1996 Dodge Dakota body problems

Filed Mar 31, 2016 · Body · 144,000 miles · OH

I have a 96 dodge dakota that frame is rusting out. It has rusted out where the emergency brake cable hooks up so now no emergency brakes. Tubular frame is rusted out in about 3 places, a bumper bracket rusted out. I have tried twice to paint frame with out any success. Body is not rusting at all. I am also a volunteer fire fighter. Called dodge and they said there is nothing they are doing to fix or recall this problems done research and mine is not the only one this is been happening to. Included a youtube video of one that they took the body off of http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=96+dodge+dakota+frame+problems+youtube&view=detail&mid=4094674f6964c6f203f74094674f6964c6f203f7&form=vire

Filed Jan 19, 2014 · Body, Brakes · 235,000 miles · IA

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. I have yet to return to the exhaust systems shop to see if they can fix it due to it being under warranty, but my mechanic said that it mostly because there's an unneeded amount of extra power going to the o2 sensor which is causing it to fault. Anyhow, I appreciate anything that can be looked at into this, because I do live on a hilly suburb and I rather not take the fault of my vehicle failing and damaging state, neighbors or even my own property, let alone myself getting hurt.

Filed Nov 28, 2010 · Body · 1,000 miles · NC

Drivers side door hinge broke 11/20/ 2010 paint off hood and top . They were painted three times while under warranty. 1996 model with 69,000 miles.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body · 88,500 miles · TX · crash

The weld on the lower, driver's side, door hinge completely separated. In my attempt to get it repaired, the local welders and body shop guys told me that this was a common failure on the dakotas and they knew exactly how to repair it. The failure of that hinge makes it dificult to get out of the vehicle-I bent the front quarter panel where the door meets it when it failed.

Filed Jun 6, 2003 · Body · TN

Paint on hood and top of truck have been peeling off. Also, the hinge on the drivers door has broken off of the metal. In hearing from others this is not an isolated incident on either issue listed above.

Filed Mar 11, 2003 · Body · 101,000 miles · PA

Frame cracked in half behind the suspension on passenger side.

Filed Jun 19, 2002 · Body · WI

Locking mechanism for passenger side door malfunctioned. Unable to close door.

Filed Nov 6, 2001 · Body, Wheels · MI

Door hinges seized and caused the hinges to be replaced on the first failure. The second failure resulted in having to replace the entire drivers door and hinges. While attempting to rotate tires, all 6 wheel studs broke on the drivers side left rear wheel. I completed the wheel stud replacement my self.

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Body · AZ

Welds on bottom hinge of drivers door have broken. Door is hanging by top hinge only.*ak

Filed Jun 28, 2001 · Body · FL

Driver's side door hinge came off body of truck. There was only one hinge on drivers side door. Consumer has yet to contact dealer. Please provide any further information.