One problem related to clutch has been reported for the 1996 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1. The power steering high- pressure hose has an o-ring inside of the fitting that connects to the gearbox. The o-ring completely failed while driving causing difficult steering, which was very unexpected. Refilling the resevoir resulted in a high pressure spray of hydraulic fluid covering the entire engine compartment and lasting less than two miles with no turns. 2. The clutch does not disengage when the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor, there is plenty of fluid in the resevoir, and there is resistance when pressing the pedal. To down shift, I had to stop the engine, put the transmission in 1st gear push in the clutch, then start the engine. There is just enough clutch to keep the vehicle from moving if the brake is on. There were no previous warnings or indications that this failure was pending.