Illustration04 V 216 000/WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR: THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THIS RECALL REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE PARTS. *JB
2003 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Dakota do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 166.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Dakota years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
910–25K
4525–50K
3250–75K
1875–100K
24100–150K
12150K+
222 reports with mileage · 74 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 100 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
16 crash reports5 fire reports10 injury reports
Visibility complaints
17 reportsRECALL 04V216000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. CONSUMER WAS WAITING OVER A MONTH AND THE DEALER WAS STILL UNABLE TO GET THE PARTS NEEDED TO HONOR THE RECALL NOTICE.*AK
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 04V216000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. SERVICE MANAGER TERRY SOTUS. *AK
VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR THERE WERE BACKFIRES AT TIMES, THE PEDAL WOULD BARELY MOVE AT STOP SIGNS, WHEN BACKING OUT, THE VEHICLE WOULD STAY IN SECOND GEAR FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO LET OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL THEN SHIFT INTO HIGH GEAR, SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO O…
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VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR THERE WERE BACKFIRES AT TIMES, THE PEDAL WOULD BARELY MOVE AT STOP SIGNS, WHEN BACKING OUT, THE VEHICLE WOULD STAY IN SECOND GEAR FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO LET OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL THEN SHIFT INTO HIGH GEAR, SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE, THEN AS SOON AS IT STARTED TO MISFIRE, THE VEHICLE WOULD DROP TO OVERDRIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS A WHINE AND OR HOWL IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AROUND 50 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD NEVER COME ON, SOMETIMES THE SHIFT LEVER WOULD BE PLACED IN PARK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD START, AT TIMES WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE OR DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE AND THE WOULD HAVE TO BE JERKED AROUND ON THE SHIFT LEVER, THE HEATER CONTROLS WERE INOPERATIVE, AND THERE WERE NOISES WHEN THE LIGHTS ON THE RADIO WERE TURNED ON. THE VALVE ON THE TRANSMISSION WAS CHANGE AND HELPED THE VEHICLE, BUT SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED UP OR DOWN IN GEAR IT WOULD BE A PROBLEM. *SC *JB
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS LIFTED OFF THE WINDSHIELD WHEN TRAVELING OVER 60 MPH. *PH THE WIPERS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED TO KEEP THE BLADES FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. THE DEFROSTER AIR FLOW DOES NOT KEEP THE WINDSHIELD CLEAR OF FROZEN ICE OR SNOW. THE CONSUMER HAS SEVEN DODGE DAKOTA'S RANGING FROM 1994-2003 AND THEY ALL HAVE…
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THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS LIFTED OFF THE WINDSHIELD WHEN TRAVELING OVER 60 MPH. *PH THE WIPERS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED TO KEEP THE BLADES FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. THE DEFROSTER AIR FLOW DOES NOT KEEP THE WINDSHIELD CLEAR OF FROZEN ICE OR SNOW. THE CONSUMER HAS SEVEN DODGE DAKOTA'S RANGING FROM 1994-2003 AND THEY ALL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *NM
2003 DAKOTA QUAD CAB. IN COLD TEMPERATURES BELOW 15F THE FLUID SPRAYERS WILL FREEZE. CAUSING LOW TO ZERO VISIBILITY IN WINTER WEATHER DRIVING. WHEN TRUCK IS PARKED AND WARMED UP FOR 10-15 MINS FLUID WILL SPRAY FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT, AFTER YOU STOP IT POOLS UP IN THE TIPS OF THE SPRAYERS, AND WILL FREEZE ONCE YOU MOVE AGAIN. T…
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2003 DAKOTA QUAD CAB. IN COLD TEMPERATURES BELOW 15F THE FLUID SPRAYERS WILL FREEZE. CAUSING LOW TO ZERO VISIBILITY IN WINTER WEATHER DRIVING. WHEN TRUCK IS PARKED AND WARMED UP FOR 10-15 MINS FLUID WILL SPRAY FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT, AFTER YOU STOP IT POOLS UP IN THE TIPS OF THE SPRAYERS, AND WILL FREEZE ONCE YOU MOVE AGAIN. THE HOSE'S ARE ALSO NOT INSULATED TO PROTECT FROM THE COLD SO THEY DON'T FREEZE AS WELL. THIS CAN AND WILL CAUSE ZERO VISIBILITY, CAUSING THE DRIVE TO NOT BE ABLE TO SEE AND POSSIBLY GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. *CB
ON 2003 AND 2004 DODGE VEHICLES, THE PIECE OF TRIM AND WEATHER STRIPPING ARE NOT BEING PUT AT THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE GAP BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD AND THE CAR BODY RANGES FROM NONE TO 3/8 INCH WIDE BY 1/2 INCH DEEP. WATER COULD GET IN THIS GAP AND FREEZE CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO COME LOOSE, CRACK, OR SHATTER. …
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ON 2003 AND 2004 DODGE VEHICLES, THE PIECE OF TRIM AND WEATHER STRIPPING ARE NOT BEING PUT AT THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE GAP BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD AND THE CAR BODY RANGES FROM NONE TO 3/8 INCH WIDE BY 1/2 INCH DEEP. WATER COULD GET IN THIS GAP AND FREEZE CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO COME LOOSE, CRACK, OR SHATTER. WATER EXPANDS AS IT FREEZES AND THE PRESSURE FROM THE EXPANSION COULD CAUSE SEVERE PROBLEMS IF THE WINDSHIELD CAME LOOSE, CRACKED, OR SHATTERED WHEN DRIVING. WATER IS NATURALLY GOING TO COLLECT IN THIS GAP EITHER FROM RAIN, CAR WASHING, OR SNOW MELTING. THE MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WOULD CAUSE THE WATER TO FREEZE FASTER IN BELOW FREEZING CONDITIONS. I NOTIFIED DAIMLER-CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER, WHICH I DID AND THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS DONE BY THE FACTORY STARTING WITH THE 2003 MODEL YEAR. CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DAIMLER-CHRYSLER ACTS AS IF YOU ARE BOTHERING THEM WITH PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BUT I FEEL IT COULD BE A REAL SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE COLDER NORTHERN STATES LIKE OHIO. THE GAP RUNS THE FULL WIDTH OF THE BODY. THANKS.*AK
Official recalls
404V596000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
Dec 21, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
04V216000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
May 5, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
03V389000 · Electrical System:wiring
Oct 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, COULD PREVENT A DRIVER FROM SOUNDING A WARNING BY USING THE HORN, AND, WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRE HARNESS AND REPAIR THE HARNESS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
02V322000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
Dec 2, 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM) HAS AN IMPROPERLY SIZED CIRCUIT BOARD TRACE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RIGHT HEADLAMP LOW BEAM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CTM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA03023 · Upper Ball Joint Separation
Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Feb 11, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
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-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Suspension
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-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front
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-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm
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-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm
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-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
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-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.