2003 Dodge Dakota problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint (52) · Suspension (19) · Suspension:front (14)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Dakota model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
222 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (50)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train 2024-10-30 · 101232 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
plate - planetary
Power Train 2021-02-22 · 9001784 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
Equipment 2021-02-22 · 9001784 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Showing the 6 most recent of 50 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-08-31 · Wheels“the lower ball joint just snapped the whole right front end assembly hub …”
2022-11-17 · Suspension“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…”
2021-06-10 · Electrical System · 💥 crash“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.…”
2020-12-05 · Air Bags“airbag red light is on all the time ignition switch is on. airbag red warning light on all the time, sitting still or driving …”
2020-06-12 · Electrical System · 174,586 mi“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…”
2020-04-26 · Power Train · 130,000 mi“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…”
2020-04-21 · Unknown Or Other“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.…”
2019-11-17 · Electrical System · 99,000 mi“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 proble…”
2019-10-18 · Exterior Lighting · 42,000 mi“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. th…”
2019-07-17 · Unknown Or Other · 199,000 mi“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.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.