1996 Dodge Dakota: common problems and reliability
216 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1996 Dakota?The 1996 Dodge Dakota has 216 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 1996 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1996 Dodge Dakota vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1996 a good year for the Dakota?
Across the 16 Dakota model years we track, complaint volume runs from 18 (2009) to 842 (2000). With 216 complaints, the 1996 Dakota sits below the model's median of 296.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1996 Dakota
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E049000CERTAIN 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
Campaign 95V199000THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND NOT CLAMPED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM NIPPLE.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is highly polarized and heavily dependent on the specific vehicle's maintenance history and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Dakota. See the full Dakota owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Dakota listings typically run $5,995–$12,109 across 1993 to 2010 model years.
Other Dakota model years
Compare every Dakota year side by side to see how 1996 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Dakota against its rivals
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