2003 Dodge Dakota visibility problems

Filed Jul 24, 2009 · Visibility · 111,000 miles · CO · fire

My husband and I had driven our 2003 dodge dakota quad cab about four or five miles when we smelled smoke. My husband looked in our rear view mirror and noticed smoke coming from between the cab and truck bed not from the engine area. At the same time, I glanced in the side mirrors and saw something liquid (or melted) dripping behind us on fire in the road and leaving a burning trail on the asphalt. We immediately pulled over (thank god there was a spot to do so!) but had no brakes. Due to the sandy nature of the dirt and slight uphill he was able to throw it into park. I bailed out my side and ran. Randy tried to exit his side, but the flames were already too high so he luckily was able to get out my side as well. The entire underside of the truck was engulfed in flames and when randy hit the ground he noticed what he thought was the catalytic converter hanging down and on also fire. The truck exploded about 10 - 15 seconds after we escaped. This was a well maintained vehicle both inside and out and we had absolutely no warning that we were in any danger or that there was anything wrong with the truck.

Filed Apr 11, 2009 · Visibility · CA

Have had to replace 2 of 4 window cables and motors. Truck is now back in for third window in a seven month period. Windows are hardly ever rolled up or down. Vehicle has 46000 miles on it, proving not a lot of wear and tear. First window, was rolling back up, got half way and fell down. Second window fell while in parking lot and no one was around. Third window fell when closing door.

Filed Sep 19, 2008 · Brakes, Engine · 5,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota quad cab. Whenever the brake pedal was applied, the brakes would pulsate, overheat, and lock up. The stopping distance would also increase. The dealer stated that wet conditions and high speed braking caused the rotors to warp. In addition, the vehicle idles high and roughly when approaching a stop sign or traffic light. When accelerating from a stop or merging into traffic, the vehicle would idle roughly. There was no throttle response for approximately 10 to 20 seconds, but then the vehicle would surge forward. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer approximately five times for these issues, but the failures still persist. All the sensors were replaced, but the failure is becoming worse. The dealer replaced the front rotors three times and the contact replaced them four times. The current mileage was 132,655 and failure mileage was 5,000. Updated 11/06/08. *lj the rotors and brakes were replaced several times. The consumer was told the vehicle had a faulty master cylinder that was not letting the rear brakes ever work. The air conditioner was built to drain into the front passenger floor. The computer in the vehicle would not accept updates. The intermediate shaft was replaced. The wiper motor was replaced. Updated 11/06/08.

Filed Jul 9, 2008 · Visibility · 92,800 miles · CA

Window regulator fails when shutting door, dropping window down in door channel. Window regulator must be replaced. Has just happened for the 3rd time in past 1 year. Each time a different window of this dakota quad cab pickup I purchased new from dealer. Vehicle has been in no accidents.

Filed Apr 11, 2008 · Electrical, Fuel system · 65,700 miles · NV

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. While driving between 5-10 MPH, the contact heard a loud thud coming from the axle area. The four wheel drive indicator light illuminated and the headlights, interior lights, and windshield wipers failed completely. Eventually, the horn began to sound intermittently, the windshield wipers began wiping automatically, and the low fuel indicator light illuminated and continued to chime. The contact believes that all the failures were related to the central timer module. The federal safety agency campaign id number 02v322000 (exterior lighting:headlights switch) was referenced. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 66,000 and failure mileage was 65,700.

Filed Dec 12, 2007 · Electrical, Lights · 47,250 miles · NV

25jan06 tell dodge dealer that pass window inop from pass side switch works from drivers side switch. Dodge replace switch. 20apr06 tell dodge dealer pass window inop from pass side but works from drivers side. Dodge couldn't find anything wrong. Persists up to 7dec07, hopefully my mechanic found the trouble. 1dec07 "service 4wd" light came on 3dec07 called to get apptmt for truck 4dec07 remote door entry wouldn't work or door lock for all doors on driver arm rest, windshield washer and wiper pulse wouldn't work 5dec07 headlights did not come on during evening traffic commute, turn signals worked 7dec07 take truck to shop finds short to ground in circuit to into lights (fuse#1) pnk wire near parking brake petal, replace central timer module (p/n 56049072al).

Filed Mar 10, 2005 · Steering, Visibility · CA

When making a left turn at 30 MPH consumer heard a popping sound. When the vehicle was serviced, the consumer was informed that a tie rod needed replacement. Consumer was still having the same problem, even after the repair was made. *ak *nm the consumer stated the dealer refused replace the wiper motor even though there was a recall.

Filed Jan 11, 2005 · Lights, Visibility · 37,200 miles · CA

Recall 04v216000/windshield wiper module motor: after this recall repair was performed on the consumer vehicle. The consumer states, that whenever the vehicle is being driven in inclement conditions it causes the windshield wipers and the headlight to stop operating. The dealer was not notified at this time.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Visibility · 30,000 miles · NY

Windshield no top rubber, windsheild becoming loose.

Filed Nov 5, 2004 · Visibility · IL

The consumer received a recall notice in reference to the windshield wiper motor. *nm recall# 04v216000. The part was not available.