Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I recently bought a used 2003 Dodge Dakota. The truck was great except that at night when I would turn on the headlights all of the interior and exterior lights would flash off then back on approximately every two seconds to 30 seconds. After driving for about half an hour with this happening I became very frustrated. After doing some research on the internet, I narrowed down my problem to the Dakota central timing module. It appears as if many Dodge customers have this exact issue with these Dodge model trucks. It is very unsafe to operate a vehicle under these conditions. This issue did not depend on whether I was driving in rough terrain at night or during the day. No matter where I drive the truck, if the lights are on it will begin to start blinking off and then on intermittently. Please fix this problem! …
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 diagnosed. Repetitive postings about this models ctm failures all over the internet and adjoining safety consideration with only a limited recall, which did not include my vehicle. No after market parts were found and replaced with a item for a local junk yard which May simply fail again.
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, [phone]) and informed them of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number: 02V322000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was 42,000.
Our pick up truck was diagnosed with needing a central timer module replacement. We learned that there is a recall for vehicles that were built from 10/2/02 through 11/8/02. Our vehicle was built on 9/12/02. Our vehicle was built just 2 weeks before the recall and needs the same type of repair! Dodge will not pay for the repair. Problem occurs when it is stationary or in motion. We are requesting that you investigate this issue and expand the recall to include our vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the dome light socket burned where the bulb was plugged in. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the socket would need replacing. The manufacturer was advised that there were no recalls for the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for repairs. They offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 77,940.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the headlamps, interior lighting, gauges, and instrument panel randomly failed. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V322000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Head lights intermittently start blinking and eventually go out all together along with dash and dome lights. Online forums say it's the ctm. The next day it's fine then out of the blue it starts acting up again. Very dangerous when traveling at night. Any recalls for this? Seems to be quite common for this year Dakota
2003 Dakota lights quit working, I could have been killed. Also doors wouldn't lock or unlock electrically. Wife took truck to local dealer who said they couldn't touch it for two weeks. I could not drive the truck without lights. I checked all fuses and searched internet and deduced the central timer module (ctm) (56047092ai with date code 12/22/2002) was the problem and there was a recall #02V322000. I contacted Chrysler who said the recall didn't apply to my truck VIN #. I called another dealer who wanted $400+ to fix it. I found another dealer willing to sell me the part). They sold me a newer version and I installed it in their parking lot in about ten minutes. All the lights and electric door locks worked again except the for the key fobs which had to be reprogrammed. Total repair was $260.21. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the key fob failed to lock and unlock the vehicle. Additionally, the driver's side master window control was also inoperable and the doors could not be locked or unlocked. The contact then started the engine and the 4-wheel drive warning light illuminated. The headlights and tail lights had also failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken the dealer for diagnosis where the dealer stated that the central timer module would need to be repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 02V322000 (exterior lighting) however, the contact was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The contact believed that the failure described in the recall was the same failure that had been experienced with his vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 128,000.
25jan06 tell Dodge dealer that pass window inop from pass side switch works from drivers side switch. Dodge replace switch. 20apr06 tell Dodge dealer pass window inop from pass side but works from drivers side. Dodge couldn't find anything wrong. Persists up to 7dec07, hopefully my mechanic found the trouble. 1dec07 "service 4wd" light came on 3dec07 called to get apptmt for truck 4dec07 remote door entry wouldn't work or door lock for all doors on driver arm rest, windshield washer and wiper pulse wouldn't work 5dec07 headlights did not come on during evening traffic commute, turn signals worked 7dec07 take truck to shop finds short to ground in circuit to into lights (fuse#1) pnk wire near parking brake petal, replace central timer module (p/n 56049072al).
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
On certain pickup trucks, the central timer module (ctm) has an improperly sized circuit board trace that could potentially cause the right headlamp low beam to become inoperative.
Remedy: 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…
Headlight complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2003 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Dodge Dakota, 8% of the model year's 296 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Dakota headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-322 (switch, Dec 2, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Dakota headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.