1996 Dodge Dakota Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 10%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Dodge Dakota, 10% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Light switch on 1996 Dodge dakato,wires on switch was burning up took to Dodge dealer and was ask if I towed anything my answer was yes his response was that the switch was not compatible for towing which cause my connection to burn.”
NHTSA complaint #10240871, filed 2008-09, 78,000 miles“More history on my 1996 Dodge truck with engine stalling problems. The engine light keeps coming on and the truck is now running rough. The last Dodge dealership in miami, oklahoma couldn't find the problem. They now tell me that they would prefer I not bring my truck back to them. Dodge corp's customer service was rude, telling me that he truck is out of warranty now (even though it was in for this same problem while under warranty and they can't find/fix the problem); the rep tells me that it's our tough luck now--very rude. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072797, filed 2004-05, 34,000 miles“October 27, 2006 I took 2 friends to town and when the person in the middle seat could not get the seat belt to release after several tries I cut the seat belt to get him out. November 2, 2006 I was picking up my husband from the doctors office and my seat belt would not release and again I had to cut the seat belt, so I could get out. On a recent trip of 2400 miles the oil gauge was passed the middle of the gauge which near the (h) when this started happening the dash lights went out and I had to stop and let the motor completely cool down before the lights would work again in the dash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10172541, filed 2006-11, 127,554 miles“Headlight switch an wiring harness shorted out. Took to dealer an had repaired, mechanic said all 1995 an 1996 dakatas an rams had a problem with the wiring, do to to towing it put to much of an over load on the wiring which shorted it out the wires an switch no wouldn't this be a safety hazard an Dodge should remedy this.”
NHTSA complaint #10064367, filed 2004-04“Power windows failed to operate intermittently. Dealer notified, and unwilling to assist because vehicle was out of its warranty and not covered under a recall. Consumer states wire in colum ignition switch was broken, this wire was hot to the fuse block and powered, airbag,blower fan, windows and door locks.”
NHTSA complaint #888510, filed 2001-05Related service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 6 | 17% |
| 2009 | 3 | 17% |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% |
| 2007 | 14 | 10% |
| 2006 | 30 | 11% |
| 2005 | 32 | 7% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 34 | 11% |
| 2002 | 52 | 8% |
| 2001 | 58 | 9% |
| 2000 | 21 | 3% |
| 1999 | 23 | 4% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 17 | 4% |
| 1996 | 19 | 10% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
| 1994 | 23 | 14% |
| 1993 | 8 | 6% |
| 1992 | 23 | 11% |
| 1991 | 7 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Dakota
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsEngine cooling
27 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 29, 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