VehicleVerdict

1996 Dodge Dakota problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1996 Dodge Dakota sits mid-pack among Dakota years: 250 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 240, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 11 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (33), brakes (28), and engine (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

250

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

24

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

11

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Dakota years?

Dakota NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted1,096 complaints1985: 3 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 65 complaints1989: 88 complaints1990: 88 complaints1991: 161 complaints1992: 314 complaints1993: 159 complaints1994: 240 complaints1995: 294 complaints1996: 250 complaints1997: 650 complaints1998: 793 complaints1999: 1,011 complaints2000: 1,096 complaints2001: 945 complaints2002: 946 complaints2003: 419 complaints2004: 287 complaints2005: 598 complaints2006: 384 complaints2007: 167 complaints2008: 131 complaints2009: 23 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 53 complaints
Dakota NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Dakota years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Dakota problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3313%
Engine2811%
Brakes2811%
Electrical System208%
Body & Structure187%
Tires & Wheels177%
Airbags146%
Suspension135%
Seat Belts125%
Fuel System114%
Speed Control104%
Seats94%
Visibility & Wipers94%
Latches & Locks94%
Steering83%
Lighting73%
Other31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 1996 Dodge Dakota have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

95V199000BrakesOctober 20, 1995 · 600 units

Defect

THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND NOT CLAMPED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM NIPPLE.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK POSITION ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, UPON EXITING FOR A BRIEF SECOND, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, INJURING THE CONSUMER. ALSO, AFTER THE INCIDENT VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE PARK POSITION. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · crash

“WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED OIL INDICATION LIGHT FLASHED ON, CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE OVER TO CHECK OIL AND TO ADD MORE OIL. SOON AFTER, VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. CONSUMER ADDED MORE OIL. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER FOUND THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 23, 2002

“THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG SENSOR AND T ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES THEY LOCKED UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH OTHE R VEHICLES IN AN INTERSECTION. IN ADDITION, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 10, 1998 · crash

“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RIGHT FRONT JUST BEHIND THE BATTERY AND NEAR AN ELECTRICAL JUNCTION OR FUSE RECEPTOCLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 28, 1997 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 15, 2003 · crash

1996 Dodge Dakota — common questions

Is the 1996 Dodge Dakota reliable?

It is close to typical for the Dakota: 250 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1996 Dakota problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (33 complaints), brakes (28 complaints), engine (28 complaints).

Does the 1996 Dodge Dakota have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Dodge Dakota. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Dodge Dakota under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Dakota years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Dakota years to avoid are 2000, 1999, 2002, 2001, 1998, 1997, 2005, 2003, 2006, 1994, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Dakota years belongs to 1986.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.