2003 Dodge Dakota Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 7%of 296 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,700miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Dodge Dakota, 7% of the 296 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,700 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our pick up truck was diagnosed with needing a central timer module replacement. We learned that there is a recall for vehicles that were built from 10/2/02 through 11/8/02. Our vehicle was built on 9/12/02. Our vehicle was built just 2 weeks before the recall and needs the same type of repair! Dodge will not pay for the repair. Problem occurs when it is stationary or in motion. We are requesting that you investigate this issue and expand the recall to include our vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10906399, filed 2016-09, 60,000 miles“I keep hearing a loud bang and louding creaking noises in the front end of my 2003 Dodge Dakota when I turn the wheel. I have taken it to the Dodge dealer several times, but they haven't found anything. I keep telling them it sounds like a cracked coil spring or body mount. They said if I bring it in again as warranty work, then they'll charge me for the time. Also, the turn signals keep shorting out and when you turn the left one on, the emergency flashers come on. Finally, the left power window slows down excessively when I attempt to put the window up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043717, filed 2003-10, 3,000 miles“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, filed 2017-05, 75,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11142715, filed 2018-10, 159,000 miles“25jan06 tell Dodge dealer that pass window inop from pass side switch works from drivers side switch. Dodge replace switch. 20apr06 tell Dodge dealer pass window inop from pass side but works from drivers side. Dodge couldn't find anything wrong. Persists up to 7dec07, hopefully my mechanic found the trouble. …”
NHTSA complaint #10211751, filed 2007-12, 47,250 milesRelated recalls
- 02V322000Dec 2, 2002On certain pickup trucks, the central timer module (ctm) has an improperly sized circuit board trace that could potentially cause the right headlamp low beam…Covers: Dodge Dakota 2003, Durango 2003
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 8 | 9% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 22 | 7% |
| 2002 | 21 | 3% |
| 2001 | 20 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 1% |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% |
| 1998 | 11 | 2% |
| 1997 | 6 | 1% |
| 1996 | 6 | 3% |
| 1995 | 5 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Dakota
100 complaintsBrakes
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
38 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTires
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology