Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Dodge Dakota recalls
Suspension: front, control arm, upper ball joint
NHTSA campaign 04V596000 · reported December 21, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 592,707 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.
- The risk
- Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
NHTSA campaign 04V216000 · reported May 5, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 320,188 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.
- The risk
- Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on july 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system: wiring
NHTSA campaign 03V389000 · reported October 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 50,082 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the headlamp and dash wiring harness may be chafed by the actuation of the clutch pedal. This could result in abnormal operation of the wipers, turn signals, horn or lighting systems.
- The risk
- This could affect driver visibility, could prevent a driver from sounding a warning by using the horn, and, when the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will reroute the wire harness and repair the harness if necessary. Owner notification began november 3, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Exterior lighting: headlights, switch
NHTSA campaign 02V322000 · reported December 2, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 3,640 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks, the central timer module (ctm) has an improperly sized circuit board trace that could potentially cause the right headlamp low beam to become inoperative.
- The risk
- If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the ctm. Owner notification began december 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Aug 31, 2026 · Wheels
The lower ball joint just snapped the whole right front end assembly hub
Nov 17, 2022 · Suspension
The front end got a hard vibrate i replace the shocks two times and its not fix the problem seem like something going too brake off like a wheel or something dont feel safe driving it
Jun 10, 2021 · Electrical system · crash reported
2003 DODGE DAKOTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD INTO SHRUBS. THE CONSUMER SLEPT IN THE VEHICLE OVER NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.
Dec 5, 2020 · Air bags
AIRBAG RED LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME IGNITION SWITCH IS ON. AIRBAG RED WARNING LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME, SITTING STILL OR DRIVING
Jun 12, 2020 · Electrical system · 174,586 miles
I HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES SINCE LAST YEAR. FIRST TIME THE WIPERS, LIGHTS AND BLINKERS QUIT WORKING LATE IN THE EVENING, ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE AUTO SHOP. TOLD ME THE COMPUTER WAS THE ISSUE BUT THEY GOT THE TRUCK WORKING AGAIN. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN BUT I KNEW TO TRY THE DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TRICK AND THAT…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 31, 2026.