- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Dodge Dakota Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 296 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (100) and the brakes (51). Those complaints describe 16 crashes, 5 fires and 12 injuries. It is covered by 11 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 2002 has 689 and the 2004 has 206.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Dakota year, for its age
#49 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 296
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes
- 16
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 12
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Dodge Dakota problems
Share of all 296 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Dodge Dakota recalls 11
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- Skf is recalling 2,805 hub units, part no. Br930361, sold as a service part for 1997-2004 dodge dakota vehicles and 1999-2003 dodge durango vehicles equipped with 2-wheel drive & rear axle abs. Due to a specification error, the rotor pilot for the hub unit may be too long. This results in the wheel to not be seated fully against the hub flange face during mounting.
- The risk
- Improper seating of the wheel can result in excessive vibration, brake rotor noise, difficulty removing the wheel after installation and operation of the vehicle, and possibly wheel-end separation during vehicle operation. Should wheel-end separation occur, the driver could loose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Skf will notify owners and replace the defective hub units free of charge. The recall began on november 5, 2008. Owners may contact skf vsm north america customer service at 1-800-644-8999.
- The problem
- Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on july 31, 2006. Owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
- The problem
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
- The problem
- Certain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, And 57-1530. Also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. P5007069 and p5007070). All kits were manufactured from april 20, 1999, through september 23, 2004. These assemblies were manufactured as replacement equipment for certain dodge pickup trucks and suvs. A small piece of material from the tube wall could be sucked into the engine throttle body, which could cause the throttle to become jammed in the open position.
- The risk
- A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
- The fix
- K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on april 20, 2006.
- The problem
- Certain aftermarket airtex electric fuel pumps installed for use as replacement equipment for certain 1997-2004 jeep wrangler; 1997-2001 jeep cherokee; 1997-2004 jeep grand cherokee; and 2000-2003 dodge dakota vehicles. The plastic electrical grommet connectors at the top of the fuel pump module are not compatible with automotive fuels and may degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel.
- The risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on january 25, 2006. Owners may contact airtex customer service department at 1-800-880-3056.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.
- The risk
- Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.
- The risk
- Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on july 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the headlamp and dash wiring harness may be chafed by the actuation of the clutch pedal. This could result in abnormal operation of the wipers, turn signals, horn or lighting systems.
- The risk
- This could affect driver visibility, could prevent a driver from sounding a warning by using the horn, and, when the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will reroute the wire harness and repair the harness if necessary. Owner notification began november 3, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks, the central timer module (ctm) has an improperly sized circuit board trace that could potentially cause the right headlamp low beam to become inoperative.
- The risk
- If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the ctm. Owner notification began december 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners say
Be the first Dakota owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
296 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Dakota
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 12.
The lower ball joint just snapped the whole right front end assembly hub
The front end got a hard vibrate i replace the shocks two times and its not fix the problem seem like something going too brake off like a wheel or something dont feel safe driving it
2003 Dodge dakota. Consumer writes in regards to electrical issues. The consumer stated the vehicle veered off the road into shrubs. The consumer slept in the vehicle over night. The vehicle was towed.
Airbag red light is on all the time ignition switch is on. Airbag red warning light on all the time, sitting still or driving
I have had electrical issues since last year. First time the wipers, lights and blinkers quit working late in the evening, almost didn't make it to the auto shop. Told me the computer was the issue but they got the truck working again. Then it happened again but I knew to try the disconnect the battery trick and that worked. Yesterday I was in line to pick up a food box, idling and the truck just quit, I tried to get it to restart with no luck. Thankfully this did not happen while I was actually driving so I was...
Read the full complaint
safe where it happened. I got it towed and am pretty sure it is the tipm based on the steps I took, switching out the working relays with the one for the fuel pump. Still wouldn't start so pretty sure it is a bad tipm. *Tr
1. While sitting in park on a automatic transmission. In a still position rolled front or back more than a couple inches. Had to step on brake while in park and had to block wheels when engine was off to keep from rolling. Emergency brake does not hold or work properly either. 2. The heater has only high position working now. The dash gets to hot to even keep heat on very long. Fuel cap with key. When getting fuel truck has to be turned off before pumping otherwise engine light comes on the dash and needs to be...
Read the full complaint
reset or driven miles before engine lightor goes back off.3. The upper ball joints had to replace twice now. Breaks had to replace twice also due to suspension being out of whack and problem above. Now there is noise in front driver side wheel area. 4. Put all new break lines on it because they kept blowing out. Leaking in different locations by too much pressure build up in sections of lines. 5. I bought it in 2018 used from a dealer. But I have put so much work on it that now there's a transmission problem. 6. Having no or little breaks all of sudden in a crowded intersection or having to block wheels so it doesn't roll into another car but no accident yet but could happen.
This truck has a problem with the window regulator on all doors. We have had to replace them each two times. The window will fall down and window regulator will just snap. He has replaced and does not know what to do. This to me is a safety hazard. He has bolted the windows shut and will be stuck closed. He says it's a plastic regulator that snaps. Anyone know what we can do to remedy this problem.
Wiring harness connected to a/c and hater blower motor melts and causes the blower motor to fail. It has happened twice in 2 years. The first time the dealer put in a new harness at my expense, around 400 dollars. Both times the blower motor stopped while driving under normal city driving conditions. There are other complaints about this problem on this ntsb website, and they describe the exact same symptoms and conditions both before and after harness failure. My fear is the harness melting and could cause a fire under the dash leading to a crash or vehicle fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. While driving, the clutch was applied and the exterior lighting became inoperable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called ferrario chrysler dodge jeep (2463 corning rd, elmira, ny 14903, (607) 733-9108) and informed them of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The contact stated that the failure was similar to nhtsa campaign number: 02v322000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was 42,000. *Bf *tp
Vehicle will shift gear mechanically, but will not shift into neutral and/or park on the dash. Vehicle also will not start as a result.
To whom it concerns: I am requesting that the dot nhtsa investigate the possibility of a tire sidewall separation or sidewall delamination of cooper tires (cooper tire & rubber company) model discoverer rtx, size p245/70r16, dot ut9h 2bm 1818. I purchased a set of 4 tires (discoverer rtx, 245/70r16) on november 14, 2018 for my 2003 dodge dakota. On december 9, 2018, I was driving on the highway for the first time since purchasing the cooper tires. I suddenly heard a noise similar to driving on grooved...
Read the full complaint
payment or rumble-strips. However, the roadway was smooth and clear. I pulled over immediately and checked the tires. The right-rear tire was torn (shredded) all-around between the tire shoulder and tread, resulting in two separate pieces. Upon further inspection, I found a portion of the side wall where the outer and inner sections were not adhered (or not glued) together like the rest of the tire. I am concerned that this tire was defective and that the other 3 tires may also be affected. Can you look into this to see if this tire should be recalled? I am concerned about the safety of these tires. Thank you
Lost exterior lights (parking lights, license plate light, tail lights, and instrument panel lights) while driving. Headlights, turn lights, and brake lights functioning. Ctm was diagnosed and replaced to correct the issue, however safety concerns caused the vehicle to be unused in low light conditions until problem diagnosed. Repetitive postings about this models ctm failures all over the internet and adjoining safety consideration with only a limited recall, which did not include my vehicle. No after market parts were found and replaced with a item for a local junk yard which may simply fail again.
The fan in my truck randomly shuts off so in turn, my ac does not work nor does the heat when this occurs. This happens every three months. It is not working again this week and there has been a heat wave all week of course. It happens at all different times. It starts out shutting off then it will work for a day again then it will go out permanently. This is probably the fifth time in two years
Over a period of time I gradually noticed exhaust gas coming into the cab. I had no idea why I was getting a headache and becoming exhausted. I took the truck into a dealer and he found exhaust manifold bolts broken allowing exhaust gas to escape through the gaskets.
Head lights intermittently start blinking and eventually go out all together along with dash and dome lights. Online forums say it's the ctm. The next day it's fine then out of the blue it starts acting up again. Very dangerous when traveling at night. Any recalls for this? Seems to be quite common for this year dakota
Fuel tank hanger brackets rusted into and gas take fell out causing a hole to be rubbed through the bottom of the tank. Twelve gallons of fuel was lost. Luckily there was no fire or explosion. I was only going 35 mph and stopped as soon as I heard dragging. I was traveling on a city street at the time. I filed a complaint with dodge, file number 31424705.
There have been many recalls that include my model but, neither the previous owner or me, received any mail from any dealer or the manufacturer.
I recently bought a used 2003 dodge dakota. The truck was great except that at night when I would turn on the headlights all of the interior and exterior lights would flash off then back on approximately every two seconds to 30 seconds. After driving for about half an hour with this happening I became very frustrated. After doing some research on the internet, I narrowed down my problem to the dakota central timing module. It appears as if many dodge customers have this exact issue with these dodge model trucks. It...
Read the full complaint
is very unsafe to operate a vehicle under these conditions. This issue did not depend on whether I was driving in rough terrain at night or during the day. No matter where I drive the truck, if the lights are on it will begin to start blinking off and then on intermittently. Please fix this problem! I have since had to purchase a used central timing module off of the internet because when I went to the dealer, they told me that they were not able to get the part and if they were it would cost over $500 just for the part. *Tr
Our pick up truck was diagnosed with needing a central timer module replacement. We learned that there is a recall for vehicles that were built from 10/2/02 through 11/8/02. Our vehicle was built on 9/12/02. Our vehicle was built just 2 weeks before the recall and needs the same type of repair! Dodge will not pay for the repair. Problem occurs when it is stationary or in motion. We are requesting that you investigate this issue and expand the recall to include our vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the low beam headlights failed to illuminate. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 10/06/16*lj *tr
2003 Dodge dakota. Consumer writes in regards to dealership unable to diagnose and repair engine stalling problems. *Smd after having a computer update performed, the vehicle continued to stall. *Jb
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the headlamps, interior lighting, gauges, and instrument panel randomly failed. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 02v322000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Pig tail connection to control blower motor for a/c and heat will melt. The fear is that it will cause a fire in the cab. There seems to be a history of this same problem and nothing is being done about this hazard.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. When the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The dealer stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 3 mph and making a left turn, the front driver side upper left ball joint suddenly failed and caused the wheel to separate from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who indicated that the failure was caused by rust and corrosion of the ball joint. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 114,208.
Dodge Dakota: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 145 | 4 | B |
| 2006 | 285 | 6 | D |
| 2005 | 470 | 7 | F |
| 2004 | 206 | 5 | C |
| 2003 | 296 | 11 | D |
| 2002 | 689 | 12 | F |
| 2001 | 678 | 14 | F |
| 2000 | 830 | 12 | F |
| 1999 | 688 | 10 | F |
2003 Dodge Dakota vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 296 | 11 | D | |
| 2003 Dodge Ram | 1,359 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Dodge Ram Van | 1,239 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Dodge Ram Wagon | 1,223 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 | 661 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Dodge Durango | 339 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 | 286 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan | 219 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Dodge Neon | 202 | 5 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Dodge Dakota
Does the 2003 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Dakota: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); hub (October 2008); exterior lighting (July 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Dakota?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (100), brakes (51), transmission & drivetrain (38).
How many complaints has the 2003 Dodge Dakota had?
296 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 19, 2002 and the latest on August 31, 2026. Of these, 16 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 12 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Dodge Dakota a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 38 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Dodge Dakota year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Dakota years have the most complaints?
2000 (830), 2002 (689), 1999 (688). See every Dodge Dakota year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Dodge Dakota has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data