2003 Dodge Dakota recalls and problems
The 2003 Dodge Dakota has 4 safety recalls and 296 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Dodge Dakota vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Dodge Dakota recalls
Recall 04V-596: Suspension
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.
Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
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.
Recall 04V-216: Visibility
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.
Risk: Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
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.
Recall 03V-389: Electrical System
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.
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.
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.
Recall 02V-322: Exterior Lighting
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.
Risk: If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
2003 Dodge Dakota problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 121 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 46 | |
| Power Train | 40 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 35 | |
| Electrical System | 35 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 22 | |
| Visibility | 19 | |
| Steering | 14 | |
| Air Bags | 13 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 | |
| Structure | 8 |
Most reported parts
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint — 54
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 22
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 16
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 15
- Suspension › Front — 15
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 13
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 7
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 6
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 34,700 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Dodge Dakota complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Dodge Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Dakota: 04V-596 (suspension), 04V-216 (visibility), 03V-389 (electrical system), 02V-322 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Dakota?
Owners report suspension problems most often (121 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (46). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 34,700 miles.
Are Dodge recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.