10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 10,667 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
2003 Dodge Dakota, 2wd, 5 spd manual, V6. At speeds from 15 mph and up the brake system seems to fail as the truck jumps and skids very rapidly. The first time this happened I was on the freeway, traffic came to a halt quickly, I applied the brakes and almost lost control and hit the car in front of me as this jumping and skidding occured. All parts on the truck are factory and have not been modified. I am concerned and wondering if this has anything to do with the front suspension clunking.
- Menifee, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota quad cab. Whenever the brake pedal was applied, the brakes would pulsate, overheat, and lock up. The stopping distance would also increase. The dealer stated that wet conditions and high speed braking caused the rotors to warp. In addition, the vehicle idles high and roughly when approaching a stop sign or traffic light. When accelerating from a stop or merging into traffic, the vehicle would idle roughly. There was no throttle response for approximately 10 to 20 seconds, but then the vehicle would surge forward. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer approximately five times for these issues, but the failures still persist. All the sensors were replaced, but the failure is becoming worse. The dealer replaced the front rotors three times and the contact replaced them four times. The current mileage was 132,655 and failure mileage was 5,000. Updated 11/06/08. The rotors and brakes were replaced several times. The consumer was told the vehicle had a faulty master cylinder that was not letting the rear brakes ever work. The air conditioner was built to drain into the front passenger floor. The computer in the vehicle would not accept updates. The intermediate shaft was replaced. The wiper motor was replaced. Updated 11/06/08.
- Franklin, NC, USA
Dodge Dakota quad cab pickup 2003, brake failed to work properly. The consumer hit a parked vehicle on 2 separate occasions. The consumer stated when he attempted to apply the brake, the pedal simply collapsed to the floorboard. The dealer checked out the brakes and stated there were no problems, however on the third occasion the brakes failed again without incident. The consumer has continued to experience brake problems. The consumer took the vehicle to midas who told the consumer there was internal failure within the brake system and it was a warranty issue that should be handled by the dealer.
- Arlington, TX, USA
Vehicle will either go into neutral when put in reverse or while reversing pop out of reverse into neutral. This mostly occurred when the vehicle was in 4-wheel drive. The dealership serviced the vehicle several times for this issue, but since they were unable to duplicate or resolve the problem. The consumer had two transmission problems. The transmission module shorted out on four separate occasions. This problem caused the consumer to be nearly rear ended three times. The transmission shift indicator showed that the vehicle was in reverse but acted as if it were in neutral. The vehicle pulled to the left, the brakes would squeak and the vehicle had poor gas mileage. The battery was replaced because the vehicle did not start at times.
- Racine, WI, USA
We have recently submitted a claim to the bureau of automotive repairs. Our truck has been in the shop 6 times for the same and new problems. We bought this vehicle in June with 12 miles on it. They recently had our vehicle for 3 days in a row and wanted to keep it for a 4th day, however we declined. Below please find a list of the problems: 1) loud howling noise when backing up in reverse 2) slips out of gear when in reverse or drive 3) idles roughly 4) occasionally dies when backing in reverse or going forward 5) wheel well guards are starting to peel away 6) runs in the paint job 7) there was electrical wiring issues 8) transmission issues
- Cotati, CA, USA
When the vehicle was placed in reverse there was a moaning noise in the rear brakes. The dealership and the manufacturer were aware of the noise but were unable to fix it.
- Chiloquin, OR, USA
Purchased a 2003 Dakota quad cab in July 2003. When I test drove the truck I noticed a howl in the rear brakes when backing up. The dealership admitted that it was an issue but that Dodge was working on a solution and that they would add me to their list. My truck was worked on per tsb 0050603. A couple of weeks later the noise returned. I took my truck into the dealership and I was informed that Dodge has told them to not work on the trucks that they are working on a solution but do not know why the problem persists.
- Bellevue, NE, USA
When depressing the brake pedal, a squeaking noise can be heard. The dealer says this is normal.
- Palm Dale, CA, USA
The day I brought my 2003 Dodge Dakota quad cab home, I noticed a howling noise coming from the rear brakes when in reverse. Took it back to dealer to find out what was the cause and for it to be repaired. Service manager said that the breaks needed to be broken in and then the noise would stop. Took truck back for oil change after 3000 miles and informed service manager that the truck was still making howling noise. Told me there was a service bulletin on this problem and that as soon as the parts came in he would call. I'm still waiting. Also I am having transmission problems. When I am climbing a grade the transmission seems to get stuck in second gear. I have to let off the gas for it to shift. Sometimes the shift is very harsh and at other times it misses a gear altogether. Truck has a hard time maintaining set speed when cruise control is set. Seems to wait too long to shift to bring the truck up to speed
- Rosemont, PA, USA
Brakes squeal and engine idle problem.
- Enterprise, AL, USA
Brakes squeal and howl, engine idels rough with A/C off in drive (wants to stall).
- Enterprise, AL, USA
Brakes squeal and howling sound.
- Enterprise, AL, USA
When the vehicle made a turn or backed up there was a squeaking noise. The dealership indicated the noise could be caused by rust on the brakes.
- Baltimore, MD, USA
When the vehicle turned or backed up, there was a squeaking noise. The dealership indicated the noise could be caused by rust on the brakes.
- Baltimore, MD, USA
When the vehicle made a turn or backed up, there was a squeaking noise. The dealership indicated the noise could be caused by rust on the brakes.
- Baltimore, MD, USA
Purchased a 2003 Dodge Dakota quad 4X4. Day of delivery the salesman noticed the rear makes a loud squeeking noise when put into reverse and backing. Took it in for inspection and they adjusted the rear brakes. We have had it back to the dealer three additional times. The most recent they replaced pads along with some additional adjustements. We drove the vehicle home pulled into the driveway and it did it this time going forward. Now it does it in either drive or reverse. We have been told by the dealer it is a design problem but the manufacture states is not a potential saftey hazard but something the consumer will have to tolerate. The vehicle was purchased in Nov of 02 and has aproximately 3,000 miles on it.
- West Des Moines, IA, USA
- Cape Porpoise , ME, USA