1996 DODGE DAKOTA PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Airbag/Restraint System:

  • Driver's side airbag did not deploy during a collision
    
  • Front passenger's side airbag did not deploy during a collision
    
  • Airbag system defective, airbags did not deploy during a collision
    
  • Driver's side seatbelt buckle fractured
    
  • Seatbelt locking latch malfunctioning
    
  • Seat belt buckle made of plastic springs falling out
    
  • Front seat belts fallen apart, buckle made of plastic springs fall out, unable to release seatbelt
    
  • Front seat belts inoperable, buckles do not snap
    

• 2. Brakes:

  • Rear anti-lock braking system malfunctioning, causing vehicle to go into a skid
    
  • Brake rotors locking up, resulting in hard stopping, hard to release
    
  • Brakes locking up when applied, causing vehicle to go into a skid
    
  • Brakes squealing when applied
    
  • Front brakes locking up, difficult to stop
    
  • Braking system makes loud squeaking noise
    

• 3. Electrical:

  • Electrical system failed, vehicle caught on fire
    
  • Wiring harness shorted out causing failures in headlights, brake lights, dash lights, and other functions
    
  • Vehicle electrical short causing horn and blower fan to not function
    
  • Multiple electrical wires overheating, causing issues with the blower motor and horn
    

• 4. Engine/Transmission:

  • Timing chain issues causing engine failures
    
  • Engine stalls intermittently at various speeds
    
  • Faulty sensor causing fuel pump failure
    
  • Transmission failing prematurely due to a defective internal part
    
  • Transmission slipping out of gear while driving
    
  • Water pump failure in the engine
    
  • Transmission constantly slipping into 3rd gear
    
  • Sudden failure of the U-joint causing loss of power and control
    
  • Loose steering sector causing vibration and noise
    
  • Rumbling noise from the transmission
    
  • Transmission seizing in park position
    

• 5. Suspension/Steering:

  • Frame rusting out causing loss of suspension
    
  • Steering gearbox failure causing steering issues
    
  • Loose bushings on the vehicle causing road safety issues
    
  • Front ball joint failures leading to unstable driving
    

• 6. Other:

  • Accelerator pedal falling off while driving
    
  • Hood and top paint peeling
    
  • Overdrive issues causing engine racing
    
  • Parking brake failures, causing vehicle rolling
    
  • Vehicle rolling away from park position unexpectedly
    
  • Upholstery/latch failures causing doors to not open properly
    
  • Air conditioner compressor failure causing loss of A/C
    
  • Back of driver's seat falling backwards
    
  • Ball joint rusting causing loss of control
    
  • Tire failure and tread separation leading to loss of control
    
  • Cooling system failing causing engine issues