2003 Dodge Dakota Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%of 296 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,225miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 Dodge Dakota, 6% of the 296 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,225 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“My husband and I had driven our 2003 Dodge Dakota quad cab about four or five miles when we smelled smoke. My husband looked in our rear view mirror and noticed smoke coming from between the cab and truck bed not from the engine area. At the same time, I glanced in the side mirrors and saw something liquid (or melted) dripping behind us on fire in the road and leaving a burning trail on the asphalt. We immediately pulled over (thank god there was a spot to do so!) but had no brakes. Due to the sandy nature of the dirt and slight uphill he was able to throw it into park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10278238, filed 2009-07, 111,000 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 miles“Window regulator fails when shutting door, dropping window down in door channel. Window regulator must be replaced. Has just happened for the 3rd time in past 1 year. Each time a different window of this Dakota quad cab pickup I purchased new from dealer. Vehicle has been in no accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #10233604, filed 2008-07, 92,800 miles“Recall 04v216000/windshield wiper module motor: after this recall repair was performed on the consumer vehicle. The consumer states, that whenever the vehicle is being driven in inclement conditions it causes the windshield wipers and the headlight to stop operating. The dealer was not notified at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10107190, filed 2005-01, 37,200 miles“2003 Dakota quad cab. In cold temperatures below 15f the fluid sprayers will freeze. Causing low to zero visibility in winter weather driving. When truck is parked and warmed up for 10-15 mins fluid will spray for as long as you want, after you stop it pools up in the tips of the sprayers, and will freeze once you move again. The hose's are also not insulated to protect from the cold so they don't freeze as well. This can and will cause zero visibility, causing the drive to not be able to see and possibly getting into an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10053285, filed 2004-01, 17,605 milesRelated recalls
- 04V216000May 5, 2004On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal…Covers: Dodge Dakota 2002–2004, Durango 2002–2003
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% |
| 2002 | 20 | 3% |
| 2001 | 31 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 20 | 4% |
| 1997 | 13 | 3% |
| 1996 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Dakota
100 complaintsBrakes
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
38 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsExterior lighting
22 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