2003 Dodge Dakota electrical system problems

The 2003 Dodge Dakota has 38 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Electrical System complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Dakota electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

03V389000Electrical SystemOctober 10, 2003 · 50,082 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

“WHILE DRIVING A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE WIRE HARNESS. DEALERSHIP/ECHANIC TRIED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE 3 TIMES BEFORE, BUT HAD NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 15, 2003 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2003 Dodge Dakota have?

NHTSA has 38 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Dakota electrical system — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Dodge Dakota electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 03V389000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.