Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
When trying to use headlights high beam, the head lights would go out all together. Bill luke Dodge replaced a component and then it happened again. A vibration was noted at aroud 27 MPH when the truck had less that 5,000 miles. It took two trips to get them to recognize the problem an fix it by replacing the drive shaft under warrenty. You asked the question if the truck had been in a crash. It was a less than 10 MPH fender bender when a van pulled into the side of the truck. The paint is peeling off the roof and some on the side of the box.
Transmision doesn't like to up shift from first to second gear unles I let off the throtel. Also truck has roled when in park 5 times.I contacted dealor about this4 to8 times. Dealer could not find prob. Dealer changed trans fluid/filter 2 times this did not work.I have only hade my Dakota sence 02/17/03.I talked to Dodge cust serv they said they had no complants on this truck.unles Dodge has a recal I will look at other brands of truck.incident is on going.
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.
When I drive 50 + miles, transmission won't up shift unless I take foot off gas, it has done this about 12 times since purchase in feb . Also truck has rolled ahead when in park 6 times since purchase in feb.
This transmission failure should not have occurred on such a young truck. In addition, the transmission repairman stated that he has repaired at least 2 others with the same problem with only 40,0000 miles. They were just far enough to be out of warranty when the torque converters blew up throwing shrapnel through the transmission warranting a complete rebuild. My truck has been serviced routinely since I have had it, getting the transmisssion service done every 15000 miles to prevent it from tearing up. Fat chance.
Venicle is still under warranty but the warrantor (ge ) has denied the claim and refuses to honor it. We paid a lot of money for an expensive extended warranty for bumper to bumper coverage and they don't stand behind their product.no safety defect listed in the summary.
Shifted into reverse with engine running, impact 6:00 position, hiiting a concrete pole.
Consumer complained that transmission shimmied when driving approximately 50-55 MPH. Also shimmies between 18-19 rpms. Dealer/manufacturer notified, and condition cannot be corrected.
Transmission is slipping. Dealer has advised that there was not a problem, but when conusmer attempted to accelerate around corner, vehicle would slip and disengage from transmission.
Consumer was able to start the vehicle up. When putting into drive, clutch went out, causing consumer not to move vehicle. Vehicle is in shop.
Transmission complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Dodge Dakota, 13% of the model year's 208 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Dakota transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.