1996 Dodge Dakota Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 15%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 173,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Dakota, 15% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 173,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At idle/park my 1996 Dodge Dakota 4x4 v8 5.2l slt will sputter and sometimes kill the engine. Now I'm not sure if that's a safety feature so the engine doesn't over flood itself, but I've replaced the iac valve, pcv valve, distributor rotor/cap, and spark plugs with no improvement. I recent had a problem where the conditions out we're somewhat icy and mid turn into a parking lot I took a blow to a fire hydrant because the vehicle killed itself, meaning loss of power steering and power brakes. I was fine, but my vehicles body took the damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560574, filed 2014-01, 235,000 miles“Dear david, thank you for your recent email to daimlerchrysler motors regarding your 996 Dodge Dakota. I'm sorry to hear about the recurring problem you've experienced with your parking brake. Daimlerchrysler original mopar parts are designed with the highest standards in mind. We have every confidence in the quality of our parts. Though mopar products are built to last, we do acknowledge that, as with all man-made materials, they are susceptible to wear, and may require replacement earlier than what may be perceived as normal. Our sincerest apologies for the problems you have experienced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078425, filed 2004-06, 112,000 miles“On two separate occasions parking brake disengaged by itself while vehicle was parked. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem. The consumer also had a 1995 Dakota that had the same problem. The 1995 Dakota was totaled after when the parking brake failed and the vehicle rolled down the driveway and into the consumer's barn.”
NHTSA complaint #10068611, filed 2004-05“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“Dt: the contact states the fuse in the relay switch was missing from anti lock brakes. He contacted the dealership and the manufacturer, and they could not determine why the fuse was missing.”
NHTSA complaint #10144807, filed 2005-12Related recalls
- 95V199000Oct 20, 1995The power brake booster vacuum hose could be improperly installed and not clamped to the brake booster vacuum nipple.Covers: Dodge Dakota 1996
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 6 | 14% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 24 | 8% |
| 2005 | 83 | 18% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 51 | 17% |
| 2002 | 213 | 31% |
| 2001 | 130 | 19% |
| 2000 | 263 | 33% |
| 1999 | 95 | 15% |
| 1998 | 80 | 15% |
| 1997 | 73 | 16% |
| 1996 | 28 | 15% |
| 1995 | 29 | 14% |
| 1994 | 24 | 14% |
| 1993 | 24 | 18% |
| 1992 | 36 | 17% |
| 1991 | 14 | 11% |
| 1990 | 11 | 17% |
| 1989 | 8 | 13% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Dakota
28 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsAir bags
12 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