1996 Dodge Dakota Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%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 8 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1996 Dodge Dakota, 4% 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.
“Both the driver's door and passenger's door unable to be opened from outside. Passenger door was fixed by dealership. Driver's door was fixed by mechanic. Truck currently at dealership as both doors need to be fixed again. The drivers door will not close tightly unless you lock the door from the inside. The passenger door will not open from the outside.”
NHTSA complaint #706929, filed 1999-05“Corrosion/rust developed inside the inner locking mechanism under door panel. Door panel had to be removed on several occasions in order to oil the inner locking mechanism on either side. Dealer/manufacturer were not contact.”
NHTSA complaint #863155, filed 2000-06“Locks on driver's side and passenger side get stuck. This problem started a year ago. Consumer cannot not get out of vehicle unless there is another person to help from the outside. Latches were rusted. Dealer contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #863983, filed 2000-06“Consumer's inside door latches will not lock if not pushed down. Passsenger side is far more rusted. Dealer will look at doors & fix them for $200. Vehicle 4 years old shouldn't be rusted.”
NHTSA complaint #875773, filed 2000-11“Failure of the passenger's side door latch lock module actuator, the passenger side door latch module is rusted, causing the passenger's side door to open when driving, consumer has contacted the dealer and the part has been replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #806482, filed 1996-12Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 16 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1996 | 8 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 4 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Dakota
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
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 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