1996 Dodge Dakota: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Dodge Dakota: 1 recall, 189 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #95V199000 · 1995 · 600 vehicles
What's wrong: The power brake booster vacuum hose could be improperly installed and not clamped to the brake booster vacuum nipple.
Why it matters: A disconnected vacuum hose can cause an increase in engine idle speed and loss of brake power assist during brake application without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to insure that the brake booster vacuum hose connection is fully seated and clamped to the vacuum check valve nipple at the brake booster.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (28): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), stalls / loses power (4).
- Engine & cooling (27): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8), noise or vibration (4), warning light on (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (23): the most common themes are warning light on (4).
- Electrical (19): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), fire / smoke (5), stalls / loses power (3).
The 1996 Dodge Dakota has 189 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 22 Dakota model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 295). Complaints peaked in 1996 (30 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 88,750 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (208 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (446 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Dodge Dakota.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Dodge Dakota, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Dodge Dakota problems?
Owners have filed 189 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (28), engine & cooling (27), brakes (hydraulic) (23).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Dodge Dakota get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 9 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Dodge Dakota repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.