1996 Dodge Dakota Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 10%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Dodge Dakota, 10% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 96 Dodge Dakota that frame is rusting out. It has rusted out where the emergency brake cable hooks up so now no emergency brakes. Tubular frame is rusted out in about 3 places, a bumper bracket rusted out. I have tried twice to paint frame with out any success. Body is not rusting at all. I am also a volunteer fire fighter. Called Dodge and they said there is nothing they are doing to fix or recall this problems done research and mine is not the only one this is been happening to. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852801, filed 2016-03, 144,000 miles“The weld on the lower, driver's side, door hinge completely separated. In my attempt to get it repaired, the local welders and body shop guys told me that this was a common failure on the dakotas and they knew exactly how to repair it. The failure of that hinge makes it dificult to get out of the vehicle-I bent the front quarter panel where the door meets it when it failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10068926, filed 2004-01, 88,500 miles“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“Door hinges seized and caused the hinges to be replaced on the first failure. The second failure resulted in having to replace the entire drivers door and hinges. While attempting to rotate tires, all 6 wheel studs broke on the drivers side left rear wheel. I completed the wheel stud replacement my self.”
NHTSA complaint #754147, filed 2001-11“Paint on hood and top of truck have been peeling off. Also, the hinge on the drivers door has broken off of the metal. In hearing from others this is not an isolated incident on either issue listed above.”
NHTSA complaint #10021161, filed 2003-06Related service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10220995Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 3% |
| 2002 | 18 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 1% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1996 | 18 | 10% |
| 1995 | 20 | 10% |
| 1994 | 7 | 4% |
| 1993 | 11 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 6% |
| 1991 | 5 | 4% |
| 1990 | 4 | 6% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 3 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Dakota
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsElectrical system
19 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 27, 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