Air bag light and Engine light comes on and off. Headlights, break lights, and blinkers keep going on and off while light switch is on. Rust on body due to clear coat peeling. Steering is sometimes hard to do even with full steering fluid. Shifts hard. Brake fluid has leaked. Coolant has leaked, along with heater core that dealership had me pay a lot of money for replacement in 2022. Vehicle hesitates to accelerate to higher speeds. Windshield wipers do not fully touch windshield towards top. Air compressor makes rattle on/off sounds.
Dodge Dakota wipers problems
96 of the 6,482 owner complaints about the Dodge Dakota describe windshield wiper failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 96
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical repair cost reported
- $500
- typical mileage
- 50,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Headlights 32Door locks 10Warning lights 4Ball joint 4Airbag light 4Won't start 2Won't shift 2ABS 2
What owners say
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.
The lights stooped working wiper relay not functional. Very irritating
Computer control of headlights, interior and dash lighting, and possibly the ABS system and the intermittent wiper control are affected. Without warning these systems either failed or became erratic. Vehicle exhibits these malfunctions both stationary and in motion, and at all speeds. It is apparently not an uncommon issue, as per information available on the internet. The (temporary?) fix is to disconnect the battery for 15+ minutes, possible cause: the computer connectors.
Takatarecall when attempting to engage the wiper washers, the blades move, but no washer fluid sprays on the window. Sometimes the wipers work and sometimes they do not work and only resume working after I use the turn signal or push the washer stick. This happens while vehicle is stationary or moving. The washer pump was replaced with a new one and still did not force fluid onto the windshield. I was told it is an electrical problem in the steering column. When passing a semi truck in winter conditions or rainy driving, I have had to pull over and clean the windshield with a rag in order to see clearly to drive. Very dangerous.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the instrument cluster lights, windshield wipers, headlights, signal lights, and door locks stopped working without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the central control timing module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact opened case number: 30176046 and was placed on a waiting list for parts. The contact received an email stating that the part was no longer being made as of 2011. The contact located a dealer that had the part in stock, but was informed that the part was on freeze by the manufacturer. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Numerous front end repairs to no avail. Still having steering issues and loud banging when turning. Wipers coming on at random, battery light on in spite of new battery and alternator. We have spent over $4000 in repairs on from end and 2 wiper motors. The wipers still will not work properly.
Driving on a rainy night and headlights and wipers quit working all at once. Central timer module failed and shut the lights and wipers off as well as interior lights and door locks. Almost didn't get vehicle stopped without wrecking. Left vehicle and came back during daylight and drove to repair shop. Where located the issue was a failed central timer module. Contacted dodge and said its out of warranty? Its not about warranty or not it could have the potential for a fatality. Still have the old ctm if anyone is interested in looking into the matter. Why would headlights be ran through a module like this just asking for trouble.
Control timer module door lock on and off all by itself, wipers turn on and off ect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the multi function switch became inoperable without warning. As a result, both turn signals, the windshield wipers, and the high beams were unable to be activated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000. The VIN was not available.
Related recalls
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, a static electricity spark between the operator and the vehicle can cause the turn signal, headlamps or windshield wipers to malfunction without warning.
- Risk
- This can impair the driver's vision and result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will re-flash the instrument cluster. The recall began on march 6, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V039000 · 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
Questions about the Dodge Dakota wipers
Which Dodge Dakota years have windshield wiper failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (19 complaints), 2002 (15 complaints) and 2003 (15 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix windshield wiper failure on the Dodge Dakota?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $500 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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