1996 Dodge Dakota Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about 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 7 complaints about the steering 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.
“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“This truck was bought new. Steering sector was loose, and tightened. Transmission burned out. Now front brakes are shot. Cruise control does not engage or disengage (intermittently) when steering wheel is in full down tilt position. Smell of burning rubber since new when used for extended periods at highway speeds. Now it has severe grooving on inside of both front brake rotors. Brake inspection at 31,044 miles, all okay. At 44,388 problem was discovered. Back drum brakes are 25% used. Documented with service records.”
NHTSA complaint #540684, filed 1998-09“1. The power steering high- pressure hose has an o-ring inside of the fitting that connects to the gearbox. The o-ring completely failed while driving causing difficult steering, which was very unexpected. Refilling the resevoir resulted in a high pressure spray of hydraulic fluid covering the entire engine compartment and lasting less than two miles with no turns. 2. The clutch does not disengage when the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor, there is plenty of fluid in the resevoir, and there is resistance when pressing the pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #704087, filed 1999-03Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 14% |
| 2008 | 17 | 19% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 47 | 16% |
| 2005 | 47 | 10% |
| 2004 | 74 | 36% |
| 2003 | 14 | 5% |
| 2002 | 44 | 6% |
| 2001 | 48 | 7% |
| 2000 | 68 | 8% |
| 1999 | 72 | 11% |
| 1998 | 47 | 9% |
| 1997 | 34 | 8% |
| 1996 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 19 | 9% |
| 1994 | 20 | 12% |
| 1993 | 12 | 9% |
| 1992 | 8 | 4% |
| 1991 | 15 | 12% |
| 1990 | 27 | 43% |
| 1989 | 19 | 30% |
| 1988 | 26 | 47% |
| 1987 | 5 | 25% |
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 complaintsLatches, 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 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