Three problems related to structure have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
Frame cracked in half behind the suspension on passenger side.
When vehicle is driven 70 mph and above a strong whistling noise can be heard inside the vehicle.