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Exterior lightingPart report

2004 Dodge Dakota Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
3%of 206 total for the year
Median mileage
115,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 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 could not get my headlights to turn on. All connections and bulbs were checked by a mechanic and the problem has been traced to the ctm (central timing module). These units are on nationwide back order. This is a serious safety issue and a serious replacement issue if people are losing their headlights and the part is on an unknown back order situation.”

NHTSA complaint #10927591, filed 2016-11, 196,000 miles

“The driver headlight quit working. I went to the store to replace it thinking it had burnt out. When I replaced the light it did not work still and the old headlight still had both filaments proving it was still good. I took the truck to the dealership after both headlights quit working on me when I was out at night driving less than a 10th of a mile from home. I managed to not get in an accident. The dealership told me that the ctm and head light switch were bad however the ctm was a obsolete part and they were unable to get me one. …”

NHTSA complaint #10994034, filed 2017-06, 134,000 miles

“Driving on a rainy night and headlights and wipers quit working all at once. Central timer module failed and shut the lights and wipers off as well as interior lights and door locks. Almost didn't get vehicle stopped without wrecking. Left vehicle and came back during daylight and drove to repair shop. Where located the issue was a failed central timer module. Contacted Dodge and said its out of warranty? Its not about warranty or not it could have the potential for a fatality. Still have the old ctm if anyone is interested in looking into the matter. …”

NHTSA complaint #10968286, filed 2017-03, 63,173 miles

“Cruise control would engage itself intermittently while driving at high speed. Vehicle had been to the dealer on two separate occasions, and they were unable to locate cause of the problem. Also, a loud popping sound was heard while braking. Dealer was notified. Dealer replaced both rotors and brake light 4 times due to moisture build up. However, problem recurred.”

NHTSA complaint #10092810, filed 2004-09, 4,000 miles

“My son was on his way to the doctor for an injection in his 2004 Dodge Dakota. While driving at about 45 MPH, he turned on the parking lights and the windshield wipers came on all by themselves. He had not turned on the windshield wiper switch. He stopped the truck and turned off the ignition. Assuming that it was a temporary glitch in the system he started the engine again and turned on the air conditioning system. At that time the entire lighting system went crazy. …”

NHTSA complaint #10292316, filed 2009-11, 115,000 miles

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201137%
201013%
200889%
200753%
200683%
200551%
200463%
2003227%
2002213%
2001203%
200051%
199971%
1998112%
199761%
199663%
199552%
199453%
199311%
199210%

Other parts of the 2004 Dodge Dakota

Steering
74 complaints
Suspension
45 complaints
Brakes
23 complaints
Electrical system
21 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
19 complaints
Air bags
15 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints
Engine cooling
12 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Dodge Dakota

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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