The fuel gauge jumps around erratically, due to reader card wear. I noticed this at about 75,000 miles.
The catalytic converter ceramic cracked and started to rattle at about 80,000 miles.
The water pump developed a leak at the bottom at about 92,000 miles. This was very easy to repair.
The only thing about this truck that really disappointed me, was the turning radius. This was equal to a extended cab, full size pick-up. Dodge did correct this problem in 1997.
I have driven this truck on several long distance road trips, and have found that for a "mid size" pick-up, it rides nice, and handles as well as some cars I have driven.
Yes, the turning radius on the 2 wheel drive Dakota is poor, but turning radius is excellent on the 4x4, I've owned both (1995).
My 1995 Dodge Dakota, was the best truck I have ever owned. It was in a wreck this year (2003) and totaled. I never had any problems with it. It drove as good the last time I drove it as it did the day I bought it.
I had a 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport Club Cab 3.9L V6 that was by far the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I've heard people had trouble with the auto transmission, but I never had a problem. It had 125,000 miles on it when I got it. It made it all through college, 3 1500+ mile trips across the country and I never really had any problems. The ONLY problem I ever had was: had to replace the ORIGINAL starter at 185,000 miles; replaced (DID NOT NEED TO) ORIGINAL water pump at 200,000 (I thought it was busted, but wasn't...didn't know until got it off that it was just a busted bi-pass hose that's hidden) ; as a result of driving with a stuck thermostat (also ORIGINAL) over one of those 1500 mile trips, the radiator burst (got from supplier for $100) and replaced the faulty thermostat. ALL TOTALED TO $250 and did the work myself. I sold the truck to my sister at 235,000 miles and it still runs like new. Doesn't use oil or have any leaks. Paint is FLAWLESS at showroom quality STILL. Now has over 250,000 miles!!! IT'S A FRIGGIN DODGE!!! Now I have a Toyota Tundra and I can only hope that it will last as well!!!
EMAIL ME FOR MORE TERRIFIC STORIES OF MY BELOVED 1995 DODGE DAKOTA... shaggyusm26@yahoo.com.
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