2003 Dodge Dakota Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 296 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,988miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the 296 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,988 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.
“Water saturating floor on passenger side. Carpet smells moldy due to recurring problem. Taken to dealer 2 times previous and truck at dealer now for the 3rd time to attempt a possible repair. Sealed drain hole in firewall where evaporator housing drain hose goes through to outside of body and checked A/C lines for leaks. Truck leaks from inside the firewall, dealer is not sure where.”
NHTSA complaint #10134954, filed 2005-08, 34,000 miles“Water leaking on passenger side. Dealer attempted repair 4 times. Dealer said first time air conditioning condensation leaked. Filled up with water after rain, ruined carpet and musty smell.”
NHTSA complaint #10049458, filed 2003-12, 9,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10630021, filed 2014-09, 92,000 miles“2003 Dodge Dakota experiencing problems with the ball joints as well as the welds of the truck bed at the upper part near the rear window. A recall was issued for the upper ball joints (04v596000) but the dealer wanted the consumer to pay to diagnose the problem. There are plastic rivets on both side panels that attach to the rear panel truck bed. The rear panel truck bed is so weak that about five pounds of pressure bent the panel. The consumer believes the plastic bed liner is stronger than the rear truck bed panel”
NHTSA complaint #10121460, filed 2005-05Related service bulletins
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10220995Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10220994Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a…
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10139595Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 3% |
| 2002 | 18 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 1% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1996 | 18 | 10% |
| 1995 | 20 | 10% |
| 1994 | 7 | 4% |
| 1993 | 11 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 6% |
| 1991 | 5 | 4% |
| 1990 | 4 | 6% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 3 | 15% |
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 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 27, 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