2003 Dodge Dakota Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Dakota, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension10026.0%
- Brakes5213.5%
- Engine359.1%
- Electrical348.8%
- Exterior lighting215.5%
- Transmission194.9%
- Powertrain (other)184.7%
- Visibility174.4%
- Steering143.6%
- Fuel system133.4%
- Airbags133.4%
- Driver assistance112.9%
- Tires & wheels112.9%
- Other / unspecified82.1%
- Body & structure82.1%
- Interior & seats71.8%
- Seat belts30.8%
- Heating & air conditioning10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT SUDDENLY FAILED AND CAUSED THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY RUST AND CORROSION OF THE BALL JOINT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,208.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUSTING AND CORROSION OF THE METAL BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
I WAS GOING TO MOVE THE TRUCK OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HAVING RECENTLY REPLACING ALL OF THE BRAKES, I WAS SURPRISED AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION SAW FLUID SQUIRTING OUT ONTO ENGINE FIREWALL. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT THE STEEL BRAKE LINES HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND NEED TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM, TO THE TUNE OF $800. AS THE TRUCK HAS RATHER LOW MILEAGE AND IS LIGHTLY USED I AM SHOCKED WITH THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
2003 DODGE DAKOTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR ENGINE STALLING PROBLEMS. *SMD AFTER HAVING A COMPUTER UPDATE PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. *JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 *TP
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.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE STICK SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FIRST GEAR AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A FLAT SURFACE AND THE WEATHER WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT LOOKED AT BY A DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,750. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. *TR
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. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPPER BALL JOINTS DETERMINED TO BE SERIOUSLY WORN. NEED TO BE REPLACED ASAP. WAS TOLD DODGE HAD RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THESE PARTS BUT CHRYSLER WILL NOT COVER REPLACEMENT AT CURRENT TIME AND WITH CURRENT MILEAGE. WAS TOLD BY CHRYSLER TO INITIATE NHTSA CONTACT RELATIVE TO CHRYSLER CASE #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I HAVE PURCHASED SEVERAL TIRES FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM IS MAINLY IN THE FRONT. I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED AS REQUIRED AND IT CONTINUED TO EAT THE TIRES IN A VERY FEW MONTHS. I RECENTLY (WITHIN THE LAST 6 - 8 MONTHS) HAD THE BRAKES, ROTORS, IDLER ARM, BUSHINGS AND OTHER ITEMS REPLACED THAT DEALT WITH THE STEERING AND THE BRAKING OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, IT WILL POP, AND WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKES IT WILL GRAB, RELEASE THEN GRAB AGAIN. THE BRAKES ARE NOT MAKING A NOISE AND I KNOW WHEN NEW BRAKES ARE INSTALLED THAT THEY HAVE TO ALLOWED TO MAINTAIN THEIR FIT, HOWEVER, ONCE THEY MAINTAIN THEIR FIT, THEY SHOULDN'T START GRABBING. WHEN I HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKES IN A HURRY THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND IT CONCERNS ME THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP IN TIME. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 4 OR 5 YEARS. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIRBAG RED LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME IGNITION SWITCH IS ON. AIRBAG RED WARNING LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME, SITTING STILL OR DRIVING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
2003 DODGE DAKOTA, 2WD, 5 SPD MANUAL, V6. AT SPEEDS FROM 15 MPH AND UP THE BRAKE SYSTEM SEEMS TO FAIL AS THE TRUCK JUMPS AND SKIDS VERY RAPIDLY. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, TRAFFIC CAME TO A HALT QUICKLY, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AS THIS JUMPING AND SKIDDING OCCURED. ALL PARTS ON THE TRUCK ARE FACTORY AND HAVE NOT BEEN MODIFIED. I AM CONCERNED AND WONDERING IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION CLUNKING. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. *TR
I HAVE PURCHASED SEVERAL TIRES FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM IS MAINLY IN THE FRONT. I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED AS REQUIRED AND IT CONTINUED TO EAT THE TIRES IN A VERY FEW MONTHS. I RECENTLY (WITHIN THE LAST 6 - 8 MONTHS) HAD THE BRAKES, ROTORS, IDLER ARM, BUSHINGS AND OTHER ITEMS REPLACED THAT DEALT WITH THE STEERING AND THE BRAKING OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, IT WILL POP, AND WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKES IT WILL GRAB, RELEASE THEN GRAB AGAIN. THE BRAKES ARE NOT MAKING A NOISE AND I KNOW WHEN NEW BRAKES ARE INSTALLED THAT THEY HAVE TO ALLOWED TO MAINTAIN THEIR FIT, HOWEVER, ONCE THEY MAINTAIN THEIR FIT, THEY SHOULDN'T START GRABBING. WHEN I HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKES IN A HURRY THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND IT CONCERNS ME THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP IN TIME. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 4 OR 5 YEARS. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR MAKING A TURN AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED AND MIGHT FRACTURE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE UNDERBODY WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V596000 (SUSPENSION) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08E064000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
THE PAINT ITS COMING OFF. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE MASTER WINDOW CONTROL WAS ALSO INOPERABLE AND THE DOORS COULD NOT BE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT THEN STARTED THE ENGINE AND THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS HAD ALSO FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V322000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL WAS THE SAME FAILURE THAT HAD BEEN EXPERIENCED WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AROUND THE BASE OF THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS, THERE WAS A SHARP METAL SHARD TEARING AWAY AT THE SEAT BELT STRAPS. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELTS WAS ALSO TORN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO CONSULT WITH THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRING THE SEAT BELTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,263.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE MATERIAL ON THE SEATBELT HAS RIPPED IN THE CENTER. THE SEATBELT WAS NOT IN USE AT THE TIME IT RIPPED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE SEATBELT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 67000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .