Owners have filed 250 complaints
about the 1996 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA between 1995 and 2016.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the Dodge Dakota. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 87
16.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
26.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
517.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
827.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
931.0%
150,000+ miles
413.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1996 Dodge Dakota
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1995peak 10Mar 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Dodge Dakota
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP02009Opened 30 Sep 2002Closed 8 Jan 2003STRUCTURE
FRAME CRACKS
MR. EDWARD W. BAILEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION BY LETTER, UNDATED, REQUESTING THAT AN INVESTIGATION BE CONDUCTED INTO THE MATTER OF A FRAME CRACK IN HIS 1995 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS CRACKED, THROUGH NO FAULT OR RESPONSIBILITY OF HIS OWN, AND BELIEVES THAT THIS DEFICIENCY CONSTITUTES A SAFETY DEFECT, WHICH HE ALLEGES MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND/OR A CRASH.FOR THE 1993 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR DAKOTA TRUCKS, THEONLY COMPLAINTS OF FRAME CRACKING WERE ON THE 1995 AND...
Recalls on the 1996 Dodge Dakota
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
95V199000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND NOT CLAMPED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM NIPPLE.
Risk: A DISCONNECTED VACUUM HOSE CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND LOSS OF BRAKE POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19951966 units in Canada
Brakes
THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM NIPPLE. A DISCONNECTED VACUUM HOSE CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND LOSS OF POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE CONNECTION IS FULLY SEATED AND CLAMPED TO THE VACUUM CHECK VALVE NIPPLE AT THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Washington, DCCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE ON 1996 DODGE DAKOTA. UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *BF *SC
NHTSA complaint #10111585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,500 milesFort Hood, TXCrash
STRUCTURE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centerville, TXCrash
TIRES:SIDEWALL
I LOST CONTROL WITH THE FIRST TIRE SEPARATION AND RAN OVER TWO SIGNS ENDING UP IN A DITCH.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HFAT5287 TIRESIZE: P215/75R15)
NHTSA complaint #748812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
WAS PULLING INTO INTERSECTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CAME AROUND CORNER AND HIT DAKOTA HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLE, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE HAD SPUN AROUND, AND WAS HIT AGAIN BY SAME VEHICLE. DRIVER SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND INTERNAL BLEEDING. WAS HOSPITALIZED.
NHTSA complaint #890695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stradsburg, PACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK POSITION ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, UPON EXITING FOR A BRIEF SECOND, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, INJURING THE CONSUMER. ALSO, AFTER THE INCIDENT VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE PARK POSITION. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #863813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Fort Meyers, FLCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE AT A STOP A VEHICLE COMING FROM THE REAR AND TRAVELING ABOUT 65 MPH REAR ENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO FORWARD AND SLAM INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT CONSUMER IN CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #850237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 144,000 milesChillicothe, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
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. INCLUDED A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF ONE THAT THEY TOOK THE BODY OFF OF HTTP://WWW.BING.COM/VIDEOS/SEARCH?Q=96+DODGE+DAKOTA+FRAME+PROBLEMS+YOUTUBE&VIEW=DETAIL&MID=4094674F6964C6F203F74094674F6964C6F203F7&FORM=VIRE
NHTSA complaint #10852801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesFall Branch, TN
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS FRACTURED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #10788427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centre, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT GOING DOWN THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10726478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesCedar Rapids, IA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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. LUCKILY THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DIDN'T DEPLOY BUT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP A LOT WITH THE 1995-1996 DAKOTAS. AND HONESTLY I'M SCARED THAT THE VEHICLE MIGHT DO THIS WHILE ON THE FREE WAY. ALSO, OF 3 O2 SENSORS THAT'S JUST ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ALL THREE HAVE LEFT THE VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND HAVE TESTED FAULTY. I HAVE YET TO RETURN TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEMS SHOP TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIX IT DUE TO IT BEING UNDER WARRANTY, BUT MY MECHANIC SAID THAT IT MOSTLY BECAUSE THERE'S AN UNNEEDED AMOUNT OF EXTRA POWER GOING TO THE O2 SENSOR WHICH IS CAUSING IT TO FAULT. ANYHOW, I APPRECIATE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE LOOKED AT INTO THIS, BECAUSE I DO LIVE ON A HILLY SUBURB AND I RATHER NOT TAKE THE FAULT OF MY VEHICLE FAILING AND DAMAGING STATE, NEIGHBORS OR EVEN MY OWN PROPERTY, LET ALONE MYSELF GETTING HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10560574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesCedar Rapids, IA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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. LUCKILY THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DIDN'T DEPLOY BUT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP A LOT WITH THE 1995-1996 DAKOTAS. AND HONESTLY I'M SCARED THAT THE VEHICLE MIGHT DO THIS WHILE ON THE FREE WAY. ALSO, OF 3 O2 SENSORS THAT'S JUST ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ALL THREE HAVE LEFT THE VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND HAVE TESTED FAULTY. I HAVE YET TO RETURN TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEMS SHOP TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIX IT DUE TO IT BEING UNDER WARRANTY, BUT MY MECHANIC SAID THAT IT MOSTLY BECAUSE THERE'S AN UNNEEDED AMOUNT OF EXTRA POWER GOING TO THE O2 SENSOR WHICH IS CAUSING IT TO FAULT. ANYHOW, I APPRECIATE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE LOOKED AT INTO THIS, BECAUSE I DO LIVE ON A HILLY SUBURB AND I RATHER NOT TAKE THE FAULT OF MY VEHICLE FAILING AND DAMAGING STATE, NEIGHBORS OR EVEN MY OWN PROPERTY, LET ALONE MYSELF GETTING HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10560574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesCedar Rapids, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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. LUCKILY THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DIDN'T DEPLOY BUT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP A LOT WITH THE 1995-1996 DAKOTAS. AND HONESTLY I'M SCARED THAT THE VEHICLE MIGHT DO THIS WHILE ON THE FREE WAY. ALSO, OF 3 O2 SENSORS THAT'S JUST ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ALL THREE HAVE LEFT THE VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND HAVE TESTED FAULTY. I HAVE YET TO RETURN TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEMS SHOP TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIX IT DUE TO IT BEING UNDER WARRANTY, BUT MY MECHANIC SAID THAT IT MOSTLY BECAUSE THERE'S AN UNNEEDED AMOUNT OF EXTRA POWER GOING TO THE O2 SENSOR WHICH IS CAUSING IT TO FAULT. ANYHOW, I APPRECIATE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE LOOKED AT INTO THIS, BECAUSE I DO LIVE ON A HILLY SUBURB AND I RATHER NOT TAKE THE FAULT OF MY VEHICLE FAILING AND DAMAGING STATE, NEIGHBORS OR EVEN MY OWN PROPERTY, LET ALONE MYSELF GETTING HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10560574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesMission, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED WHEN HE RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10450664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesBoomer, NC
STRUCTURE
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HINGE BROKE 11/20/ 2010 PAINT OFF HOOD AND TOP . THEY WERE PAINTED THREE TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. 1996 MODEL WITH 69,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10368018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LIGHT SWITCH ON 1996 DODGE DAKATO,WIRES ON SWITCH WAS BURNING UP TOOK TO DODGE DEALER AND WAS ASK IF I TOWED ANYTHING MY ANSWER WAS YES HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT THE SWITCH WAS NOT COMPATIBLE FOR TOWING WHICH CAUSE MY CONNECTION TO BURN.
NHTSA complaint #10240871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cohoes, NY
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE DAKOTA. HE STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS HAVE FALLEN APART. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT AND WAS FORCED TO CRAWL OUT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE RECALLS; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE SEAT BELTS. THEY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS; BUT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. THE SEAT BELTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN APPEARS TO BE INVALID.
NHTSA complaint #10192903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesBelleview, NE
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
TL*-THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE DAKOTA HAS HAD 2 REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LATCH IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND THE SPRINGS CONTINUE TO FALL FROM IT. HE STATED THAT HE HAS TO REPLACE THIS AGAIN AND FELT THAT THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT USED ON THIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #10185742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,554 milesHollister, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
OCTOBER 27, 2006 I TOOK 2 FRIENDS TO TOWN AND WHEN THE PERSON IN THE MIDDLE SEAT COULD NOT GET THE SEAT BELT TO RELEASE AFTER SEVERAL TRIES I CUT THE SEAT BELT TO GET HIM OUT. NOVEMBER 2, 2006 I WAS PICKING UP MY HUSBAND FROM THE DOCTORS OFFICE AND MY SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT, SO I COULD GET OUT. ON A RECENT TRIP OF 2400 MILES THE OIL GAUGE WAS PASSED THE MIDDLE OF THE GAUGE WHICH NEAR THE (H) WHEN THIS STARTED HAPPENING THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AND I HAD TO STOP AND LET THE MOTOR COMPLETELY COOL DOWN BEFORE THE LIGHTS WOULD WORK AGAIN IN THE DASH. ON THE WAY HOME FROM MICHIGAN THE ACCELORATOR PEDEL FELL OFF IN THE MOUNTAINS IN GEORGIA AND I HAD TO PUT THE PLASTIC HOLDERS ON VERY CAREFULLY SO I COULD GET TO THE NEXT TOWN AND THERE A AUTO PARTS STORE EMPLOYEE PUT A (C) CLAMP ON THE HOLDER TO SECURE THE PEDAL ENOUGH FOR ME TO MAKE IT HOME. I STILL HAD 400 MILES TO GO AND WAS VERY APPREHENSIVE ALL THE WAY HOME AND NOW WITH THE SEAT BELT FAILURES I AM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE TRUCK . WE ARE RETIRED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE OR WE WOULD PUT THIS IN THE JUNK YARD. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD TRUCK UP UNTIL NOW AND WE HAVE NEVER ABUSED IT IN ANY WAY AND NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10172541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,554 milesHollister, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
OCTOBER 27, 2006 I TOOK 2 FRIENDS TO TOWN AND WHEN THE PERSON IN THE MIDDLE SEAT COULD NOT GET THE SEAT BELT TO RELEASE AFTER SEVERAL TRIES I CUT THE SEAT BELT TO GET HIM OUT. NOVEMBER 2, 2006 I WAS PICKING UP MY HUSBAND FROM THE DOCTORS OFFICE AND MY SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT, SO I COULD GET OUT. ON A RECENT TRIP OF 2400 MILES THE OIL GAUGE WAS PASSED THE MIDDLE OF THE GAUGE WHICH NEAR THE (H) WHEN THIS STARTED HAPPENING THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AND I HAD TO STOP AND LET THE MOTOR COMPLETELY COOL DOWN BEFORE THE LIGHTS WOULD WORK AGAIN IN THE DASH. ON THE WAY HOME FROM MICHIGAN THE ACCELORATOR PEDEL FELL OFF IN THE MOUNTAINS IN GEORGIA AND I HAD TO PUT THE PLASTIC HOLDERS ON VERY CAREFULLY SO I COULD GET TO THE NEXT TOWN AND THERE A AUTO PARTS STORE EMPLOYEE PUT A (C) CLAMP ON THE HOLDER TO SECURE THE PEDAL ENOUGH FOR ME TO MAKE IT HOME. I STILL HAD 400 MILES TO GO AND WAS VERY APPREHENSIVE ALL THE WAY HOME AND NOW WITH THE SEAT BELT FAILURES I AM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE TRUCK . WE ARE RETIRED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE OR WE WOULD PUT THIS IN THE JUNK YARD. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD TRUCK UP UNTIL NOW AND WE HAVE NEVER ABUSED IT IN ANY WAY AND NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10172541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,554 milesHollister, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
OCTOBER 27, 2006 I TOOK 2 FRIENDS TO TOWN AND WHEN THE PERSON IN THE MIDDLE SEAT COULD NOT GET THE SEAT BELT TO RELEASE AFTER SEVERAL TRIES I CUT THE SEAT BELT TO GET HIM OUT. NOVEMBER 2, 2006 I WAS PICKING UP MY HUSBAND FROM THE DOCTORS OFFICE AND MY SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT, SO I COULD GET OUT. ON A RECENT TRIP OF 2400 MILES THE OIL GAUGE WAS PASSED THE MIDDLE OF THE GAUGE WHICH NEAR THE (H) WHEN THIS STARTED HAPPENING THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AND I HAD TO STOP AND LET THE MOTOR COMPLETELY COOL DOWN BEFORE THE LIGHTS WOULD WORK AGAIN IN THE DASH. ON THE WAY HOME FROM MICHIGAN THE ACCELORATOR PEDEL FELL OFF IN THE MOUNTAINS IN GEORGIA AND I HAD TO PUT THE PLASTIC HOLDERS ON VERY CAREFULLY SO I COULD GET TO THE NEXT TOWN AND THERE A AUTO PARTS STORE EMPLOYEE PUT A (C) CLAMP ON THE HOLDER TO SECURE THE PEDAL ENOUGH FOR ME TO MAKE IT HOME. I STILL HAD 400 MILES TO GO AND WAS VERY APPREHENSIVE ALL THE WAY HOME AND NOW WITH THE SEAT BELT FAILURES I AM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE TRUCK . WE ARE RETIRED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE OR WE WOULD PUT THIS IN THE JUNK YARD. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD TRUCK UP UNTIL NOW AND WE HAVE NEVER ABUSED IT IN ANY WAY AND NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10172541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,501 milesOrange, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
1996 DODGE DAKOTA SLT, 5.2L, 4DR ( 99,000 MI) FAILED CA EMISSION TEST ON 7/8/06. SUSPECTED REASON FOR THE HIGH EMISSION WAS FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. DAIMLER CHRYSLER CORP. (DCC) WILL NOT REPLACE THIS CONVERTER AT THEIR EXPENSE EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE A RECALL ON SOME 1.5 MILLION 1996 - 2001 VEHICLES FOR FAILED CONVERTERS. NO LETTER WAS RECEIVED FROM THEM AND WHEN CONTACTED, THEY SAY THE VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE LIST FOR RECALL. I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE ON THE LIST.
NHTSA complaint #10162903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,397 milesPittsburgh, PA
SEATS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE BACK OF THE DRIVER SEAT FRACTURED CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED, NO INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10158709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wausau, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE FUSE IN THE RELAY SWITCH WAS MISSING FROM ANTI LOCK BRAKES. HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE FUSE WAS MISSING.
NHTSA complaint #10144807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesChambersburg, PA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE INOPERABLE. THE BUCKLES ON THE BELTS DO NOT SNAP.
NHTSA complaint #10117283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DCCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE ON 1996 DODGE DAKOTA. UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *BF *SC
NHTSA complaint #10111585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesWhitewater, CA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WITHIN ONE MONTH OF EACH OTHER, EACH OF MY TWO FRONT FIRESTONE TIRES WENT FLAT. THE TREADS WERE SHREADED AND COMING LOOSE FROM THE TIRE. ONE OF THESE EVENTS OCCURED WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS AND TIRES HAD BEEN RECENTLY CHECKED FOR TREAD DEPTH, BALANCE AND INFLATION.
NHTSA complaint #10088322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesPeshastin, WA
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL
DEAR DAVID, THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECENT EMAIL TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOTORS REGARDING YOUR 996 DODGE DAKOTA. I'M SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE RECURRING PROBLEM YOU'VE EXPERIENCED WITH YOUR PARKING BRAKE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ORIGINAL MOPAR PARTS ARE DESIGNED WITH THE HIGHEST STANDARDS IN MIND. WE HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE IN THE QUALITY OF OUR PARTS. THOUGH MOPAR PRODUCTS ARE BUILT TO LAST, WE DO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, AS WITH ALL MAN-MADE MATERIALS, THEY ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WEAR, AND MAY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT EARLIER THAN WHAT MAY BE PERCEIVED AS NORMAL. OUR SINCEREST APOLOGIES FOR THE PROBLEMS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED. REFERENCE NUMBER: 12386546 REPLY LINK: HTTP://WWW.CHRYSLER.COM/WCCSAPP/WCCS/BRAND_FORMS/US/REPLY.JSP?TRK_ID=KMM1465401C0KM& SINCERELY, BRYAN DILLEY SENIOR STAFF REPRESENTATIVE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS: ------------------------ CATEGORY: RECALL INFORMATION BRIEF DESCRIPTION: ------------------ I BOUGHT A 1996 DAKOTA 4WD IN 1998 FROM A PRIVATE OWNER. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS BROKEN. THE LOCAL DEALER REPLACED IT. MY 100-POUND WIFE JUST BROKE IT AGAIN. SO, WHAT IS UP WITH THIS? COMMENTS: --------- THE FIRST TIME I HAD IT REPLACED THE DEALER TOSSED OUT THE BROKEN BRAKE ACTUATOR RATHER THAN RETURNING IT TO ME. AN INSPECTOR FROM CHRYSLER MOTORS STOPPED BY MY HOUSE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. IN THAT INCIDENT I WAS ALMOST RUN OVER BY THE TRUCK WHEN THE BRAKE FAILED. HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO WITHOUT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR TO INSPECT. A PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD EVER FAIL IN THE LIFE OF A VEHICLE. WHY IS THIS ONE BREAKING SO OFTEN? FIRST NAME: DAVID LAST NAME: WAGNER.
NHTSA complaint #10078425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesJoplin, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MORE HISTORY ON MY 1996 DODGE TRUCK WITH ENGINE STALLING PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THE TRUCK IS NOW RUNNING ROUGH. THE LAST DODGE DEALERSHIP IN MIAMI, OKLAHOMA COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY NOW TELL ME THAT THEY WOULD PREFER I NOT BRING MY TRUCK BACK TO THEM. DODGE CORP'S CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS RUDE, TELLING ME THAT HE TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW (EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY CAN'T FIND/FIX THE PROBLEM); THE REP TELLS ME THAT IT'S OUR TOUGH LUCK NOW--VERY RUDE. WHEN I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH THE SUPERVISOR OR DISTRICT MANAGER FOR MY AREA, THE REP TOLD ME SHE HAD THE FINAL SAY, I DIDN'T HAVE A WARRANTY, AND SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO HELP ME LOCATE THE DISTRICT MANAGER FOR MY AREA. YOU HAVE MY EXTENSIVE HISTORY/COMPLAINTS ON FILE WITH THIS TRUCK (PEELING PAINT, FLAT BEARING IN OVERDRIVE, 4 BENT WHEELS, RECURRING ENGINE STALLS TO NAME ONLY A FEW OF THE MAJOR ISSUES). WHAT IS A CONSUMER TO DO NOW. DON'T TELL ME TO FIND AN ATTORNEY--TOO EXPENSIVE AND I WON'T END UP WITH ENOUGH MONEY TO FIX THE TRUCK THE WAY IT SHOULD BE FIXED. CAN'T SELL TO ANYONE FOR WHAT IT SHOULD BE WORTH DUE TO THESE ISSUES, AND WON'T SELL THIS WAY DUE TO MY CONSCIOUS. THIS TRUCK IS GOING TO KILL US ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
NHTSA complaint #10072797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,500 milesFort Hood, TXCrash
STRUCTURE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Valley, CA
PARKING BRAKE
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED BY ITSELF WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A 1995 DAKOTA THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE 1995 DAKOTA WAS TOTALED AFTER WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE CONSUMER'S BARN.
NHTSA complaint #10068611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forestport, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLE STALLED AND DID NOT RE-START. VEHICLE STALLED AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #10067332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.