1996 Dodge Dakota Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Dodge Dakota, 6% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles.
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.
“The consumer took the vehicle to a tire shop to have the tires rotated and to get a front end alignment. The technician determined that the upper ball joints were wearing prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #10067196, filed 2004-05, 42,870 miles“Weld splitting at right lower control arm. Dealer said not under warranty even though the weld should be the strongest part.I was aslo told they had seen one or two other trucks with this problem.this also caused right front brake pad/rotor to freeze up as in metal to metal with no warning requiring me to replace rotor and pads.”
NHTSA complaint #746777, filed 2001-06“Consumer was driving approximately 55-60 MPH when all of a sudden rear end of truck started to bounce up and down and shaking for a block. The universal joint broke, and sounded like going up and down. Consumer had to coast through traffic, nearly causing numerous accidents. Consumer wastold by dealer that driveshaft failed, and dealership replaced the whole driveshaft assembly. Consumer continued to drive after replacement of driveshaft, and vehicle continued to vibrate. After chrysler in ga. …”
NHTSA complaint #838505, filed 1999-05Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 9% |
| 2006 | 25 | 9% |
| 2005 | 51 | 11% |
| 2004 | 45 | 22% |
| 2003 | 100 | 34% |
| 2002 | 226 | 33% |
| 2001 | 236 | 35% |
| 2000 | 282 | 35% |
| 1999 | 342 | 53% |
| 1998 | 217 | 40% |
| 1997 | 142 | 32% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
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 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 30, 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