2003 Dodge Dakota Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 296 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Dodge Dakota, 1% of the 296 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I started my vehicle and then left it to clear snow from its exterior. The vehicle locked me out. I was at home and got the spare key to let myself in. While I was driving, the vehicle repeatedly locked and unlocked the doors by itself. This has continued, and the vehicle also now locks and unlocks even when the key is not in the ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #10118494, filed 2005-04, 18,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10578378, filed 2014-04, 128,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. The headlights and automatic locks on the left side of the vehicle were inoperable. The mechanic stated that the body control module needed to be changed. Two months later the failure recurred. The mechanic then stated that the central timer module needed to be replaced. The module was repaired on the vehicle. Since the repair no other failures occurred. The contact spoke with the dealer regarding recall #02v322000. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The current and failure mileage were 60,000. Update 05/10/07”
NHTSA complaint #10185685, filed 2007-03, 60,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 16 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1996 | 8 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 4 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Dakota
100 complaintsBrakes
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
38 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsExterior lighting
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBody and structure
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