VehicleVerdict

1996 Dodge Pickup problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.6 times the median Pickup year — the 1996 model ranks #1 of 11 Pickup years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (8), fuel system (6), and steering (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

43

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Pickup years?

Pickup NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted43 complaints1976: 2 complaints1992: 5 complaints1994: 10 complaints1995: 37 complaints1996: 43 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 21 complaints1999: 6 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 1 complaints
Pickup NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pickup years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Pickup problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes819%
Fuel System614%
Transmission49%
Steering49%
Engine49%
Suspension37%
Speed Control37%
Tires & Wheels25%
Electrical System25%
Body & Structure25%
Seats25%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Seat Belts12%
Airbags12%

Does the 1996 Dodge Pickup have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN THE CONSUMER IS DRIVING AND PREPARES TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP BY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ITSELF STARTS TO PULL TO THE LEFT/RIGHT DIRECTIONS INVOLUNTARILY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, REPLACED BRAKES PADS AND ROTORS. DUE TO IMPROPER SERVICE, THIE DEFECT STILL OCCURS.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 12, 1997

“ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. WHEN TURNING OFF VEHICLE AND REMOVING KEY FROM IGNITION, CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL SHUT OFF RELAY & WIRE. ONE WEEK LATER, FIRE OCCURRED AGAIN. CONSUMER FELT THIS HAD SOMETHING TO DO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 1, 2000 · fire

“THERE IS VIBRATION WITHIN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND SHAKING WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND THE VEHICLE ISN'T SHIFTING PROPERLY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 1999

“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE . ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE PIPES ARE TOO CLOSE TO THE HEAT SHIELD AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE IS A TECHNICAL ADVISORY OUT ON THE VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 16, 1997 · fire

“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT / RIGHT HAND TURN. THERE WAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS MODIFIED THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE IS STILL PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. * AK *YC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

1996 Dodge Pickup — common questions

Is the 1996 Dodge Pickup reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 1996 model at #1 of 11 Pickup years. It is one of the Pickup years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Pickup problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (8 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints), steering (4 complaints).

Does the 1996 Dodge Pickup have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Dodge Pickup. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Pickup years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pickup years to avoid are 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Pickup years belongs to 2002.

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.