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Dodge Dakota 2003

The 2003 Dodge Dakota came with 3 engines: 3.9 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.9 L 8-cylinder. It gets 13 to 17 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 11 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD AWD
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Dodge Dakota
Representative photo of the Dakota. It may show a different year or version. Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
3,900 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic · 4 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)5,330 × 1,820 × 1,690 mm (209.8 × 71.7 × 66.5 in)
Wheelbase3,330 mm (131.1 in)
Curb weight1,755 kg (3,869 lb)
Body styleStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 6 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

For sale in United States

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2003 Dodge Dakota 4-DR. Cab
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★
NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2003 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
13 MPG
Highway
16 MPG
Combined
14 MPG
Emissions
394 g/km
COâ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
3.9 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 13 MPG 16 MPG 14 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 16 MPG 17 MPG 17 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 13 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 18 MPG 16 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 13 MPG 17 MPG 15 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 15 MPG
5.9 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 11 MPG 16 MPG 13 MPG
5.9 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 12 MPG 16 MPG 14 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

11 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS 09E025000 · 2009-05-11 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E012000 · 2009-04-07 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB 08E064000 · 2008-10-20 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E065000 · 2006-07-17 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E026000 · 2006-03-23 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 06E024000 · 2006-03-15 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP 06E011000 · 2006-02-01 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT 04V596000 · 2004-12-21 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

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 04V216000 · 2004-05-05 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

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 03V389000 · 2003-10-10 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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.

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 02V322000 · 2002-12-02 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

4 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Suspension 2004439 · 2004-12-20 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain four wheel drive vehicles, 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 progressively over an extended period of time. A worn upper ball joint could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control which may result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the upper ball joints with a revised assembly having improved sealing integrity. Two wheel drive models will be covered by an extended warranty of 10 years or 160,000 kms.

Other 2004155 · 2004-05-06 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor assembly may become susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability. Correction: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor with a revised version that contains a water shield.

Electrical 2003245 · 2003-10-14 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, 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. Correction: Dealer will reroute the wiring harness.

Lights And Instruments 2002240 · 2002-12-16 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the right headlight may become inoperative due to an improperly sized circuit board trace in the central timer module. Correction: Dealers will replace the central timer module.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

WHEELS 2026-08-31 · NHTSA

The lower ball joint just snapped the whole right front end assembly hub

SUSPENSION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2022-11-17 · NHTSA

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Crash 2021-06-10 · NHTSA

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.

AIR BAGS 2020-12-05 · NHTSA

AIRBAG RED LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME IGNITION SWITCH IS ON. AIRBAG RED WARNING LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME, SITTING STILL OR DRIVING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2020-06-12 · NHTSA

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 …

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2020-04-26 · NHTSA

1. WHILE SITTING IN PARK ON A AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IN A STILL POSITION ROLLED FRONT OR BACK MORE THAN A COUPLE INCHES. HAD TO STEP ON BRAKE WHILE IN PARK AND HAD TO BLOCK WHEELS WHEN ENGINE WAS OFF TO KEEP FROM ROLLING. EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD OR WORK PROPERLY EITHER. 2. THE HEATER HAS ONLY HIGH POSITION WO…

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2020-04-21 · NHTSA

THIS TRUCK HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON ALL DOORS. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM EACH TWO TIMES. THE WINDOW WILL FALL DOWN AND WINDOW REGULATOR WILL JUST SNAP. HE HAS REPLACED AND DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS TO ME IS A SAFETY HAZARD. HE HAS BOLTED THE WINDOWS SHUT AND WILL BE STUCK CLOSED. HE SAYS IT'S …

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2019-11-17 · NHTSA

WIRING HARNESS CONNECTED TO A/C AND HATER BLOWER MOTOR MELTS AND CAUSES THE BLOWER MOTOR TO FAIL. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN 2 YEARS. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER PUT IN A NEW HARNESS AT MY EXPENSE, AROUND 400 DOLLARS. BOTH TIMES THE BLOWER MOTOR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS. THERE ARE OTH…

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2019-10-18 · NHTSA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING, THE CLUTCH WAS APPLIED AND THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING BECAME INOPERABLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED FERRARIO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (2463 CORNING RD, ELMIRA, NY 14903, (607) 733-9108) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WA…

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2019-07-17 · NHTSA

VEHICLE WILL SHIFT GEAR MECHANICALLY, BUT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND/OR PARK ON THE DASH. VEHICLE ALSO WILL NOT START AS A RESULT.

TIRES 2018-12-12 · NHTSA

TO WHOM IT CONCERNS: I AM REQUESTING THAT THE DOT NHTSA INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF A TIRE SIDEWALL SEPARATION OR SIDEWALL DELAMINATION OF COOPER TIRES (COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY) MODEL DISCOVERER RTX, SIZE P245/70R16, DOT UT9H 2BM 1818. I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 TIRES (DISCOVERER RTX, 245/70R16) ON NOVEMBE…

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2018-10-25 · NHTSA

LOST EXTERIOR LIGHTS (PARKING LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, TAIL LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS) WHILE DRIVING. HEADLIGHTS, TURN LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS FUNCTIONING. CTM WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE, HOWEVER SAFETY CONCERNS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNUSED IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS UNTIL PROBLEM…

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2003 Dodge Dakota have?
The 2003 Dodge Dakota came with 3 engines: 3.9 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.9 L 8-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2003 Dodge Dakota?
It gets 13 to 17 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2003 Dodge Dakota have recalls?
11 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Exterior Lighting (2009-05-11).
What are the common problems of the 2003 Dodge Dakota?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Electrical System.

Other years

Which Dodge Dakota year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Dodge

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