2003 Dodge Dakota power train problems
38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2003 Dodge Dakota — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Apr 26, 2020
“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.”
filed Jul 17, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Plate - Planetary
101232 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2024Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
9001784 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 22, 2021
Power Train problems in other Dakota years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Dakota | 8 | 18% |
| 2010 Dakota | 7 | 20% |
| 2008 Dakota | 10 | 11% |
| 2007 Dakota | 24 | 17% |
| 2006 Dakota | 36 | 13% |
| 2005 Dakota | 81 | 17% |
| 2004 Dakota | 19 | 9% |
| 2002 Dakota | 89 | 13% |
| 2001 Dakota | 93 | 14% |
| 2000 Dakota | 74 | 9% |
| 1999 Dakota | 56 | 9% |
| 1998 Dakota | 74 | 14% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Dodge Dakota
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.