2003 Dodge Dakota Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 100about this part
- Share
- 34%of 296 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,900miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 100 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Dodge Dakota, 34% of the 296 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,900 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 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.
“I have a 2003 Dodge Dakota club cab. According to the dealer the upper ball joint on both sides of the vehicle are blown. Dealer states no recall for my year due to the fact mine is a 2wd. Called corporate and have had no luck. Dealer is charging me $400. My truck only has 65,000 miles. Will not honor the 10 year or 100,000 miles extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10332216, filed 2010-05, 65,500 miles“While traveling over a set of railroad tracks, the driver side front tire along with the upper ball joints separated from the vehicle causing me to temporary lose control of the vehicle. When I researched to see if this was a common problem relating to this vehicle I found about the recall. However, when I contacted daimlerchrysler I was informed that the recall was VIN specific and that my vehicle was not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #10523271, filed 2013-07, 100,210 miles“2003 Dodge Dakota, 2wd, 5 spd manual, v6. Although a recall has been generated pertaining to the 4wd version only, my truck has the same issue. When I am driving at any speed and turning or going through a bump I hear a clunk which sounds like what is described on the existing recall for the 4wd only. I am concerned about this.”
NHTSA complaint #10275385, filed 2009-06, 60,000 miles“Popping noise in front end entering driveway or over speed bumps had dealer inspect and perform TSB. On upper ball joints per letter from chrysler corp. They did repair and told me the hub bearings were also bad not covered, 552.00 I replaced them myself I can't find a problem the hubs . The noise is still there !”
NHTSA complaint #10175264, filed 2006-12, 19,398 miles“I backed out of a parking spot, turned the wheel to straighten out the vehicle. As I straightened out the drivers side front wheel upper ball joint failed trapping the wheel beneath the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10535105, filed 2013-08, 115,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V596000Dec 21, 2004On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint…Covers: Dodge Dakota 2000–2003, Durango 2000–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10011940Dec 16, 2004Upper ball joint extended warranty.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 9% |
| 2006 | 25 | 9% |
| 2005 | 51 | 11% |
| 2004 | 45 | 22% |
| 2003 | 100 | 34% |
| 2002 | 226 | 33% |
| 2001 | 236 | 35% |
| 2000 | 282 | 35% |
| 1999 | 342 | 53% |
| 1998 | 217 | 40% |
| 1997 | 142 | 32% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Dakota
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 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 29, 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