CarBrief

NHTSA has 296 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Dodge Dakota Pickup, and the largest group is suspension[1][2]. Four recalls apply, and the one on front ball joints is the one a buyer should ask about[3].

296owner complaints[1]
4recalls[4]
13–17MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Reported problems

NHTSA lists 296 complaints for this model year[1]. Sixteen mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 12 mention an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.

The component groups with the most complaints are:

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the four largest groups. These are the themes owners describe in that sample, not a measure of how common each problem is.

Suspension. In a sample of 12 complaints, 8 mention ball joints, and 7 of those describe them as worn, cracked or failed[2]. Several describe losing control or crashing after a front suspension part let go, and some of those texts repeat the same complaint[2]. Others describe banging or popping from the front end[2].

Power train. In a sample of 12, 10 describe automatic transmission shifting trouble, such as slipping out of gear, harsh shifts or not shifting into a gear[7]. Three of those texts are identical[7].

Brakes. In a sample of 12, 7 describe squeaking, squealing or howling, often when backing up[6]. Three describe warped rotors, and two of those texts are about trucks of other model years[6].

Engine. In a sample of 12, 8 describe stalling, hesitation, power loss or a rough idle[8].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first. Each one lists a dealer repair, and none says the remedy is pending. Whether a specific truck had the work done is something the seller or the service records need to show.

Fuel economy

The EPA rates ten versions of the 2003 Dakota. All use regular fuel. Combined ratings run from 13 MPG for the 4WD 5.9L automatic[16] to 17 MPG for the 2WD 3.9L automatic[5]. The EPA estimate for annual fuel cost runs from $3,950 to $5,150[5][16]. That cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new.

Version Transmission City / hwy / combined MPG Annual fuel cost Fact
2WD 3.9L 6-cyl[5] Automatic 4-spd 16 / 17 / 17 $3,950
2WD 3.9L 6-cyl[17] Manual 5-spd 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
2WD 4.7L 8-cyl[18] Automatic 5-spd 14 / 18 / 16 $4,200
2WD 4.7L 8-cyl[19] Manual 5-spd 14 / 19 / 15 $4,450
2WD 5.9L 8-cyl[20] Automatic 4-spd 12 / 16 / 14 $4,800
4WD 3.9L 6-cyl[21] Automatic 4-spd 13 / 16 / 14 $4,800
4WD 3.9L 6-cyl[22] Manual 5-spd 14 / 18 / 15 $4,450
4WD 4.7L 8-cyl[23] Automatic 5-spd 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
4WD 4.7L 8-cyl[24] Manual 5-spd 13 / 17 / 15 $4,450
4WD 5.9L 8-cyl[16] Automatic 4-spd 11 / 16 / 13 $5,150

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4 door listing a rollover rating of 3 stars[25]. The 2 door listing also gets 3 stars[26]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.

Engine and size

The EPA fuel economy listings show three engines: a 3.9L 6-cylinder, a 4.7L 8-cylinder and a 5.9L 8-cylinder[5][18][20]. Our data does not give horsepower.

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks. All versions are 72 inches wide[27].

Version Length (in) Width (in) Height (in) Wheelbase (in) Curb weight (lb) Fact
Reg cab, long box, 2WD[28] 191 72 65 112 3,642
Reg cab, long box, 4WD[29] 191 72 67 112 3,642
Club cab, long box, 2WD[27] 210 72 65 131 3,869
Club cab, long box, 4WD[30] 210 72 67 131 3,869
Quad cab, short box, 2WD[31] 210 72 66 131 4,244
Quad cab, short box, 4WD[32] 210 72 69 131 4,484

How 2003 compares with other years

1995: 208 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 189 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 446 complaints, 5 recalls19971998: 545 complaints, 5 recalls1999: 641 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 806 complaints, 5 recalls2001: 678 complaints, 7 recalls20012002: 678 complaints, 5 recalls2003: 296 complaints, 4 recalls29620032004: 206 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 470 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 285 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 145 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 91 complaints, 2 recalls2009: 18 complaints, 5 recalls20092010: 35 complaints, 7 recalls2011: 44 complaints, 6 recalls2011
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Dakota Pickup model year. The 2003 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952080
19961891
19974465
19985455
19996414
20008065
20016787
20026785
20032964
20042061
20054706
20062855
20071454
2008912
2009185
2010357
2011446

NHTSA has 296 complaints and 4 recalls on file for 2003[4]. Complaint counts were higher for 1997 through 2002 and for 2005, with a peak of 806 for 2000[4]. They were lower for 1995, 1996, 2004 and 2006 through 2011[4]. That puts 2003 eighth highest of 17 model years for complaints[4].

For recalls, 2003 matches 1999 and 2007 at 4[4]. Model years 2001 and 2010 have the most at 7[4]. These counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so they show a pattern within this model and not a safety score.

Should you buy a used 2003 Dakota?

Check the paperwork first. The 4x4 ball joint recall lists a loss-of-control risk, so ask for proof it was done on any four-wheel-drive truck[3]. Suspension is also the largest complaint group at 100[2]. A pre-purchase inspection of the front end is a sensible step.

Owners in our sample also describe transmission shifting trouble and stalling, so test drive for both[7][8]. Fuel economy is modest for every version, with combined ratings between 13 and 17 MPG[5][16]. This model year sits in the middle of its run for complaints[4], and the data cannot tell you how any single truck was treated.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Dakota?
Suspension has the largest group of NHTSA complaints at 100 out of 296, followed by brakes at 51 and power train at 38[1][2][6][7]. In a sample of suspension complaints we read, owners name ball joints[2].
Does the 2003 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
NHTSA lists four: front upper ball joints on 4x4 models (04V596), the wiper module (04V216), a clutch-pedal wiring harness on manual trucks (03V389) and a headlight timer module (02V322)[3][13][14][15].
How much gas does a 2003 Dodge Dakota use?
EPA combined ratings run from 13 to 17 MPG depending on engine, drive and transmission[5][16]. The 2WD 3.9L automatic is the highest at 17 MPG[5].
What is the rollover rating of a 2003 Dakota?
NHTSA rates rollover at 3 stars for both the 4 door and 2 door listings[25][26].
Is the 2003 Dakota a reliable truck?
Our data cannot give a reliability score. It shows 296 complaints and 4 recalls for this year, with suspension the largest complaint group[1][2][4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 296 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Dodge Dakota Pickup (16 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 100 complaints name the suspension component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 04V596, filed December 21, 2004: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Dakota Pickup model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 17 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 51 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 38 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 35 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,222). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 34 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 22 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,700). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 17 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 14 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 04V216, filed May 5, 2004: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 03V389, filed October 10, 2003: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 02V322, filed December 2, 2002: Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 16 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U CLUB CAB L/BOX 2WD SXT/SLT/R/T: length 210 in, width 72 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 3,869 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U REG CAB L/BOX 2WD Sport/SLT: length 191 in, width 72 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,642 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U REG CAB L/BOX 4WD Sport/SLT: length 191 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,642 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U CLUB CAB L/BOX 4WD SXT/SLT/R/T: length 210 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 3,869 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U QUAD CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 210 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,244 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U QUAD CAB S/BOX 4WD: length 210 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,484 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.