2003 Dodge Dakota: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 199,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Aug 24, 2007 · Transmission · 34,700 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle slipped out of gear and began to roll while it was parked. The vehicle was unable to be driven because it would not shift into gear. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 34,700.

Filed Aug 10, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · 11 miles · NY

I have a light knocking in my engine. The first time I took it to the dealer, they stated there was something wrong with the engine, but unable to indentify the problem. I took it back again. They had it for 3 days, and said there was nothing wrong with it. They say all dodge engines make that noise. Unknown to them, I have 2 and my other does not make the same noise. It has occasionally stalled both backing up and going forward. There is a pulling to the right even after having it aligned and balanced. It does not shift properly and won't stay in cruise control while climbing a hill. Also my oil hose was loose causing a rattling under the hood. The light showing you the gear your in did not work properly. Over all the worse vehicle I have ever owned with a hefty tag.

Filed Jun 3, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · WI

Various problems with 2003 dodge dakota. *mr there were backfires at times, the pedal would barely move at stop signs, when backing out, the vehicle would stay in second gear for a long period of time and the consumer would have to let off of the gas pedal then shift into high gear, sometimes the vehicle wouldn't shift into overdrive, then as soon as it started to misfire, the vehicle would drop to overdrive, the cruise control was inoperative, there was a whine and or howl in the rear differential around 50 MPH, the engine light would never come on, sometimes the shift lever would be placed in park and the vehicle would start, at times when shifting to reverse or drive, the vehicle would not move and the would have to be jerked around on the shift lever, the heater controls were inoperative, and there were noises when the lights on the radio were turned on. The valve on the transmission was change and helped the vehicle, but sometimes when the vehicle was shifted up or down in gear it would be a problem. *sc

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 1,571 miles · NJ

Transmission will not shift from 2nd to 3rd gear when climbing grades. Also truck will stall out with no warning or check engine lights.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Transmission · 200 miles · PA

Truck will not shift properly when going up grade. Engine will rev at 4500-5000 RPM but will not shift until I slightly release the gas pedal. Truck will also perform multiple hard up shifts when in cruise control going up grade... Had the truck in for service 3 times. First time in may, 1 month after purchase, the dealer reprogrammed the computer with a "flash update" and adjusted throttle linkage. That was no help. Several months later I took it in for the same problem, and dealer found nothing wrong. The third time, january 2004, I took a technician for a test drive, and he agreed that the truck was not shifting properly. They replaced the "valve body" in the transmission and the problem has now gotten worse. They informed me that the truck is now having problem shifting out of park. They claim they need to replace the same part they just installed, they say it must have been a defective "valve". Furthermore, the technician is now saying the original shifting problem is normal because dodge reprogrammed the transmission to avoid multiple up & down shifting when going up a grade. This was down to put "less stress" on the transmission. Doesn't make sense, dodge is saving the transmission by making it work less and destroying the engine by letting it rev at 5000 RPM..... P.s. This shifting problem has been occurring since the day I drove the truck off the lot.

Filed Jan 4, 2004 · Transmission · 8,976 miles · NM

Automatic transmission will not shift to third gear unless the gas pedal is almost fully released. Transmission will not downshift to pass.

Filed Dec 15, 2003 · Transmission · 3,200 miles · IL

Engine malfunction light illuminated. Tranmission will not shift from third gear. Dealer confirmed problem, ordered replacement transmission module. Replacement did not correct problem. Further investigation from dealer found broken wire in wiring harness leading to transmission.

Filed Dec 3, 2003 · Brakes, Fuel system · 6,000 miles · NY

At 6,000 miles the upper ball joints failed. When riding over any size bump in the road the front end collapsed. *ak the vehicle pulled to the right when driving and when braking, the flapper door for the fuel filler neck was missing and or fell inside the tank, the transmission did not shift properly, the front and rear rotors were grooved, worn uneven and pitted. *scc

Filed Sep 25, 2003 · Acceleration, Brakes · 20 miles · PA

The day I brought my 2003 dodge dakota quad cab home, I noticed a howling noise coming from the rear brakes when in reverse. Took it back to dealer to find out what was the cause and for it to be repaired. Service manager said that the breaks needed to be broken in and then the noise would stop. Took truck back for oil change after 3000 miles and informed service manager that the truck was still making howling noise. Told me there was a service bulletin on this problem and that as soon as the parts came in he would call . I'm still waiting. Also I am having transmission problems. When I am climbing a grade the transmission seems to get stuck in second gear. I have to let off the gas for it to shift. Sometimes the shift is very harsh and at other times it misses a gear altogether. Truck has a hard time maintaining set speed when cruise control is set. Seems to wait too long to shift to bring the truck up to speed