Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 6% | 102,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% | 43,000 miles |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% | 33,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% | 98,000 miles |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% | 71,000 miles |
| 2003 | 16 | 5% | 47,000 miles |
| 2002 | 15 | 2% | 44,000 miles |
| 2001 | 19 | 3% | 73,000 miles |
| 2000 | 18 | 2% | 45,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% | 72,000 miles |
| 1998 | 16 | 3% | 170,000 miles |
| 1997 | 11 | 2% | — |
| 1996 | 5 | 3% | — |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The left turn signal works when it wants and when I turn it on the right turn signal comes on. The wipers and the headlights are currently going out or coming on by themselves. I have an error on the airbags (which have had the drivers replaced and currently awaiting the passengers, plus the new recall on the hose to the air bags). This issue started at around 120K miles. The fuses have been checked and passed. The bulbs-replaced. The situation is getting worse as the dash and interior lights do not work. The night lights went out when I was driving one night and do not drive after dusk anymore. All of this happens driving. The turns do it whether I am making a turn or pulling out or even testing them parked.
Turning right last year signaled left and the blinker blinked right my wife was behind me and later asked why I didn't signal the right way I said I did im not a dumm yi checked things they were fine. About a week later ...I put the high beams on and the wipers came on ran through the turn signals sure enough signal left blink right signal right blink left. Put high beam on washer fluid and wipers come on.
The windshield popped off in one corner, it was due to the lack of a weather seal the truck was not equipped with. The lack of seal created a Reservoir of water that cannot be seen and made rust along the edges. This rust ate away the glue and lead to leaks and finally I had to replace the entire windshield because it was no longer safe to drive with when it rained. The water leaked in and obstructed my view while driving.
On two occasions this vehicle experienced a serious safety issue when intermittently the turn signals fail to operate simultaneously with the windshield wipers also stop working. This can happen at any time and is particularly dangerous while in traffic and in a heavy rainstorm without warning the windshield wipers stop. At the same time the turn signals become inoperable so the driver is left without visibility and the inability to notify fellow travelers that he/she must immediately move to the right hand shoulder until the rain stops. This problem happened to me in May of 2007. Mileage on the vehicle was 23,125. The problem was identified by the Dodge technician as a defective multifunction switch - part number 56049823ab. The multifunction switch was removed and replaced by Dodge under warranty. The problem recurred in January of 2015. …
After driving on the interstate highway for a couple hours from Phoenix, Arizona I noticed that the left turn signal started malfunctioning, and the right signal flashed instead. After several hours of driving, noticed that sometimes the right signal only flashed 3 or 4 times when turning on the right indicator. I also noticed that the emergency flashers would usually blink once or twice left, then switch to right only. While stopped, I verified that the right front and rear turn signals were actually blinking as indicated on the dash. The next day however the problem was gone. I drove the car on the interstate again for several hours, without any issues.
The windshield in my 2006 Dodge Dakota has a 26" crack, which limits my visibility and is a distraction while driving. This did not happen from a chip or crack, but rather from the poor manufacture design. The crack began on the passenger side, in the upper right hand corner and creates a half moon shape down to the bottom of the passenger side. I was told by a professional at safelite auto glass that this was caused by the manufacture's design which does not properly seal the windshield and causes water to rot out the windshield frame. The tech was also able to show me the extent of the metal rot, but pulling the ceiling cover down and feeling the metal around the windshield from inside the cabin. The windshield frame on my 2006 Dodge Dakota is all rotted out. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the front passenger's side windshield exhibited severe cracks and bubbles near the top and bottom area. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who specialized in windshield repairs. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 7/10/13 the consumer was informed they could not repaired, because all Dodge Dakota's had a rusting defect around the windshield. The vehicle would have to be taken to a collision shop to be grinded and repaired before the windshield could be replaced.
About a week ago I noticed water dripping while it was raining from my grab handle on the driver's side area. A couple of days later the weather changed to freezing and my windshield cracked. Insurance replaced the cracked wind shield and the technician said that it was due to the cause was door seal/roof seam seal. This was a recall on Dodge Ram 2002 through 2004 reference #23-003-04. I went to the dealer and basically was told nothing is cover for the same problem on my 2005 Dodge Dakota. Even though it is the same problem. Also being told that unless the government issues a recall or replacement Dodge will not fix this.
Related recalls (2)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, a static electricity spark between the operator and the vehicle can cause the turn signal, headlamps or windshield wipers to malfunction without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will re-flash the instrument cluster. The recall began on March 6, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor May be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on July 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Dakota years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (19), 2000 (18), 1998 (16), 2003 (16) and 2002 (15) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Dakota window & wiper problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 06V-039 (switch/wiring, Feb 9, 2006); 04V-216 (windshield wiper/washer, May 5, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Dakota window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer (34 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (26).
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.