Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
At idle/park my 1996 Dodge Dakota 4x4 v8 5.2l slt will sputter and sometimes kill the engine. Now I'm not sure if that's a safety feature so the engine doesn't over flood itself, but I've replaced the iac valve, pcv valve, distributor rotor/cap, and spark plugs with no improvement. I recent had a problem where the conditions out we're somewhat icy and mid turn into a parking lot I took a blow to a fire hydrant because the vehicle killed itself, meaning loss of power steering and power brakes. I was fine, but my vehicles body took the damage. Luckily the airbag system didn't deploy but this issue has been brought up a lot with the 1995-1996 dakotas. And honestly I'm scared that the vehicle might do this while on the free way. Also, of 3 o2 sensors that's just above the catalytic converter, all three have left the vehicles check engine light on and have tested faulty. …
The consumer has been experiencing problem with air bag sensor and t anti-lock brake system. When consumer applied brakes they locked up causing vehicle to collide with othe r vehicles in an intersection. In addition, driver's side airbag failed to deploy. The manufacturer has been contacted.
Vehicle rolled away suddenly while in park position with emergency parking brake on and engine turned off, causing the vehicle to run into another vehicle. Delaer cannot duplicate or determine defect.
Dear david, thank you for your recent email to daimlerchrysler motors regarding your 996 Dodge Dakota. I'm sorry to hear about the recurring problem you've experienced with your parking brake. Daimlerchrysler original mopar parts are designed with the highest standards in mind. We have every confidence in the quality of our parts. Though mopar products are built to last, we do acknowledge that, as with all man-made materials, they are susceptible to wear, and May require replacement earlier than what May be perceived as normal. Our sincerest apologies for the problems you have experienced. …
This truck was bought new. Steering sector was loose, and tightened. Transmission burned out. Now front brakes are shot. Cruise control does not engage or disengage (intermittently) when steering wheel is in full down tilt position. Smell of burning rubber since new when used for extended periods at highway speeds. Now it has severe grooving on inside of both front brake rotors. Brake inspection at 31,044 miles, all okay. At 44,388 problem was discovered. Back drum brakes are 25% used. Documented with service records.
On two separate occasions parking brake disengaged by itself while vehicle was parked. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem. The consumer also had a 1995 Dakota that had the same problem. The 1995 Dakota was totaled after when the parking brake failed and the vehicle rolled down the driveway and into the consumer's barn.
When the steering wheel is tilted up or down the various lights on the instrument panel, such as, brake light/power steering light and air bag light light up. Also, the windshield wipers/turn signal lights and brake warning light quit workng. Dealer was notified about these problems. The problems have not been corrected.
While driving the ABS panel light stayed on, dealer replaced 2 sensors. Dealer cannot determine problem. Dealer replaced speed sensor, jumper wire, wiring harness, fuse, and dealer cut off plugs and soldered wires together, ABS light still illuminates.
ABS light keeps coming on. Whenever brakes are applied, the pedal continues to the floor. The vehicle takes awhile to stop. Does not happen all the time, intermittent. Has extended stopping distance. Taking vehicle to dealer to check.
When the brakes are applied the front brakes lock up, causing the vehicle to go into a skid. The dealer has repaired the brakes 6 times prior to the owner taking the vehicle to a private mechanic.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
The power brake booster vacuum hose could be improperly installed and not clamped to the brake booster vacuum nipple.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to insure that the brake booster vacuum hose connection is fully seated and clamped to the vacuum check valve nipple at the brake booster.
Brake complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Dakota, 15% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Dakota brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 95V-199 (power assist, Oct 20, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Dakota brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 235,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.