2003 Dodge Dakota problems
Owners have filed 419 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 28.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 11%.
Complaints419
Crashes22
Fires5
Injuries17
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 28.9% · 121
Service brakes, hydraulic 11.0% · 46
Power train 9.5% · 40
Electrical system 8.4% · 35
Engine and engine cooling 8.4% · 35
Exterior lighting 5.3% · 22
Visibility 4.5% · 19
Steering 3.3% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 17 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 18 model years of the Dodge Dakota in this data, 2003 sits 8th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 14 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 33,750 miles.
In owners' own words
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). Suspension · reported at 111,800 miles
Dt: the consumer stated while driving there was noise coming from the suspension when going over bumps. The problem occurred at low speeds. The dealership determined the bushings and the upper ball joints were worn. There is a recall with the nhtsa # 04v596000. The consumer experienced the same problem as indicated in the recall; however, the vehicle identification number was not included. Suspension · reported at 40,000 miles
At 6,000 miles the upper ball joints failed. When riding over any size bump in the road the front end collapsed. *Ak the vehicle pulled to the right when driving and when braking, the flapper door for the fuel filler neck was missing and or fell inside the tank, the transmission did not shift properly, the front and rear rotors were grooved, worn uneven and pitted. *Scc Suspension · reported at 6,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…