1996 Dodge Dakota Reviews - Page 3 of 5

Not a lot has gone wrong in the 75,000 miles and 5 years that I've had it.

-Water Pump

-Radiator

-Transmission doesn't like to shift into next gear until higher RPM's. (Doesn't stop me from driving it.)

-Heater fan only blows on high because the plug that goes into the firewall had melted for the previous owner and each wire was put back on with spade connectors. Also the resistor pack broke. I wired it up to work on high only. Could have fixed it.

-Ball joints just recently went (first set since factory)

-I've also put brakes on it. Normal stuff.

This truck has been the best vehicle I have owned to date. I have fixed very little on this truck. I have done fairly regular oil changes on this using synthetic oil. I've driven it to Florida and back (2560 miles round trip) fully loaded with no problems and no worries that it would break down. May not have been the smartest idea since I was only getting 16-17mpg on the highway. I normally get 15-16. I enjoy driving the truck as it steers very easily and the seats are surprisingly comfortable. I also like that it has all gauges instead of idiot lights. The power windows are very handy. The 4-wheel drive is very capable as I live in Northern PA and have used it quite frequently. My only complaint is the turning radius. Makes it rather difficult to park sometimes. I heard that this was addressed and fixed in 97.

Major problem is the doors. Hinges have gone bad on both and the metal frame had to be replaced and has started to go bad again.

Seat belt digs into my neck.

Power steering makes funny sound when making tight turns. i.e. parking.

Sometimes has trouble starting when there's a lot of moisture in the air.

Crankshaft sensor at 140000 miles.

Overall a dependable truck.

Biggest pain is only opening the door partially and sliding in to prevent further door damage. Cost me $400 to fix once. Won't pay that again.

I change the oil and filter regularly. Run injector cleaner through ever time I change the oil.

I feel I could get another 75,000 out of this truck pretty easily (as long as the doors don't fall off)

The major problem's I have had is the transmission not shifting into the last final gear. In maximum acceleration it seems to get hung-up. The tachometer red-lines, you then let off the accelerator and it usually will then shift. Spent a lot of money, transmission place changed shift point's since they couldn't find anything else wrong.

Current problem: as on some of the previous entries I too am starting to have the same problem with stalling when letting off the gas. I have now spent 852.00$ to replace the fuel pump, which includes filter. The day I went to pick up the truck it stalled again! I will suggest some of the solutions from people on this site, (such as the battery change), to my mechanic. We'll see what happens. When and if I find the fix I'll let you know.

I love my 318 V-8.

Great power, I believe this is as much the excellent power to weight ratio, (V-8 engine in a mid size truck), as it is the engine.

Dodge could have put a dome light in the front part of cab, as in the 97'.

Captain chairs need more support. If I'm not wearing my seat belt I feel like I'm going to fall out of the seat.

Otherwise: I love my truck. I first owned a 94' then a 97', and now this 96'.