1996 Dodge Dakota engine problems

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 Jul 19, 2006 · Engine · 99,501 miles · CA

1996 dodge dakota slt, 5.2l, 4dr ( 99,000 mi) failed ca emission test on 7/8/06. Suspected reason for the high emission was failure of the catalytic converter. Daimler chrysler corp. (dcc) will not replace this converter at their expense even though they have a recall on some 1.5 million 1996 - 2001 vehicles for failed converters. No letter was received from them and when contacted, they say the vehicle is not on the list for recall. I believe this vehicle should be on the list.

Filed Apr 19, 2004 · Engine · NY

Vehicle stalled and did not re-start. Vehicle stalled at least 3 times in the last 6 months.

Filed Dec 9, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · MO

Engine stalls while driving at highway speeds. Dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. *ak later the consumer was told the battery was bad, the transmission was blown out due to flat bearing also, the check light engine kept flashing. The consumer made several attempts to find an adequate dealership to fix problems. *cb the vehicle wobbled back and forth, the consumer later discovered the wheels were flawed. The gas tank level was not operational.

Filed May 8, 2003 · Engine · FL

The consumer received a letter in 1999 stating there was a recall on the exhaust outer manifold studs, and at that time there was nothing wrong with the manifold, however the vehicle had experienced a problem with the manifold studs.

Filed Mar 14, 2003 · Engine · IL

The water pump failed.

Filed Dec 25, 2002 · Engine · TX

Recently purchased a 1996 dodge dakota pu. I'm having problems with the catalitic converter as though it's clogging up and or falling apart internally. Has there been a recall on this vehicle and also what are all of the recalls issued on the 1996 dodge dakota, so that I can get all of them fixed, even if it is at my expense.

Filed Jul 29, 2002 · Engine · FL

When backing up there was a squeaking noise. The engine was not getting enough power, and was leaking antifreeze. The mechanic replaced the water pump and other parts. This stopped the squeaking. *ak

Filed Jun 3, 2002 · Engine · PA

While driving, noticed oil indication light flashed on, consumer pulled vehicle over to check oil and to add more oil. Soon after, vehicle shutdown. Consumer added more oil. As a result of this, the engine needed to be replaced. Dealer and manufacturer have been contacted. *ak consumer found that oil pump failed to send oil to engine.

Filed Aug 7, 2001 · Engine · WI

Consumer experienced engine failure due to inadequate oiling because of sludge in the bottom of the oil pan, consumer was informed by mechanic that part of the reason for the sludge accumulating in the oil pan was due to a poor oil pan design, the way the drain plug is situated it does not allow for complete drainage of the oil during an oil change, which ultimately clogged the oil pump and caused the engine to fail.