The 1996 Dodge Dakota is a pickup truck that came with a choice of 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl and 5.2L 8-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Standard Pickup Trucks |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl, 5.2L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Manual 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 12–19 city / 16–23 highway / 13–20 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,350–$5,150 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 444–684 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 9 configurations: Dakota Pickup 2WD, Dakota Pickup 4WD |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1996 Dodge Dakota. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
The power brake booster vacuum hose could be improperly installed and not clamped to the brake booster vacuum nipple.
Risk: A disconnected vacuum hose can cause an increase in engine idle speed and loss of brake power assist during brake application without prior warning.
Owners have filed 189 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA. 20 reports involved a crash and 6 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 8 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 58 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Dodge Dakota. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging system
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or sa
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1996 Dodge Dakota.
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
‹ Sell a 1995 Dakota · Sell a 1997 Dakota › · All Dodge Dakota years
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1996 Dakotas that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1996 Dodge Dakota; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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