1996 Dodge Dakota Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Dodge Dakota, 6% of the 189 complaints for this model year. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was pulling into intersection when another vehicle came around corner and hit Dakota head-on. Upon impact with other vehicle, driver's side air bag failed to deploy. Vehicle had spun around, and was hit again by same vehicle. Driver suffered a concussion and internal bleeding. Was hospitalized.”
NHTSA complaint #890695, filed 2001-06“When the steering wheel is tilted up or down the various lights on the instrument panel, such as, brake light/power steering light and air bag light light up. Also, the windshield wipers/turn signal lights and brake warning light quit workng. Dealer was notified about these problems. The problems have not been corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #848855, filed 1999-09“While at a stop a vehicle coming from the rear and traveling about 65 MPH rear ended consumer's vehicle, causing vehicle to go forward and slam into the vehicle in front. Upon impact, driver's airbag did not deploy, which did not protect consumer in crash. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #850237, filed 1999-10“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.”
NHTSA complaint #832367, filed 1998-12“Was going 50mp when vehicle started to hydroplane, hit an 18 wheeler. Tire blewout, and front end of truck hit ground. Ran into culbrecht at 50mph. Upon impact neither air bag deployed. Also, air conditioner did not work. Air bag light kept coming on. Insurance inspector checked vehicle. Chrysler inspector informed owner not enough force for air bags to deploy. Driver sustained the following injuries, fractured nose/disorientation and bruises.”
NHTSA complaint #844088, filed 1999-08Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 18 | 41% |
| 2010 | 16 | 46% |
| 2009 | 5 | 28% |
| 2008 | 29 | 32% |
| 2007 | 59 | 41% |
| 2006 | 126 | 44% |
| 2005 | 143 | 30% |
| 2004 | 15 | 7% |
| 2003 | 13 | 4% |
| 2002 | 28 | 4% |
| 2001 | 39 | 6% |
| 2000 | 29 | 4% |
| 1999 | 32 | 5% |
| 1998 | 32 | 6% |
| 1997 | 37 | 8% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 26 | 13% |
| 1994 | 22 | 13% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Dakota
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsTires
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology