Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This is just a run down on repairs I made to my vehicle, but they are problems that should have been taken care of at the factory. First of all, the brake problem still exists. This is the only vehicle that I know of that has to have air in the front caliphers to work. I had to put bearings in both front and rear differential assemblies. The front one came from the factory without a bearing in the left side of the differential assembly.
About 1 year ago, paint started to blow off my 1995 Dodge Dakota. This truck has had no body work done and has suffered no damage. The paint is peeling in many places all over the cab and in a couple of areas has begun to rust. Paint should last more than 9 years and I am surprised that Dodge would allow such a problem for their customers. My vehicle is a 1995 club cab short bed 4x4 and is two tone blue and grey in color.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to pass the state vehicle inspection due to the frame being corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician verified the failure and stated that the damage was beyond repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
Right front of frame has cracked. Manufacturer has been notified. Consumer states vehicle experienced vibration in the steering, noise on the right side while driving over bumps or while curbing. The bushings and front sway bar were replaced along with the sway bar bushings being worn, dealer replaced the left and front bushings, consumer continued to have problems and was hearing a scrunching noise in the front end over curbing, dealer replaced upper control arm bushings and shock absorbers, the dealer also lubricated the suspension. A loose control arm rod was replaced due to a popping noise while turning. The cause of all the front problems was due to a crack in the frame located in the passengers side, inside frame, behind the front wheel. The left sund visor pin came loose, dealer replaced. Jlg
The suspension was making excessive noise on the right side when going over bumps or curbing. The sway bars were worn out and the bushings were replaced, right and left front. There is a scrunching noise heard in the front end over curbing. The upper control arms were replaced. There is also a popping noise when turning left, right and backing up. The front shocks were replaced and the suspension was lubricated. The front suspension had to be aligned and the right control arm was retorqued. Consumer finally was informed the problems were due to a crack in the fram located on the passenger side, inside frame, behind the right front wheel.
Consumer was underneath vehicle putting in a clutch pressure plate and found front frame broken. Breakage was right beneath spindle and front wheels. If support failed it could result in a vehicle crash. Dealer said it was not their problem. Consumer will contact manufacturer for more assistance.
Two weeks ago consumer heard a crunching noise when applying brakes. Control bracket that holds frame was broken. If whole braket was broken then front wheels could fall off. Consumer states that the frame broke in half just before the steering control arm.
A crack has developed on passenger's side inside frame behind front wheel. Dealer: Chevrolet work's on Dodge vehicles, where purchase was notified. Frame needs to replaced to the point where a repair will not correct the problem. Please provide more information.
Defective electronic door locks latch unexpectedly in which occupant is unable to reopen door electronically and manually, causing occupant to be stuck in vehicle, occupant must restart vehicle in order to unlatch doors, will be taking to dealer.
The right side frame rail cracked behind the front cross member.
NHTSA investigations
FRAME CRACKS
Mr. Edward w. Bailey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration by letter, undated, requesting that an investigation be conducted into the matter of a frame crack in his 1995 Dodge dakota truck.the petitioner alleges that the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle is cracked, through no fault or responsibility of his own, and believes that this deficiency constitutes a safety…
Body complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1995 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 1995 Dodge Dakota, 10% of the model year's 208 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Dakota body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1995 Dodge Dakota. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Dakota body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 152,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.