The lower ball joint just snapped the whole right front end assembly hub
The worst 2003 Dodge Dakota problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension100
- Brakes51
- Transmission38
- Engine35
- Electrical34
- Lights23
- Visibility17
- Steering14
- Airbags13
- Fuel system13
- Acceleration9
- Body8
- Tires8
- Wheels5
- Locks3
- Seat belts3
- Driver assistance2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Dodge Dakota
Ball joint 86Grinding brakes 18Headlights 17Wipers 15Stalling 14Adaptive cruise 12Check engine light 10Won't shift 10Premature wear 9Whining noise 9Harsh shifting 7Slipping 7Pulling 7Engine failure 6No deployment 5Brake failure 5Knocking 5
Recalls 4
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 04V596000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 04V216000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 03V389000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 02V322000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Dakota
Defect investigations
Upper ball joint separation
Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (the federal safety agency recall no. 04v‑596).though dcc does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise.because of the low rates of separation incidents in the remaining subject vehicles, a safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA03023
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Dodge Dakota 50
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Plate
- Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the...
- ABS Brake Module Code 82 and 83 Setting Within The Brake Module
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard...
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to...
- Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision...
- Service
2003 Dodge Dakota fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-16 | 17-19 | 16-17 |
| 4.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 18-19 | 15-16 |
| 3.9L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-14 | 16-18 | 14-15 |
| 4.7L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17 | 14-15 |
| 5.9L 8‑cyl | RWD | 12 | 16 | 14 |
| 5.9L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 11 | 16 | 13 |
What 2003 Dodge Dakota owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 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.
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 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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v322000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was 42,000. *bf
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.
Compare the 2003 Dodge Dakota
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Questions about the 2003 Dodge Dakota
Is the 2003 Dodge Dakota reliable?
Owners have filed 296 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Dakota, 1.4 times a typical Dakota model year.
What is the 2003 Dodge Dakota year score?
The 2003 Dodge Dakota scores 60 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Dakota: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Dakota?
Suspension, with 100 complaints, typically around 32,000 miles. Next is brakes (51).
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Dakota have?
4 recalls, covering suspension, visibility and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Dodge Dakota suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V596000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge Dakota have bad suspension?
The Dodge Dakota model years with the most suspension complaints are 1999 (342 complaints), 2000 (282 complaints) and 2001 (236 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Dakota get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Dodge Dakota range from 13 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.9L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-16 city and 17-19 highway.
VIN decoder
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