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1996 Dodge

Dakota Pickup 2WD

Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L

Dodge Dakota: best and worst years
1996 Dodge Dakota Pickup 2WD

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 1996.

PhotoJacob Frey 4ACC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Pickup TrucksEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 4-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
14 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,900EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Dimensions & capacity

Length
207 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Width
69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Height
66 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Wheelbase
124 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Curb Weight
3,525 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
GVWR class
Class 1D (5,001 to 6,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
1
Owner complaints
189
Reported injuries
8

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN12%
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING11%
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC10%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8%
  • STRUCTURE8%
  • AIR BAGS5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 235 total.

Dodge Dakota: best and worst years

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.