn into a parking lot I took a blow to a fire hydrant because the vehicle killed itself, meaning loss of power steering and power brakes. I was fine, but my vehicles body took the damage. Luckily the airbag system didn't deploy but this issue has been brought up a lot with the 1995-1996 dakotas. And honestly I'm scared that the vehicle might do this while on the free way. Also, of 3 O2 sensors that's just above the catalytic converter, all three have left the vehicles check engine light on and have tested faulty. I have yet to return to the exhaust systems shop to see if they can fix it due to it being under warranty, but my mechanic said that it mostly because there's an unneeded amount of extra power going to the O2 sensor which IS causing it to fault. Anyhow, I appreciate anything that can be looked at into this, because I do live on a hilly suburb and I rather not take the fault of my vehicle failing and damaging state, neighbors or even my own property, let alone myself getting hurt. *tr

• Mar 7, 2012TX130,000 mi
  Vehicle speed control

  TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge dakota. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a rapid increase in engine rpms. The contact shut the vehicle off but the failure continued when he restarted the engine. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

• Nov 28, 2010NC1,000 mi
  Structure

  Drivers side door hinge broke 11/20/ 2010 paint off hood and top . They were painted three times while under warranty. 1996 model with 69,000 miles. *Tr

• Sep 4, 2008FL78,000 mi
  Electrical system

  Light switch on 1996 dodge dakato,wires on switch was burning up took to dodge dealer and was ask if I towed anything my answer was yes his response was that the switch was not compatible for towing which cause my connection to burn.

• Jun 11, 2007NY
  Seat belts
  Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge dakota. he stated that the front seat belts have fallen apart. he also stated that he was unable to release the seat belt and was forced to crawl out. the dealer stated that there were recalls; however, there were no recalls for the seat belts. they offered to…

  Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge dakota. he stated that the front seat belts have fallen apart. he also stated that he was unable to release the seat belt and was forced to crawl out. the dealer stated that there were recalls; however, there were no recalls for the seat belts. they offered to replace the seat belts; but he would have to pay for the labor. The seat belts have not been replaced. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 160,000. the vin appears to be invalid.

• Mar 21, 2007NE30,000 mi
  Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly

  Tl*-the contact stated that his 1996 dodge dakota has had 2 replacement of the driver side seat belt latch. the contact stated that the latch IS made of plastic and the springs continue to fall from it. he stated that he has to replace this again and felt that this was a defective product used on this vehicle. the failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 66,000.

• Nov 3, 2006FL127,554 mi
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
  October 27, 2006 I took 2 friends to town and when the person in the middle seat could not get the seat belt to release after several tries I cut the seat belt to get him out. november 2, 2006 I was picking up my husband from the doctors office and my seat belt would not release and again I had…

  October 27, 2006 I took 2 friends to town and when the person in the middle seat could not get the seat belt to release after several tries I cut the seat belt to get him out. november 2, 2006 I was picking up my husband from the doctors office and my seat belt would not release and again I had to cut the seat belt, so I could get out. on a recent trip of 2400 miles the oil gauge was passed the middle of the gauge which near the (h) when this started happening the dash lights went out and I had to stop and let the motor completely cool down before the lights would work again in the dash. on the way home from michigan the accelorator pedel fell off in the mountains in georgia and I had to put the plastic holders on very carefully so I could get to the next town and there a auto parts store employee put a (c) clamp on the holder to secure the pedal enough for me to make it home. I still had 400 miles to go and was very apprehensive all the way home and now with the seat belt failures I am very uncomfortable driving the truck . We are retired and can not afford to buy another vehicle or we would put this in the junk yard. this has been a very good truck up until now and we have never abused it in any way and never had an accident.

• Jul 19, 2006CA99,501 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
  1996 dodge dakota slt, 5.2L, 4DR ( 99,000 mi) failed ca emission test on 7/8/06. suspected reason for the high emission was failure of the catalytic converter. daimler chrysler corp. (Dcc) will not replace this converter at their expense even though they have a recall on some 1.5 million 1996 -…

  1996 dodge dakota slt, 5.2L, 4DR ( 99,000 mi) failed ca emission test on 7/8/06. suspected reason for the high emission was failure of the catalytic converter. daimler chrysler corp. (Dcc) will not replace this converter at their expense even though they have a recall on some 1.5 million 1996 - 2001 vehicles for failed converters. no letter was received from them and when contacted, they say the vehicle IS not on the list for recall. I believe this vehicle should be on the list. *Nm

• May 31, 2006PA89,397 mi
  Seats

  Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 15 mph the bolt that holds the back of the driver seat fractured causing the seat to fall backwards. although the dealership and manufacturer were alerted, no inspections have been made.

• Dec 8, 2005WI
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  Dt: the contact states the fuse in the relay switch was missing from anti lock brakes. He contacted the dealership and the manufacturer, and they could not determine why the fuse was missing.*ak

• Apr 1, 2005PA78,000 mi
  Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly

  The front seat belts are inoperable. the buckles on the belts do not snap.*ak

• Mar 14, 2005DCCrash1 death
  Air bags › Frontal

  The airbag system was defective on 1996 dodge dakota. upon impact the airbag failed to deploy. *bf *sc *jb

• Aug 21, 2004CA89,000 mi
  Tires › Tread/belt

  Within one month of each other, each of my two front firestone tires went flat. the treads were shreaded and coming loose from the tire. one of these events occured while driving on a freeway. there were no warning signs and tires had been recently checked for tread depth, balance and inflation. *jb

• Jun 18, 2004WA112,000 mi
  Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical
  Dear david, thank you for your recent email to daimlerchrysler motors regarding your 996 dodge dakota. I'm sorry to hear about the recurring problem you've experienced with your parking brake. daimlerchrysler original mopar parts are designed with the highest standards in mind. we have every…

  Dear david, thank you for your recent email to daimlerchrysler motors regarding your 996 dodge dakota. I'm sorry to hear about the recurring problem you've experienced with your parking brake. daimlerchrysler original mopar parts are designed with the highest standards in mind. we have every confidence in the quality of our parts. though mopar products are built to last, we do acknowledge that, as with all man-made materials, they are susceptible to wear, and may require replacement earlier than what may be perceived as normal. our sincerest apologies for the problems you have experienced. reference number: 12386546 reply link: http://www.chrysler.com/wccsapp/wccs/brand_forms/us/reply.jsp?trk_id=kmm1465401c0km& sincerely, bryan dilley senior staff representative daimlerchrysler customer assistance center original message follows: ------------------------ category: recall information brief description: ------------------ I bought a 1996 dakota 4WD in 1998 from a private owner. The parking brake was broken. The local dealer replaced it. My 100-pound wife just broke it again. So, what IS up with this? comments: --------- the first time I had it replaced the dealer tossed out the broken brake actuator rather than returning it to me. An inspector from chrysler motors stopped by my house to see what happened. In that incident I was almost run over by the truck when the brake failed. He said there was nothing he could do without the brake actuator to inspect. A parking brake IS not something that should ever fail in the life of a vehicle. Why IS this one breaking so often? first name: david last name: wagner. *ak

• May 18, 2004MO34,000 mi
  Electrical system
  More history on my 1996 dodge truck with engine stalling problems. the engine light keeps coming on and the truck IS now running rough. the last dodge dealership in miami, oklahoma couldn't find the problem. they now tell me that they would prefer I not bring my truck back to them. dodge corp's…

  More history on my 1996 dodge truck with engine stalling problems. the engine light keeps coming on and the truck IS now running rough. the last dodge dealership in miami, oklahoma couldn't find the problem. they now tell me that they would prefer I not bring my truck back to them. dodge corp's customer service was rude, telling me that he truck IS out of warranty now (even though it was in for this same problem while under warranty and they can't find/fix the problem); the rep tells me that it's our tough luck now--very rude. when I asked to speak with the supervisor or district manager for my area, the rep told me she had the final say, I didn't have a warranty, and she didn't have to help me locate the district manager for my area. you have my extensive history/complaints on file with this truck (peeling paint, flat bearing in overdrive, 4 bent wheels, recurring engine stalls to name only a few of the major issues). what IS a consumer to do now. don't tell me to find an attorney--too expensive and I won't end up with enough money to fix the truck the way it should be fixed. can't sell to anyone for what it should be worth due to these issues, and won't sell this way due to my conscious. this truck IS going to kill us one way or another.*ak

• Apr 22, 2004TX88,500 miCrash
  Structure

  The weld on the lower, driver's side, door hinge completely separated. in my attempt to get it repaired, the local welders and body shop guys told me that this was a common failure on the dakotas and they knew exactly how to repair it. the failure of that hinge makes it dificult to get out of the vehicle-i bent the front quarter panel where the door meets it when it failed.

• Apr 21, 2004CA
  Parking brake

  On two separate occasions parking brake disengaged by itself while vehicle was parked. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem. *ak the consumer also had a 1995 dakota that had the same problem. the 1995 dakota was totaled after when the parking brake failed and the vehicle rolled down the driveway and into the consumer's barn. *nm

• Apr 19, 2004NY
  Engine and engine cooling

  Vehicle stalled and did not re-start. vehicle stalled at least 3 times in the last 6 months.*ak

• Apr 15, 2004VA42,870 mi
  Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint

  The consumer took the vehicle to a tire shop to have the tires rotated and to get a front end alignment. the technician determined that the upper ball joints were wearing prematurely. *ak *nm

• Apr 1, 2004FL
  Electrical system › Wiring · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch

  Headlight switch an wiring harness shorted out. Took to dealer an had repaired, mechanic said all 1995 an 1996 dakatas an rams had a problem with the wiring, do to to towing it put to much of an over load on the wiring which shorted it out the wires an switch no wouldn't this be a safety hazard an dodge should remedy this. *ak

• Mar 5, 2004LA
  Suspension › Front › Shock absorber

  There IS a knocking sound in the front end of the vehicle, very noticeable when going over a bump. mechanic rfeplaced shock absorbers. *ak

• Mar 4, 2004OR45,000 mi
  Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint

  1996 dodge dakota pickup front ball joint failures. Both ball joints have failed during inspections. *ak

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Frame cracks

  DP02009Opened Sep 30, 2002Closed Jan 8, 2003
  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.
• 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
• 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
• 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
• 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
• 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
• 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
• 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
• 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
• 6089030This bulletin involves reverse buzz (46RE) *nlm
• 6089000Information on transmission cooler reverse flushing with cooler bypass kit installed. *Nlm
• 6088991This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation, inhibitor programming. *Nlm
• 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *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
• 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
• 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
• 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
• 620066Subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles.
• 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
• 619512Customer satisfaction notification to correct a statement in the vehicle's owners manual. This statement indicates that certain vehicles are equipped with an interlock brake system. This IS incorrect.
• 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.
• 604975Vehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear IS selected.
• 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.

Every Dodge Dakota model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.