The water pump went out, which caused the radiator to blow.
The starter stopped working.
The motor mounts are broken.
The truck has a lot of power, even though it only has a V6 engine.
It's not as fast as I'd like it to be.
I own a 94 dakota and I've had a lot of luck with it except for the radiator problem I had at 113000 miles I've had bad luck with the e brake failing on my and the transmission slips when its cold it's a 5 speed manual. I also own a 96 dakota and that one has the 4 popper in it and that has had no problems what so ever and it has 170000 miles on it. there is something with the v6 engine that makes them want to break down so easy, but all in all I'm happy with it it is an extended cab and its quite roomy for a small pickup. I think the next truck will be a dodge ram 4 door and well see how they are. sinceraly shaun swenson owner of two dakotas.
I have a 1994 2WD/w Magnum V6. This thing has been as good as it gets except for the transmission. The automatic trans totally crapped out at 90K miles, lost third gear altogether. The water pump went out about the same time. This truck was well worth another transmission. I have not been too good to this truck, but it has been very good to me. I've driven it hard, doing nothing, but changing the oil every 4000 miles, no problems. I wish it got better gas mileage (20 highway, 10 city). I don't know why the city mileage is so bad. I am suprised at the reliability I've experienced. I bought this thing with 60k miles, now have 105k. The guy I bought it from never had a problem at all. If it wasn't for the transmission, it would be the perfect truck. The seats are super comfortable, long trips are very comfortable, interior is roomy, especially with the Xtra cab. The turn radius is terrible, but I can live with that. I'm looking for another 94 Dakota just like it, but with a standard transmission.
For the Dakota v6 owners, definitely go with the Manual trans. It is the ax-15 same used in jeeps for years. A proven performer off road. A few notes about the mileage. When I 1st got the truck it did get about 16 in town. Since, I have replaced clutch fan with electric 15". IAT relocation into the air intake tube. Cold air intake. Removal of the flap in the grille by the air intake, K&N filter, and a free flow exhaust. Now the power has improved, and I get about 20 MPG City/24 HWY with a truck that has 173,000 miles. Oh, and the oil I use is synthetic blend, which reduces engine friction. Not bad for a truck that produces 225 Lbs of torque @ 2500 RPM, and weighs 3,600 lbs. Best truck out of Ford ranger, s-10. I have owned all 3. the 4.3 in the chevys have a little more power due to the lighter truck, but the safety ratings on the dakota are better which for me is worth it. Still pulls my bass boat with no problems.
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