According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1996 Dodge Dakota has 6 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints) ($350-$1,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota, the front upper and lower ball joints wear out prematurely, frequently well under 100,000 miles. The factory joints are sealed/non-greaseable; the boots tear, letting grease out and water/dirt in, so the joints corrode and wear rapidly. Second-generation (1997-1999) owners reported multiple worn joints as early as 43,000-86,000 miles. Worn upper joints are a genuine safety concern - in severe cases the front wheel can separate from the truck. Chrysler formally recognized this failure mode with recall 04V596 on 2000-2003 4WD upper ball joints (water intrusion + non-greaseable design); the same complaint pattern exists on the 1990s trucks, which were never recalled.
Replace worn ball joints in pairs (uppers and/or lowers as needed) and perform a four-wheel alignment. Enthusiasts recommend greaseable aftermarket joints (e.g., Moog problem-solver units) that can be maintained instead of another set of sealed OEM-style joints. Inspect at every tire rotation.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
MOOG RK623221 front left upper control-arm/ball-joint assembly
Confirm 2WD/4WD and suspension option in the seller catalog Listed at $125.30 on the live US fitment/product guide when checked
MOOG RK623220 front right upper control-arm/ball-joint assembly
Confirm 2WD/4WD and suspension option Listed at $125.30 on the live US fitment/product guide when checked
MOOG K7242 greaseable front upper ball joint
Replace worn upper joints for the later issue subset Fitment: 1997-1999 Dakota; confirm drive and suspension application Live direct US product page when checked
MOOG K7241 greaseable front lower ball joint
Replace worn lower joints for the verified RWD branch Fitment: 1997-1999 Dakota RWD only $65.99 and in stock when checked
On the 1996-1999 Dodge Dakota, the electronically-modulated 42RE (behind the V6) and 46RE (behind the V8) automatic transmissions, used 1996-1999, rely on a governor pressure solenoid and a governor pressure sensor mounted on the valve body to control shift timing. Heat and mileage fatigue the sensor and cause the solenoid to stick, producing erratic, harsh, or delayed shifts. A failed sensor commonly forces the transmission into limp mode (locked in a single gear). This is a well-known, relatively inexpensive failure often misdiagnosed as a worn-out transmission - Mopar reportedly priced the parts high early on because so many were failing.
Replace the governor pressure solenoid and governor pressure sensor as a set (inside the pan on the valve body) and change fluid and filter. This only fixes shift-quality complaints on an otherwise-healthy unit; if fluid is burnt or the transmission is already slipping mechanically, a rebuild is required.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Mopar 4617210 governor-pressure solenoid plus 56041403AA transducer
Replace the failed governor pressure solenoid and sensor together after scan data and hydraulic diagnosis isolate this pair Fitment: Vendor lists 1996-1999 A500/A518 42RE/46RE applications; confirm Dakota transmission tag before purchase…
Mopar governor-pressure solenoid and transducer set
Alternate exact-year source for the paired repair Fitment: Page is specific to 1996-1999 46RE/47RE-family applications; confirm a 46RE rather than assuming it fits every 3.9L Dakota $229.99 and Add to cart when checked
42RE/44RE governor solenoid, sensor, output-speed sensor, filter and gasket service kit
Complete fluid/filter and governor-electronics service branch for the exact transmission subset Fitment: 1998-1999 42RE/44RE only; not a 46RE kit $194.88 and in stock when checked
Mopar 68218058AC ATF+4 fluid
Approved replacement fluid after the electronic repair and transmission-specific filter service Fitment: Use the service-manual quantity for the exact 42RE/44RE/46RE and repair state Live Mopar direct product page when checked
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On the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota, the Magnum 3.9L/5.2L water pump is a common age-related failure. When the internal shaft seal wears, coolant weeps from the small hole on the underside of the pump, leaving coolant at the front of the engine. A frequently-overlooked companion failure is the short heater/bypass hose that dries out and cracks with age. Related in the same front-of-engine area, the distributor is prone to moisture intrusion under the cap, causing stumble/stall when driving through water on these first-gen trucks.
Stumble/stall after driving through water (distributor moisture)
How to Fix
Replace the water pump and, at the same time, replace the bypass hose, thermostat, and serpentine belt while access is open. Use thread sealant on the long water-pump bolts that thread into coolant passages (they leak otherwise). For moisture-related stalling, replace a worn cap and rotor and seal/shield the distributor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Gates 43034 engine water pump
Replace a pump confirmed leaking at the weep hole or with bearing play Fitment: Seller fitment covers selected 1993-2003 Dakota 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L applications; this issue uses only verified 1993-1999 3.9L/5.2L overlap Live direct US product…
Gates engine water pump for 1992 Dakota 3.9L V6/5.2L V8
Exact-year water-pump replacement branch Fitment: 1992 Dakota 3.9L/5.2L only; does not establish 1990-1991 fitment Live direct US product page when checked
Procedure reference for bolt locations, sealing and replacement workflow Fitment: 1999 2WD 3.9L procedure only; use the exact service manual for other years/engines Live service-reference page when checked
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
On the 1992-1999 Dodge Dakota, the 3.9L and 5.2L Magnum engines use a two-piece intake manifold: a cast-aluminum upper and a stamped-steel plenum pan bolted to the underside with a gasket sealing them. Because the steel plate and aluminum manifold expand at different rates, over years of heat cycling the steel plate shifts and tears the gasket. Manifold vacuum then draws crankcase oil mist and blow-by up through the failed gasket into the intake runners, most notably feeding cylinder #8 on the V8. This is one of the most universally documented failures on 1992-1999 Magnum-powered Dakotas (the LA engines in 1990-1991 do not use this plenum-pan design). Chrysler issued TSBs 18-34-97, 18-48-98 and 09-05-00 addressing it.
Replace the failed gasket and swap the original stamped-steel plenum pan for an aftermarket aluminum replacement plate that addresses the root cause. Use fresh intake bolts (the originals stretch) and reseal the manifold. A cheap fix relative to the internal wear/oil consumption it prevents. Confirm diagnosis by opening the throttle blades and shining a light into the intake for pooled oil.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Hughes HUG 7720FEL 5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8 plenum repair kit
Complete aluminum plate, Fel-Pro gasket, fastener and bypass-hose repair Fitment: Manufacturer lists all 1992-2003 5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8 engines; this issue uses the 1992-1999 5.2L Dakota overlap $195.48 on the live manufacturer product pa…
On the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota, like most pickups of the era, 1990-1999 Dakotas rust in predictable places, especially in road-salt regions. The lower cab corners, rocker panels, and rear wheel-well arches trap road grime, salt, and moisture and rot from the inside out. Rockers and cab corners are typically the first to perforate. Aftermarket support is extensive precisely because this is such a common, expected age-related failure; dedicated repair panels are stocked for every year of the generation.
Bubbling/flaking paint at lower cab corners and rockers
Rust-through holes behind the doors
Perforated rear wheel-well lips
Flaking metal along rocker panels
How to Fix
Cut out rusted metal and weld in replacement cab-corner, rocker, and wheel-arch panels, then prime and paint. Slip-on rocker covers exist as a lower-cost cosmetic option but proper repair is cut-and-weld. Treat the cavities with rust inhibitor/cavity wax afterward to slow recurrence.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Cut-and-weld repair branch for the exact Club Cab subset Fitment: 1997-2004 Club Cab product; this issue uses the 1997-1999 overlap only Live direct US product page when checked
Cut-and-weld wheel-arch repair for the exact side and generation Fitment: Left side, 1997-2004 generation; this issue uses 1997-1999 only In stock on the direct product page when checked
On the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota, dakota HVAC problems are common with age. On the first-generation trucks the mode doors (defrost/vent/floor) are vacuum-operated; a cracked or disconnected vacuum line (routed near the brake booster on the driver's side) causes the system to default to defrost and lose control of where air blows. The temperature blend door and its actuator can stick, leaving the truck stuck hot or cold. The heater core also clogs with age, producing weak heat. Because the HVAC box is buried behind the dash, repairs are labor-intensive.
Heat fades or changes when accelerating (vacuum leak)
How to Fix
Diagnose by isolating vacuum vs. blend-door vs. heater-core: repair/replace cracked vacuum lines and check the reservoir first (cheap), free or replace the blend-door/actuator, and flush or replace a clogged heater core (dash removal required). Fixing the vacuum leak resolves the very common 'stuck on defrost' complaint.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
Campaign #08E06400020/10/2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Campaign #06E02600023/03/2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1996 Dodge Dakota has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints), 46RE/42RE Governor Pressure Solenoid and Sensor Failure, Cooling System Wear: Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak, Dried Bypass Hose, and Distributor Moisture. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?
The 1996 Dodge Dakota has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Dakota problems?
Repair costs for known Dodge Dakota issues range from $150 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints), typically costs $350-$1,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints)?
The front upper and lower ball joints wear out prematurely, frequently well under 100,000 miles. The factory joints are sealed/non-greaseable; the boots tear, letting grease out and water/dirt in, so the joints corrode and wear rapidly. Second-generation (1997-1999) owners report… Repairs typically run $350-$1,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1996-1999 Dodge Dakota 46RE/42RE Governor Pressure Solenoid and Sensor Failure?
The electronically-modulated 42RE (behind the V6) and 46RE (behind the V8) automatic transmissions, used 1996-1999, rely on a governor pressure solenoid and a governor pressure sensor mounted on the valve body to control shift timing. Heat and mileage fatigue the sensor and cause… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Cooling System Wear: Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak, Dried Bypass Hose, and Distributor Moisture?
The Magnum 3.9L/5.2L water pump is a common age-related failure. When the internal shaft seal wears, coolant weeps from the small hole on the underside of the pump, leaving coolant at the front of the engine. A frequently-overlooked companion failure is the short heater/bypass ho… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 1992-1999 Dodge Dakota Intake Plenum Pan Gasket Failure (Magnum V6/V8) Causing Oil Consumption and Misfire?
The 3.9L and 5.2L Magnum engines use a two-piece intake manifold: a cast-aluminum upper and a stamped-steel plenum pan bolted to the underside with a gasket sealing them. Because the steel plate and aluminum manifold expand at different rates, over years of heat cycling the steel… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Body Rust: Cab Corners, Rocker Panels, and Rear Wheel Arches?
Like most pickups of the era, 1990-1999 Dakotas rust in predictable places, especially in road-salt regions. The lower cab corners, rocker panels, and rear wheel-well arches trap road grime, salt, and moisture and rot from the inside out. Rockers and cab corners are typically the… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota HVAC Airflow/Heat Loss: Vacuum-Actuated Doors, Blend Door, and Clogged Heater Core?
Dakota HVAC problems are common with age. On the first-generation trucks the mode doors (defrost/vent/floor) are vacuum-operated; a cracked or disconnected vacuum line (routed near the brake booster on the driver's side) causes the system to default to defrost and lose control of… Repairs typically run $150-$1,100. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
