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Exterior lightingPart report

1996 Dodge Dakota Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
3%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 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the 189 complaints for this model year.

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.

“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

“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

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201137%
201013%
200889%
200753%
200683%
200551%
200463%
2003227%
2002213%
2001203%
200051%
199971%
1998112%
199761%
199663%
199552%
199453%
199311%
199210%

Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Dakota

Brakes
28 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
28 complaints
Engine cooling
27 complaints
Electrical system
19 complaints
Body and structure
18 complaints
Air bags
12 complaints
Seat belts
12 complaints
Suspension
12 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Vehicle speed control
10 complaints
Seats
9 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
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