Owners have filed 419 complaints
about the 2003 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA between 2002 and 2022.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Dodge Dakota. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 51
9.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 90
53% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Upper Ball Joint
5436.5%
Lower Ball Joint
2214.9%
Engine
1610.8%
Rotor
1510.1%
Front
1510.1%
Automatic Transmission
138.8%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
74.7%
Cruise Control
64.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
3410.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
5918.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3812.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6219.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4815.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
216.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3310.5%
150,000+ miles
196.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2002peak 20Nov 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Dodge Dakota
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA03023Opened 19 Nov 2003Closed 11 Feb 2005SUSPENSION
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 (NHTSA 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-REL...
Recalls on the 2003 Dodge Dakota
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E064000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
Risk: IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E024000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Risk: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
06E011000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
04V596000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200443957,649 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain four wheel drive vehicles, 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 progressively over an extended period of time. A worn upper ball joint could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control which may result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the upper ball joints with a revised assembly having improved sealing integrity. Two wheel drive models will be covered by an extended warranty of 10 years or 160,000 kms.
Recall 200415530,456 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor assembly may become susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability. Correction: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor with a revised version that contains a water shield.
Recall 20032456,065 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, 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. Correction: Dealer will reroute the wiring harness.
Recall 2002240481 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the right headlight may become inoperative due to an improperly sized circuit board trace in the central timer module. Correction: Dealers will replace the central timer module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Almogordo, NMCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11420403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesRichford, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED VARIOUS INJURIES AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AS WELL AS PHYSICAL THERAPY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,475.
NHTSA complaint #10587372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSaint Paul, MNCrash1 injured
WHEELS
ON SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014, DURING A TRIP FROM SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA TO LARAMIE, WYOMING, WE SUFFERED TWO BLOWOUTS OF GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRES IN SIZE P265 70 R16. IN EACH INSTANCE THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE WELL MAINTAINED AND PROPERLY INFLATED. AT 10:00AM, TRAVELING 65MPH ON INTERSTATE 35, NORTH OF DES MOINES, IOWA WE SUFFERED THE FIRST BLOWOUT. THERE WAS A LOUD WHUP, WHUP, WHUP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY REDUCE SPEED AND PULL OVER. WE DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. WE HAD THE DAMAGED TIRE REPLACED IN AMES, IOWA AT A GOODYEAR DEALER. AT OUR NEXT STOP, I CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE IN ALL 4 TIRES. THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS AT 32 PSI. I INFLATED THE LEFT REAR TIRE TO 40 PSI TO MATCH THE OTHER 3 TIRES. WHILE TRAVELING 75 MPH ON INTERSTATE 80, EAST OF LARAMIE AT 11:00PM WE SUFFERED THE SECOND BLOWOUT. AGAIN THERE WAS A LOUD WHUP, WHUP, WHUP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. I REDUCED SPEED AND ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE WHICH SENT THE TRUCK INTO A WILD FISHTAIL SKID. WE CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL AND THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE. WE GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND SURVEYED THE DAMAGE. IT WAS THEN WE DISCOVERED THAT A PORTION OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE INNER TUBE OF THE TIRE WAS EXPOSED BUT STILL INFLATED. AFTER THE CRASH I WAS MADE AWARE OF A RECALL BY GOODYEAR OF THEIR WRANGLER TIRES. WHILE THE TIRES DESCRIBED ABOVE DO NOT FALL INTO THE DOT NUMBERS OF THE RECALL, I WOULD ASK THAT NHTSA INVESTIGATE FURTHER AND BROADEN THE RANGE OF RECALL AS THE BLOWOUT THAT CAUSED OUR CRASH APPEARS TO BE THE SAME AS THE BLOWOUT THAT CAUSED A CRASH IN TEXAS THAT RESULTED IN THE DEATHS OF TWO COLLEGE STUDENTS ON AUGUST 01, 2011.
NHTSA complaint #10576087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSaint Paul, MNCrash1 injured
TIRES
ON SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014, DURING A TRIP FROM SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA TO LARAMIE, WYOMING, WE SUFFERED TWO BLOWOUTS OF GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRES IN SIZE P265 70 R16. IN EACH INSTANCE THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE WELL MAINTAINED AND PROPERLY INFLATED. AT 10:00AM, TRAVELING 65MPH ON INTERSTATE 35, NORTH OF DES MOINES, IOWA WE SUFFERED THE FIRST BLOWOUT. THERE WAS A LOUD WHUP, WHUP, WHUP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY REDUCE SPEED AND PULL OVER. WE DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. WE HAD THE DAMAGED TIRE REPLACED IN AMES, IOWA AT A GOODYEAR DEALER. AT OUR NEXT STOP, I CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE IN ALL 4 TIRES. THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS AT 32 PSI. I INFLATED THE LEFT REAR TIRE TO 40 PSI TO MATCH THE OTHER 3 TIRES. WHILE TRAVELING 75 MPH ON INTERSTATE 80, EAST OF LARAMIE AT 11:00PM WE SUFFERED THE SECOND BLOWOUT. AGAIN THERE WAS A LOUD WHUP, WHUP, WHUP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. I REDUCED SPEED AND ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE WHICH SENT THE TRUCK INTO A WILD FISHTAIL SKID. WE CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL AND THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE. WE GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND SURVEYED THE DAMAGE. IT WAS THEN WE DISCOVERED THAT A PORTION OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE INNER TUBE OF THE TIRE WAS EXPOSED BUT STILL INFLATED. AFTER THE CRASH I WAS MADE AWARE OF A RECALL BY GOODYEAR OF THEIR WRANGLER TIRES. WHILE THE TIRES DESCRIBED ABOVE DO NOT FALL INTO THE DOT NUMBERS OF THE RECALL, I WOULD ASK THAT NHTSA INVESTIGATE FURTHER AND BROADEN THE RANGE OF RECALL AS THE BLOWOUT THAT CAUSED OUR CRASH APPEARS TO BE THE SAME AS THE BLOWOUT THAT CAUSED A CRASH IN TEXAS THAT RESULTED IN THE DEATHS OF TWO COLLEGE STUDENTS ON AUGUST 01, 2011.
NHTSA complaint #10576087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,940 milesKissimmee, FLFire
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOME LIGHT SOCKET BURNED WHERE THE BULB WAS PLUGGED IN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SOCKET WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THEY OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,940.
NHTSA complaint #10438104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCape Porpoise, MEFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO DEFECTIVE CALIPERS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10422617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Madison, TN
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
NHTSA complaint #11493890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, TN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11493890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Almogordo, NMCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11420403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buford, GA
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
NHTSA complaint #11378013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,586 milesGulf Breeze, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11328448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFranklinville, NY
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11322262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFranklinville, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11322262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFranklinville, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11322262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
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. ANYONE KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11321751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesSullivan, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11280585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesElmira, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11269383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesTampa, FL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11232919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesTampa, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11232919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesTampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11232919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 267,965 milesCumming, GA
TIRES
TO WHOM IT CONCERNS: I AM REQUESTING THAT THE DOT NHTSA INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF A TIRE SIDEWALL SEPARATION OR SIDEWALL DELAMINATION OF COOPER TIRES (COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY) MODEL DISCOVERER RTX, SIZE P245/70R16, DOT UT9H 2BM 1818. I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 TIRES (DISCOVERER RTX, 245/70R16) ON NOVEMBER 14, 2018 FOR MY 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. ON DECEMBER 9, 2018, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE PURCHASING THE COOPER TIRES. I SUDDENLY HEARD A NOISE SIMILAR TO DRIVING ON GROOVED PAYMENT OR RUMBLE-STRIPS. HOWEVER, THE ROADWAY WAS SMOOTH AND CLEAR. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND CHECKED THE TIRES. THE RIGHT-REAR TIRE WAS TORN (SHREDDED) ALL-AROUND BETWEEN THE TIRE SHOULDER AND TREAD, RESULTING IN TWO SEPARATE PIECES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I FOUND A PORTION OF THE SIDE WALL WHERE THE OUTER AND INNER SECTIONS WERE NOT ADHERED (OR NOT GLUED) TOGETHER LIKE THE REST OF THE TIRE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE OTHER 3 TIRES MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED. CAN YOU LOOK INTO THIS TO SEE IF THIS TIRE SHOULD BE RECALLED? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THESE TIRES. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11160970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesRoanoke, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LOST EXTERIOR LIGHTS (PARKING LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, TAIL LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS) WHILE DRIVING. HEADLIGHTS, TURN LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS FUNCTIONING. CTM WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE, HOWEVER SAFETY CONCERNS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNUSED IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS UNTIL PROBLEM DIAGNOSED. REPETITIVE POSTINGS ABOUT THIS MODELS CTM FAILURES ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND ADJOINING SAFETY CONSIDERATION WITH ONLY A LIMITED RECALL, WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. NO AFTER MARKET PARTS WERE FOUND AND REPLACED WITH A ITEM FOR A LOCAL JUNK YARD WHICH MAY SIMPLY FAIL AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11142715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesRoanoke, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LOST EXTERIOR LIGHTS (PARKING LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, TAIL LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS) WHILE DRIVING. HEADLIGHTS, TURN LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS FUNCTIONING. CTM WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE, HOWEVER SAFETY CONCERNS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNUSED IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS UNTIL PROBLEM DIAGNOSED. REPETITIVE POSTINGS ABOUT THIS MODELS CTM FAILURES ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND ADJOINING SAFETY CONSIDERATION WITH ONLY A LIMITED RECALL, WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. NO AFTER MARKET PARTS WERE FOUND AND REPLACED WITH A ITEM FOR A LOCAL JUNK YARD WHICH MAY SIMPLY FAIL AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11142715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMarshfield, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE FAN IN MY TRUCK RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF SO IN TURN, MY AC DOES NOT WORK NOR DOES THE HEAT WHEN THIS OCCURS. THIS HAPPENS EVERY THREE MONTHS. IT IS NOT WORKING AGAIN THIS WEEK AND THERE HAS BEEN A HEAT WAVE ALL WEEK OF COURSE. IT HAPPENS AT ALL DIFFERENT TIMES. IT STARTS OUT SHUTTING OFF THEN IT WILL WORK FOR A DAY AGAIN THEN IT WILL GO OUT PERMANENTLY. THIS IS PROBABLY THE FIFTH TIME IN TWO YEARS
NHTSA complaint #11120462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,518 milesRaleigh, NC
ENGINE
OVER A PERIOD OF TIME I GRADUALLY NOTICED EXHAUST GAS COMING INTO THE CAB. I HAD NO IDEA WHY I WAS GETTING A HEADACHE AND BECOMING EXHAUSTED. I TOOK THE TRUCK INTO A DEALER AND HE FOUND EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKEN ALLOWING EXHAUST GAS TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE GASKETS.
NHTSA complaint #11053677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesClinton, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEAD LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY START BLINKING AND EVENTUALLY GO OUT ALL TOGETHER ALONG WITH DASH AND DOME LIGHTS. ONLINE FORUMS SAY IT'S THE CTM. THE NEXT DAY IT'S FINE THEN OUT OF THE BLUE IT STARTS ACTING UP AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRAVELING AT NIGHT. ANY RECALLS FOR THIS? SEEMS TO BE QUITE COMMON FOR THIS YEAR DAKOTA
NHTSA complaint #10991874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesClinton, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEAD LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY START BLINKING AND EVENTUALLY GO OUT ALL TOGETHER ALONG WITH DASH AND DOME LIGHTS. ONLINE FORUMS SAY IT'S THE CTM. THE NEXT DAY IT'S FINE THEN OUT OF THE BLUE IT STARTS ACTING UP AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRAVELING AT NIGHT. ANY RECALLS FOR THIS? SEEMS TO BE QUITE COMMON FOR THIS YEAR DAKOTA
NHTSA complaint #10991874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesCouncil Bluffs, IA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK HANGER BRACKETS RUSTED INTO AND GAS TAKE FELL OUT CAUSING A HOLE TO BE RUBBED THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK. TWELVE GALLONS OF FUEL WAS LOST. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO FIRE OR EXPLOSION. I WAS ONLY GOING 35 MPH AND STOPPED AS SOON AS I HEARD DRAGGING. I WAS TRAVELING ON A CITY STREET AT THE TIME. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH DODGE, FILE NUMBER 31424705.
NHTSA complaint #10978618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carolina, PR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE HAVE BEEN MANY RECALLS THAT INCLUDE MY MODEL BUT, NEITHER THE PREVIOUS OWNER OR ME, RECEIVED ANY MAIL FROM ANY DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10956986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesBethlehem, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE TRUCK WAS GREAT EXCEPT THAT AT NIGHT WHEN I WOULD TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS ALL OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD FLASH OFF THEN BACK ON APPROXIMATELY EVERY TWO SECONDS TO 30 SECONDS. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR WITH THIS HAPPENING I BECAME VERY FRUSTRATED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I NARROWED DOWN MY PROBLEM TO THE DAKOTA CENTRAL TIMING MODULE. IT APPEARS AS IF MANY DODGE CUSTOMERS HAVE THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH THESE DODGE MODEL TRUCKS. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. THIS ISSUE DID NOT DEPEND ON WHETHER I WAS DRIVING IN ROUGH TERRAIN AT NIGHT OR DURING THE DAY. NO MATTER WHERE I DRIVE THE TRUCK, IF THE LIGHTS ARE ON IT WILL BEGIN TO START BLINKING OFF AND THEN ON INTERMITTENTLY. PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM! I HAVE SINCE HAD TO PURCHASE A USED CENTRAL TIMING MODULE OFF OF THE INTERNET BECAUSE WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO GET THE PART AND IF THEY WERE IT WOULD COST OVER $500 JUST FOR THE PART.
NHTSA complaint #10929982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesBethlehem, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE TRUCK WAS GREAT EXCEPT THAT AT NIGHT WHEN I WOULD TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS ALL OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD FLASH OFF THEN BACK ON APPROXIMATELY EVERY TWO SECONDS TO 30 SECONDS. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR WITH THIS HAPPENING I BECAME VERY FRUSTRATED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I NARROWED DOWN MY PROBLEM TO THE DAKOTA CENTRAL TIMING MODULE. IT APPEARS AS IF MANY DODGE CUSTOMERS HAVE THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH THESE DODGE MODEL TRUCKS. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. THIS ISSUE DID NOT DEPEND ON WHETHER I WAS DRIVING IN ROUGH TERRAIN AT NIGHT OR DURING THE DAY. NO MATTER WHERE I DRIVE THE TRUCK, IF THE LIGHTS ARE ON IT WILL BEGIN TO START BLINKING OFF AND THEN ON INTERMITTENTLY. PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM! I HAVE SINCE HAD TO PURCHASE A USED CENTRAL TIMING MODULE OFF OF THE INTERNET BECAUSE WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO GET THE PART AND IF THEY WERE IT WOULD COST OVER $500 JUST FOR THE PART.
NHTSA complaint #10929982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.