RoadVitals

1995 Dodge Dakota Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
208
Latest Nov 14, 2022
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
44
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Jan 23, 1995

What this page shows

Our database holds 208 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 Dodge Dakota. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 208 · page 1 of 9

Seat belts
Filed Nov 14, 2022

I bought this 1995 Dodge Dakota brand new in 1995 and it only has original 92,110 miles on it. The problem with this Dakota I have replaced the Drivers front seat belt and the replacement again is falling apart again where it will not release for a person to get out of. I don't know if the air bags will not deploy if the seat belt is not working properly. Again the seat belt needs to be replaced again as it physically is falling apart again.

NHTSA ID
11493482
Incident
Nov 14, 2022
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 8, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE DAKOTA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR ASSURANCE TIRES, SIZE: 215/75R/15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED MODERATE TIRE SEPARATION ON THE SIDEWALLS OF THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,263. THE VIN AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11100577
Incident
May 25, 2018
Other / unspecified
Filed Apr 18, 2018
Crash reported

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT 35 MILES AN HOUR UP TO 45 AND THE TIRE CAME OFF. IT CAUSED A 3 CAR ACCIDENT. LUCKILY INO ONE WAS HURT BUT I GOT A CARELESS DRIVING TICKET. I FEEL THE TIRE SNAPPED OFF THE DRIVE TRAIN. IT HAPPENED IN 2006. IT WAS LIGHTLY RAINING BUT THIS SHOULD NOT AFFECT A TIRE COMING OFF COMPLETELY.. I CAN SEND IN POLICE REPORT LATER I PUT IN A REQUEST FOR A COPY BUT I HAVE NOT RECIEVED IT YET.

NHTSA ID
11088813
Incident
May 18, 2006
Mileage
85,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Dec 31, 2016

MY DAUGHTER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT UNLATCH. SHE COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. SHE HAD TO LEAVE AND DRIVE BACK HOME, WHERE HER DAD WAS ABLE TO GET HER OUT WITH A SCREW DRIVE. OUR MECHANIC SAID DODGE NO LONGER CARRIES THESE SEAT BELTS.

NHTSA ID
10938909
Incident
Dec 27, 2016
Mileage
128,500 mi
Seat belts
Filed Nov 16, 2016

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NON FUNCTIONAL FAILS TO RETRACT

NHTSA ID
10926537
Incident
Jul 16, 2016
Mileage
130,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Apr 15, 2016

MY DAUGHTER, WHO WAS THE DRIVER, WAS UNABLE TO UNLATCH HER SEAT BELT. HER BOYFRIEND HAD TO FORCE IT APART IN ORDER FOR HER TO BE ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR. NOW IT IS BROKEN...SHE WAS AT A STANDSTILL AT HER BOYFRIEND'S HOUSE.

NHTSA ID
10859826
Incident
Apr 15, 2016
Mileage
163,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Dec 27, 2014

NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED...JUST A GRADUAL DOWNFALL OF THE GASKET ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT IS NOW COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE UPPER CORNER..CAN SEE THE CURVE OF THE GASKET OUT OF THE WINDOW...ITS AS IF IT SHRUNK FROM ONE WEEK TO THE NEXT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10668462
Incident
Dec 17, 2013
Body & structure
Filed Sep 17, 2014

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.

NHTSA ID
10637013
Incident
Sep 17, 2014
Mileage
152,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Dec 19, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RELEASE AFTER THE RELEASE BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED. THE RELEASE BUTTON ALSO DETACHED FROM ITS HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 02/15/12*LJ UPDATED 03/05/12

NHTSA ID
10440392
Incident
Jun 15, 2011
Steering
Filed Feb 19, 2011

THERE SEEMED TO BE AN INCREASING AMOUNT OF "PLAY" IN THE STEERING. IT HAS NOW GOTTEN TO THE POINT I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS TRUCK LONG DISTANCES. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE FRONT END, AND THE STEERING RACK MOVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE APPROXIMATELY 1/2 -1". *TR

NHTSA ID
10383339
Incident
Dec 1, 2010
Mileage
225,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 6, 2010

IS THIS CAMPAIGN #06E049000 STILL IN AFFECT CONSUMER HAS A PROBLEM WITH AFTERMARKET LIGHTS ON 1995 DODGE DAKOTA. *NJ

NHTSA ID
10299228
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Electrical
Filed Jul 30, 2008
Fire reported

PICKUP WAS PARKED IN DRIVE WAY ON A THURSDAY EVENING APPROS 1700 HRS, ON SAT APPROS 1730 HRS THE HORN SOUNDED AND THE WINDOWS APPEARED TO BE TINTED, INVESTIGATION SHOWED THE STEERING COLUMN TO BE ABLAZE, FIREDEPT CALLED AND FIRE EXTINGUISHED, STEERING COLUMN TOTAL LOSS. VEHICLE UNUSABLE. TOTAL LOSS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10236450
Incident
Jul 26, 2008
Mileage
210,316 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 14, 2007
Fire reported

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICL THE DRIVER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER, AND THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF. *AK

NHTSA ID
10185039
Incident
Feb 28, 2007
Seat belts
Filed Feb 9, 2006

MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE FACT THAT DODGE WAS ALLOWED TO PUT DEFECTIVE SEATS IN THE 1995 DODGE DAKOTA (AS WELL AS OTHER YEARS) WITHOUT HAVING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY FIX TO THOSE VEHICLES. THE SEATS CLEARLY DO NOT PROTECT AGAINST NECK INJURY IN REAR END COLLISIONS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF ONE OF THESE VEHICLES. *JB

NHTSA ID
10149893
Incident
Feb 9, 2006
Seat belts
Filed Jul 20, 2005

FAULTY SEAT BELT IN 1995 DODGE DAKOTA,HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF SEAT BELT.TOLD ITS GOING TO BE 300 TO 400 TO REPLACE.EVEN THOUGH TRUCK IS 10 YEARS OLD I FEEL IT WAS A DEFECT READY TO HAPPEN.NO WARNING JUST PUT ON AS USUAL AND TRIED TO UNLATCH AND WOULDNT.HAD TO DRIVE TO FIRE DEPT AND BE CUT OUT.

NHTSA ID
10129426
Incident
Jan 20, 2004
Mileage
78,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Dec 11, 2004

I AM TRYING TO FIND IF THERE IS ANY RECALL INFORMATION ON MY DODGE DAKOTA, THE REASON I ASK IS THE FRONT ON THIS TRUCK IS GONE AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY? I TAKE CARE OF THIS TRUCK, BUT THE BEARINGS ARE GONE AND I NEED A TOTAL FRONT END OVERHAUL. IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME I'VE GOT ANOTHER TRUCK CHEVY 1986 3/4 4WD AND THE FRONT END ON THIS TRUCK IS JUST FINE? THEY ARE BOTH 4WD TRUCKS AND I TREAT THEM THE SAME, AND TAKE CARE OF BOTH OF THEM EQUALLY. *JB

NHTSA ID
10102678
Incident
Aug 20, 2002
Seat belts
Filed Dec 9, 2004

THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PARKED AND WHEN IT HAD COME TIME TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT UNLATCH. THE SEAT BELT EVENTUALLY HAD TO BE CUT OFF IN ORDER TO GET THE PASSENGER OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ID
10099788
Incident
Nov 3, 2004
Mileage
79,673 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 27, 2004

4 WHEEL DRIVE WONT WORK, MAKES POUNDING NOISE . *AK

NHTSA ID
10093192
Incident
Jun 4, 2004
AirbagsEngineFuel system+2 more
Filed Sep 13, 2004

VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 1995 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR WHILE, MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. THE FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE BAD. AT 25596 THE FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILED TO READ ACCURATELY, AT 59209, THE GAS CONNECTOR FAILED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE BREAK DOWN(S). THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH SPARK PLUG KNOCKING AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD A LEAK, THERE WERE UNRESOLVED SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, THE REPLACEMENT STEERING COLUMN HAD PLAY IN IT, THERE WAS A BAD BALL JOINT, AND THE AIR BAG WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC

NHTSA ID
10092738
Incident
Sep 14, 1994
AirbagsFuel systemSteering+1 more
Filed Sep 13, 2004

AIR BAG MALFUNCTION ON 1995 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR THE AIR BAG WAS INOPERATIVE, SINCE NO ONE WAS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY, THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM MAY HAVE ORIGINATED FROM THE FACTORY. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED FOR A THIRD TIME, THE STEERING COLUMN DISPLAYED A NOISE WHEN TURNING, THE LEFT FRONT DOOR LOCK DID NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEY OR THE REMOTE INTERMITTENTLY, AND THERE WAS CLUNKING IN THE FRONT END. ALSO, REFER TO ODI# 10092738 (SAME CONSUMER). *SC *JB

NHTSA ID
10092599
Incident
Sep 1, 2004
Body & structure
Filed Aug 15, 2004

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. *JB

NHTSA ID
10086877
Incident
Jan 1, 2003
Mileage
100,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Jul 11, 2004

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.*AK

NHTSA ID
10080791
Incident
Feb 22, 2003
Mileage
49,660 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 17, 2004
1 injury reported

I OWNED A 1995 DODGE DAKOTA 4 X 4 THAT LOST THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL ON THE INTERSTATE (AT 65 MPH) IN DECEMBER 1996. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN INTO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP SHOP THE WEEK BEFORE BECAUSE, THE FRONT END WAS MAKING A NOISE AND, PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE SHOP TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ONE WEEK LATER I HAD THIS ACCIDENT .I NOW HAVE A PERMANENT NECK AND, BACK INJURY WHICH REQUIRE ME TO BE ON PAIN MANAGEMENT,HAVE EPIDURALS EVERY 3 MONTHS FOR THE CHRONIC CERVICAL AND,LUMBAR PAIN. I ALSO MISS WORK DUE TO THIS CONDITION. I BELIEVE CHRYSLER DODGE KNEW THERE WAS A DEFECT AT THIS TIME. I CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT, WAS NOT ABLE TO PURSUE THIS DUE TO THE FACT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO A DODGE DEALERSHIP BY THE WRECKER, WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AND, WE WERE NEVER ABLE TO OBTAIN THE PARTS OR, WHEEL FROM MY VEHICLE. I FEEL THAT A EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE TO AVOID ANYONE ELSE BEING PERMANENTLY HURT OR, KILLED FOR CORPORATE GREED. PS..... I HAVE THE VIN # [XXX].. YOUR FORM DID NOT ACCEPT THIS VIN #. ALSO, THIS WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE POLICE AS THIS WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE INVOLVED. BUT, ALLSTATE INSURANCE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND, MY MEDICAL COSTS. *NM UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
10062396
Incident
Dec 4, 1996
Mileage
20,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Mar 5, 2004

I AM SUBMITTING THIS REPORT AS A RESULT OF THE REPORTED ONGOING INVESTIGATION REGARDING A DAKOTA/DURANGO WHEEL PROBLEM. ON 21 MAY 97 THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY OF MY 1995 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK COLLAPSED JUST AFTER I HAD PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY. VIN NUMBER: [XXX]. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED (INVOICE STATES SEIZED AND BROKEN STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY). I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN NOV 94. I PREVIOUSLY HAD REPORTED A PROBLEM REGARDING A NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO THE DEALER IN MARCH 95 (BUSHINGS REPLACED); APRIL 95 (REPLACED UPPER SPRING INSULATORS) AND AGAIN IN MAY 96 (FRONT END LUBRICATED). I HAVE THE DEALER REPAIR INVOICES DOCUMENTING THESE PROBLEMS AND THE CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN. *JB UPDATED 08/03/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
10060487
Incident
May 21, 1997
Mileage
23,588 mi
Body & structureBrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 15, 2004

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.

NHTSA ID
10071230
Incident
Nov 15, 2002
Mileage
90,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Narrow this down by component

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .