Ten problems related to body have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2003 Dodge ram quad cab 4x4 had vehicle towed and when tow truck driver hooked chains to frame rails to winch vehicle on to tow truck the chains ripped the steel out of the bottom of the frame do to the frame being rotted I have uploaded photos. This is a real safety concern do to the fact the frame is enclosed and there is no real warning or signs of the integrity of the remaining structure of the frame. It is in my opinion this needs to be addressed and frame should be recalled there are many other people with the same trucks even a lot newer than this one but same frame as mine and the same problem there is no reason other than poor engineering and prep of this frame I own many old pieces of equipment that are 30+ years older than this truck and no rot issues like this wear and tear is one thing body rot ect is normal but this is a real safety issue that gives no warning many of these trucks drive down the road such as mine hauling equipment ect imagine 20k lbs driving down the road and the truck splits in half do to the internal frame rot how many people will die before this issue I'd recalled by Chrysler? Toyota did it to there trucks why shouldn't Dodge please don't let Dodge ignore this it could be someone in your family that gets seriously hurt or dies driving one of these trucks or from someone else driving one of these trucks. Fyi I had the pittman arm joint snap on my truck with out warning it was a scary moment when u lose steering I was lucky and didn't crash and no one got hurt .
There is a entry grab handle mounted to the interior door post near the windshield intended as an assist handle. My truck is equipped with running board to make entry easier into the truck cab. I used the assist handle while getting into the truck cab, it pulled loose from the pillar causing me to nearly fall from the truck. I was able to gain my balance and step down from the running boards without doing any injury. I am of average height and weight appropriate. When I examined the handle I was shocked to see the only mounting involved was plastic with a bolt through it screwed to the door frame. This in no way should be classified as an appropriate assist handle to aid one in the entry of the vehicle.
Dash and defroster grill shattered . Only 60,000 miles on truck this seems to be a factory default and should be replaced by Dodge with better materials. I purchased this truck new with the 5 year extended warranty.
I bought my 2003 Dodge ram quad cab 1500 in January 2007 with about 38,000 miles on it. At the time the paint job on the truck was fine but starting around April or may the clear coat on the truck started to delaminate. I called up Dodge and even went by my local Dodge dealer to complain about the paint job but I was told because I'm not the original owner and that the trucks 3 year 36,000 mile warranty has run out no one will fix my truck. I've been told by my local Dodge dealer that it is a factory problem with my paint but I'm out of luck when it comes to Dodge repainting my truck.
A-pillar-mounted ingress handle on passenger side. I own a 2003 ram 1500 quad cab pickup. I bought this truck new in October 2003. Today, I was trying to get in the truck through the passenger's side and stood up to to clean the windshield and the a-pillar-mounted ingress handle came off. This truck has 4x4 so it is taller then the regular truck. You have to use that handler to keep your balance. Luckily ,I didn't get hurt because I used the seat and the door to avoide falling. I called the dealership, and unfortunatelly they won't be able to do anything to replace the a-pillar-mounted ingress handle because the truck was out of warranty. The truck has over 60,000 miles and I've had it 36 months. My complaint was why don't they builld this handles stronger. Their purpose was to help the persons get into the vehicles. Shouldn't they be able to hold at least an average size person?.
Water saturating floor on passenger side. Carpet smells moldy due to recurring problem. Taken to dealer 2 times previous and truck at dealer now for the 3rd time to attempt a possible repair. Sealed drain hole in firewall where evaporator housing drain hose goes through to outside of body and checked a/c lines for leaks. Truck leaks from inside the firewall, dealer is not sure where.
The dashboard and hvac system has cracked to pieces causing the defrosters to be inoperable most of the time and constantly blows pieces of plastic and foam out of the vents occasionally getting in the driver's eyes and nose causing sneezing and distracting irritation.
Water leaking on passenger side. Dealer attempted repair 4 times. Dealer said first time air conditioning condensation leaked. Filled up with water after rain, ruined carpet and musty smell.
Water leaking onto passenger's side floor, moldy carpeting, smells badly. Dealer attempted repairs, but defect continues.
Water pouring into passenger side floorboard that soaks and ruins carpeting. Unknown source, firewall area.