MYRModel Year Report

1996 Dodge Dakota

● Typical for this model
1996 Dodge Dakota
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:36:02.573Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Dakota Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaints 1987: 20 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 64 complaints 1989 1990: 65 complaints 1991: 128 complaints 1992: 219 complaints 1993: 134 complaints 1993 1994: 184 complaints 1995: 208 complaints 1996: 189 complaints 1996 1997: 446 complaints 1997 1998: 545 complaints 1999: 641 complaints 2000: 806 complaints 2001: 678 complaints 2001 2002: 678 complaints 2003: 296 complaints 2004: 206 complaints 2005: 470 complaints 2005 2006: 285 complaints 2007: 144 complaints 2008: 91 complaints 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 35 complaints 2011: 44 complaints 2011
1996: 189 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19852
19861
198720
198855
198964
199065
1991128
1992219
1993134
1994184
1995208
1996189
1997446
1998545
1999641
2000806
2001678
2002678
2003296
2004206
2005470
2006285
2007144
200891
200918
201035
201144

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

AT IDLE/PARK MY 1996 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 V8 5.2L SLT WILL SPUTTER AND SOMETIMES KILL THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140119

Also filed under STRUCTURE and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1996 DODGE DAKOTA PU. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CATALITIC CONVERTER AS THOUGH IT'S CLOGGING UP AND OR FALLING APART INTERNALLY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021225

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AFTER PARKED FOR OVER AN HOUR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960213

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and body.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040422

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19951129 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

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.

Campaign 95V199000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20020930 — DP (closed 20030108)

FRAME CRACKS

R 20060701 — exterior lighting

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 N

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.

Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Dodge Dakota — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (28 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 95V199000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2011 ▲ 1988

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ■ 2002 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Dodge Dakota reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Dodge Dakota is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge Dakota?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Dakota have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.