2001 Dodge Dakota

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 678 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 14 times.

Avoid One of the Dodge Dakota years to avoid: 3.3× the complaints of a typical Dakota year. Which Dodge Dakota years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

413 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Dodge Dakota problems

223 of the 678 complaints (33%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint123
100
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint50
403
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes47
000
Electrical System31
030
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission23
100
Tires20
102
Suspension20
000
Air Bags · airbags20
404
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine18
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes16
111

2001 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

33% of all complaints

223 of the 678 complaints are about the suspension. This is what owners describe:

  • knocks, grinds or clunks11% · 24
  • vibrates or shakes4% · 9

Share of the 223 suspension complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
46,258 mi
median of 153 reports
Peak year of filing
2004
122 suspension complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
6 · 0 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the suspension
“1. Normal driving circumstances. Front end suspension started making clunking/popping noises and steering became erratic. Truck has 85,000 miles. 2. Could not safely drive the vehicle. The steering was too risky. I also noticed while the tow truck driver was pulling the vehicle onto the truck that the front right wheel was leaning over at about 30 degree angle. 3.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 17, 2006 at 88,000 miles
“2001 dodge dakota extended cab 4x4. Rattling in front end when going over small bumps such as man holes and washboard. Sounds similar to a loose hub cap. Was told the lower front ball joints were bad and daimler/chrysler has a bulletin published internally on how to fix the problem and may cause the wheel to fall off. Sounds like a manufacturing defect to me that they should replace. *nm”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 30, 2006 at 48,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2000: 1 complaints, 1 about the suspension'002001: 48 complaints, 5 about the suspension2002: 69 complaints, 3 about the suspension2003: 133 complaints, 48 about the suspension2004: 194 complaints, 122 about the suspension'042005: 66 complaints, 31 about the suspension2006: 27 complaints, 6 about the suspension2007: 17 complaints, 1 about the suspension2008: 24 complaints, 1 about the suspension'082009: 11 complaints, 0 about the suspension2010: 21 complaints, 1 about the suspension2011: 11 complaints, 2 about the suspension2012: 5 complaints, 0 about the suspension'122013: 9 complaints, 0 about the suspension2014: 8 complaints, 1 about the suspension2015: 8 complaints, 0 about the suspension2016: 3 complaints, 0 about the suspension'162017: 5 complaints, 0 about the suspension2018: 4 complaints, 0 about the suspension2019: 5 complaints, 0 about the suspension2020: 2 complaints, 0 about the suspension'202021: 3 complaints, 1 about the suspension2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the suspension2023: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension2024: 0 complaints, 0 about the suspension'242025: 3 complaints, 0 about the suspensionRecall 00V366000 (child seat)Recall 01V077000 (transmission)Recall 01V233000 (seat belts)Recall 03V389000 (electrical system)Recall 03V505000 (equipment)Recall 04V596000 (suspension)Recall 06E011000 (fuel system)Recall 06E024000 (engine)Recall 07V555000 (transmission)Recall 08E064000 (suspension)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)
All complaintsAbout the suspensionRecall (red: the suspension)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2001 Dakota peaked in 2004, with 194 filed that year. Owners had filed 173 complaints about the suspension before the first recall that covers it, 04V596000 in December 2004; 50 more have come in since. In 2025 owners filed 3 so far.

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Suspension › Front › Hub08E064000
Filed Oct 20, 20082,805 vehiclesSkf USA, Inc.

Defect. SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.

Risk. IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift07V555000
Filed Dec 4, 2007576,418 vehiclesChrysler LLC

Defect. ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.

Risk. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Engine and Engine Cooling06E024000
Filed Mar 15, 200644,386 vehiclesK&n Engineering, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Risk. A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy. K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E011000
Filed Feb 1, 20067,291 vehiclesAirtex Products

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.

Risk. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint04V596000
Filed Dec 21, 2004592,707 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Risk. EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Equipment › Other › Labels03V505000
Filed Dec 10, 200335,692 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR) THAT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Risk. IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL OVERLAYS CONTAINING CORRECTED INFORMATION RELATIVE TO VEHICLE GAWR AND TIRE SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

Electrical System › Wiring03V389000
Filed Oct 10, 200350,082 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

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.

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage01V233000
Filed Jul 5, 2001104,252 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE FRONT OUTBOARD LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY.

Risk. AN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY NOT PROVIDE THE ANTICIPATED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT RESTRAINT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS AND TIGHTEN TO SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 19, 2001. 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 SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift01V077000
Filed Mar 7, 200185,400 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE ELECTRIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE MAY NOT FULLY ENGAGE INTO GEAR WHEN THE OPERATOR MOVES THE TRANSFER CASE SELECTOR SWITCH.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRANSFER CASE TO END UP IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION UNEXPECTEDLY AND ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. 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 SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Child Seat00V366000
Filed Nov 9, 20001,211,756 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

All 14 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2001 Dakota.

UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA03023Closed
Opened Nov 19, 2003Closed Feb 11, 2005Led to recall 04V596000suspension

Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (NHTSA recall no. 04v-596).though dcc does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise.because of the low rates of separation incidents in the remaining subject vehicles, a …

FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGEEngineering analysis EA01010Closed
Opened Mar 8, 2001Closed Aug 17, 2001Led to recall 01V233000seat belts

Allege that the front safety belt anchor bolts disengage from their mounting points or are found to be loose.

Technical service bulletins

72 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2001 Dakota. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

electrical system 12body and frame 12equipment 10transmission 10engine 9visibility 5steering 3equipment adaptive/mobility 1
0201004Warranty extensionDec 16, 2004suspension

UPPER BALL JOINT EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TT

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2001 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Child Seat
Filed Oct 14, 2025CA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V366000 (Child Seat); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 12, 2025CA

My 2001 Dodge Dakota has a faulty SKIM system. The vehicle goes into No-Start/Stall while driving down the road. I have had it at a dealership and they do not have technical experience with these older vehicles that require an “antiquated software system”. This is a dangerous situation, particularly in foothills with winding roads.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 2025119,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the catalytic converter replaced, the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had to have the vehicle towed to the residence on nine separate occasions. The vehicle was also towed to a dealer, where the PCM was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM). The contact believed that a defect with the SKIM had caused the sudden stall with the security light flashing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 119,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 23, 2023234,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shifted out of gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park(P) but rolled unintendedly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 234,000.

Suspension
Filed Dec 29, 2021300,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a wobble coming from the front passenger’s side tire. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Seats
Filed Dec 12, 2021NC

The driver seat moves on its own about 2 inches forward and backwards.no accident has happened.

Tires
Filed Jan 11, 2021197,661 milesMD

CRUISING ON INTERSTATE @ 70 MPH. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR STARTED ROARING AND THEN PROCEEDED TO DISINTEGRATE AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE UPPER WALL, WHEN STOPPED THE TIRE HAD BECOME 2 PIECES COMPLETELY SEVERED INTO TO SEPARATE CIRCLES. CONDITIONS WERE GOOD; IE; NO ROAD HAZARDS. WEATHER CLEAR, AND LIGHT TRAFFIC

Electrical System
Filed Apr 17, 2020250,000 milesTX

THE GAUGES WOULD STOP WORKING. SEEMS THERE WAS NO COMMUNICATION CMT AND I HAD THE EMC CHECKED AND IT WAS FINE. IT ONLY COSTS $90 TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. SEEMS THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IN REGARD TO THIS FAILURE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 14, 2020158,416 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH, WHEN I TAPPED BRAKES SUDDENLY,. THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD TO USE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP. AFTER PUMPING BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. I LOOKED FOR SIGNS OF BROKEN BRAKE LINES AND/OR FLUID AND ALL LOOKED WELL. I HAVE HEARD OTHER REPORTS IDENTICAL TO MINE AND OTHERS PERTAINING TO 2WD MODELS WHERE THE BRAKES LOCK UP AT HIGHER SPEEDS INSTEAD OF NOT WORKING. FORTUNATELY, I WAS DRIVING SLOW AND WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD WITH LITTLE ACTIVITY. IF I HAD TO STOP SUDDENLY FOR A CAR, KID OR PET. I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM.

Power Train
Filed May 26, 2019185,000 milesCA

FRONT CV AXLE(HUB AND BEARING) FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. THE INTERMEDIATE AXLE ALSO NEEDS REPLACING DUE TO SEVERE RUST FROM CV AXLE. THE UPPER UPPER BALL JOINT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUETE VISABILITY AT NIGHT.

Electrical System
Filed May 6, 201999,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE KEY FOB WERE INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS STILL PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO GET A USED PART BECAUSE THEY NO LONGER MADE THAT PART. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 16, 2019IL

TAKATA RECALL EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET FAIL OVER TIME AND ALLOWING MORE FUMES AND ENGINE NOISE DOOR PINS NONE REPLACEIBLE AND WEAR OUT OVER TIME CAUSE DOOR DAMAGE

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 8, 2019125,000 milesTN

CLEAR COAT COMING OFF TRUCK BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE NEW. ESTIMATE ON REPAINT $4500.00

Electrical System
Filed Jan 6, 2019189,000 milesCA

HELLO MY I AM DISAPOINTED THIS IS THE 3RD CAM SHAFT SENSOR ILL HAVE TO REPLACE AFTER MUCH RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON ERROR ON WHOEVER DESIGNED THIS IN RESULT CAR CAN SHUTSOWN WHILE DRIVING LEAVING YOU WITH NO CONTROL OR PERHAPS WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WILLLL NOT STAY RUNNING WHY ISNT THERE A RECALL TO FIX THIS POBLEM FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 29, 2018168,000 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING MY FRIENDS 01 DAKOTA, AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN I HYDROPLANED AND I WAS T-BONED ON PASSENGER SIDE. I HAD MY SEATBELT ON. WHEN THE TRUCK CAME TO A STOP AFTER SPINNING AROUND AND FACING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. ON IMPACT MY SEATBELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN ME AND I WAS THROWN INTO THE BACK SEAT WHERE MY HEAD HIT THE REAR WINDOW AND I SUB STAINED A VERY LARGE GASH TO MY HEAD.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 25, 201888,000 milesVA

BRAKE LINE CORRODED AND LEAKED

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 18, 2018160,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 1, 2018148,500 milesWA

COMPUTER CONTROL OF HEADLIGHTS, INTERIOR AND DASH LIGHTING, AND POSSIBLY THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE INTERMITTENT WIPER CONTROL ARE AFFECTED. WITHOUT WARNING THESE SYSTEMS EITHER FAILED OR BECAME ERRATIC. VEHICLE EXHIBITS THESE MALFUNCTIONS BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION, AND AT ALL SPEEDS. IT IS APPARENTLY NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE, AS PER INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET. THE (TEMPORARY?) FIX IS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FOR 15+ MINUTES, POSSIBLE CAUSE: THE COMPUTER CONNECTORS.

Air BagsCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed Aug 17, 2017170,000 milesIA

MY SON WAS DRIVING A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA, WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 2001. HE LOST CONTROL ON A GRAVEL ROAD AND WENT OFF THE EDGE OF A DITCH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND HE WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. HIS PASSENGER WAS INJURED, BUT SURVIVED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS IN HORRIBLE SHAPE, AND THERE IS NO WAY AN AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED......UPDATED 11/14/17 *BF *TR

Interior Lighting
Filed Aug 9, 201790,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOME AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL CONTROL TIMER MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TT

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 5, 2017VT

TAKATA RECALL THIS TRUCKS FRAME JUST BROKE. IT'S A CLEAN BREAK AND LOOKS TO BE RIGHT ON A WELD. THE TRUCK WAS IN MOTION I THOUGHT I HIT A BIG BUMP. IT ALSO RUPTURED THE GAS TANK. WE CALLED CHRYSLER COOPERATION AND THEY SAID TO HAVE A LOCAL DEALER LOOK AT IT. THEY DID AND TOLD US IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH WE ALREADY KNEW. I WAS SHOCKED THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HELP AND CONSIDER RECALLING THE OTHER TRUCKS FROM THE TIME AND PLACE THIS ONE WAS MADE TO CHECK THEIR FRAMES. I TRIED TO SEND PICTURES BUT IT WON'T LET ME ON HERE THIS IS MY SECOND ATTEMPT. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT SOMEONE FROM THE HIGHWAY SAFETY DEPARTMENT SHOULD AT LEAST LOOK AT. PLEASE GET A HOLD OF ME SO I CAN SEND YOU A PICTURE OF THIS BROKEN FRAME SO YOU CAN MAKE YOUR DETERMINATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. AND THIS TRUCK WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE FRAME BROKE I THOUGHT I'D HIT A BIG POTHOLE *JS

Electrical System
Filed Apr 20, 201789,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEADLIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS, AND DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL CONTROL TIMING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT OPENED CASE NUMBER: 30176046 AND WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST FOR PARTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN EMAIL STATING THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER BEING MADE AS OF 2011. THE CONTACT LOCATED A DEALER THAT HAD THE PART IN STOCK, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS ON FREEZE BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 21, 2017150,000 milesCA

CONTROL TIMER MODULE DOOR LOCK ON AND OFF ALL BY ITSELF, WIPERS TURN ON AND OFF ECT.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 19, 2016125,000 milesUT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE AND KEYLESS ENTRY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 1, 2016128,600 milesTX

KEY AND SHIFT LEVER LOCKOUT MALFUNCTIONING: IN A RUNNING VEHICLE IN "DRIVE", THE KEY CAN BE TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION, TURNING THE MOTOR OFF, LEAVING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN "DRIVE" AND THE KEY REMOVED WITHOUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER BEING PLACED IN "PARK". IF LEFT IN "DRIVE" OR "REVERSE", THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL AFTER THE KEY IS OUT, THE BRAKE IS RELEASED AND MOTOR OFF. THE SHIFT LEVER MOVES FREELY BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN ALL POSITIONS WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AFTER FOLLOWING THE SEQUENCE MENTIONED ABOVE. IN ORDER FOR THE SHIFT LEVER LOCKOUT TO WORK PROPERLY AGAIN, THE KEY MUST BE REMOVED ONLY WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS IN "PARK".

Electrical System
Filed May 27, 2016147,000 milesCA

4WD SELECTOR SWITCH BLINKING AND UNABLE TO GO INTO 4WD MODES, DOOR LOCKS OPEN AND CLOSE RANDOMLY AT ANY SPEED, 4WD DRIVE LIGHT ON AT DASH, NO AIR BLOWING FOR AC OR HEAT.

Power Train
Filed Oct 2, 2015135,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR AXLE PINION NUT LOOSENED AND THE DRIVESHAFT WAS REMOVED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V474000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 22, 2015185,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED ONE OF THE TUBES ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 10, 201575,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE A GEAR WAS LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 26, 2015175,600 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHILE MY HEAT WAS ON AND I LOST TWO FAN SPEEDS, AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND MY RESISTOR WAS MELTED, AND SO WERE TWO WIRES. NOW I CURRENTLY LOST ANOTHER SPEED AND HAVE ONLY LEVEL 2 FOR HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING.

Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2015176,000 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING IN A SMALL NEIGHBORHOOD AND I HEAR A VERY DISTINCT TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, AFTER I LOOKED AT THE AREA I NOTICED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS AND HEAT SHIELD WERE BROKE . THIS CAN CAUSE EXHAUST FUMES TO COME INTO THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 18, 2015132,000 milesIA

LINE TO REAR BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSE OF REAR BRAKES. MECHANIC BELIEVES FAILURE DUE TO ROAD SALT CORROSION. MECHANIC REPORTED HE HAD SEEN SAME PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER 2001 DODGE TRUCK. VEHICLE PRESENTLY AT SIGOURNEY, IOWA DODGE DEALER BEING REPAIRED.

Power TrainCrash
Filed May 24, 2015DC

PUT IN PARK AND IT ROLLED DOWN DRIVE INTO ROAD AND HIT A PARKED CAR

Engine
Filed Jan 27, 2015179,000 milesPA

MY DODGE DAKOTA WITH THE 4.7 ENGINE RACES ALL THE TIME. WHEN I FIRST START IT, IT RACES AND IT ALSO DOES IT WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. WHEN I GO FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER I HAVE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL UNTIL IT STOPS RACING AND THEN PUT IT IN EITHER REVERSE OR FORWARD. IT ALSO DOES THIS WHEN I COME TO A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT IT RACES AND I HAVE TO PUSH HARDER ON THE BREAK PEDAL TO KEEP IT FROM GOING FORWARD UNTIL IT COMES DOWN TO NORMAL SPEED. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I CAME CLOSE TO HITTING THE PERSON SETTING IN FRONT OF ME FROM THE ENGINE RACING. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 10, 2014100,000 milesGA

ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE AND MUST BE PUT INTO PARK AND RESTARTED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 26, 2014140,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES SEIZED AND STARTED TO EMIT SMOKE. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE LOW FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERS WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS BRAKE MODULAR, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND WIRING HARNESS AS BEING DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140.000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 10, 2014NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE MODULE WAS DEFECTIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 6, 2014131,500 milesOH

THE SHIFTER LEVER CAME LOOSE FROM ITS MOUNTING. EITHER THE ROLL PIN WORKED UP AND OUT OF POSITION OR THE ROLL PIN WAS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY AT ASSEMBLY. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO EASILY INTO THE " PARK " POSITION ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO ROLL BACKWARDS ON THE DRIVEWAY. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO " DRIVE " . THE PROBLEM ON MY TRUCK HAS BEEN FIXED. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 5, 201473,647 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS WORN. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,647.

Structure › Body
Filed May 20, 2014125,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, RUST WAS DISCOVERED ON THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 11, 2014180,000 milesMI

THE KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I DID THIS BY ACCIDENT ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. I JUST READ THE ARTICLE ABOUT THE CURRENT GM RECALL IN THE USA TODAY NEWSPAPER. I'M NOT CONCERNED ABOUT IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE AS I UNDERSTAND IT. I TRY NOT TO PULL IT OUT ANYMORE AS I THINK THAT WOULD LOOSEN IT UP MORE. I DON'T THINK IT EVER GOES OUT OF THE RUN CONDITION. I BELIEVE THERE ARE SEVERAL OEM'S (IF NOT ALL WHEN THE VEHICLE GETS OLD) THAT HAVE THIS ISSUE AND I ALSO BELIEVE THAT IT IS NOT A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. THE CUSTOMER KNOWS THEY HAVE AN ISSUE WHICH MAKES THEM SHARE ON THE LIABILITY. I JUST REPORTED THIS ON MY SATURN VUE AS WELL. THE KEY COMES OUT MUCH EASIER ON THE DODGE THAN ON THE SATURN. THE IGNITION SLOT IS MUCH LOOSER ON THE DODGE. *JS

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift
Filed Jan 3, 201481,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION ERRONEOUSLY SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INDICATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V077000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 27, 2013124,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TRUCK TRANSFER CONTROL MODULE INDEPENDENTLY SWITCHED FROM TWO-WHEEL DRIVE TO FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE, CAUSING THE TIRES TO SEIZE. THE CONTACT HAD TO UNHOOK THE WIRES FROM THE TRANSFER CASE AND POWER THE VEHICLE OFF IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO SECURE THE VEHICLE IN TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 21, 2013AL

UNIT ONE WAS TRAVELING EAST ON GREENBRIER ROAD IN THE INSIDE LANE. THE DRIVER OF UNIT 1 STATED IT WAS RAINING HEAVILY AND HE LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE. DUE TO VEHICLE HYDROPLAINING UNIT 1 CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND ENTERED THE WEST BOUND TRAFFIC LANES UNIT 2 WAS COMING WEST ON GREENBRIER IN THE INSIDE LANE UNIT3 WAS TRAVELING WEST ON GREENBRIER IN THE OUTSIDE LANE UNIT1 CROSSED IN FRONT OF UNIT2 COLLIDED WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF UNIT1 UNIT1 FISHTAILED COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND CAME TO REST ON THE WEST BOUND SIDE OF GREENBRIER UNIT2 FISHTAILED CLOCKWISE AND WAS STRUCK BY UNIT 3 THE DRIVER OF UNIT3 STATED HE ATTEMPTED TO AVOID UNIT 1 BY SWERVING TO THE LEFT AND COLLIDED WITH UNIT 2 AS IT SPUN TOWARDS HIS VEHICLE THE AIR BAGS IN UNIT ONE BEING MY VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY AND PASSENGER WAS BADLY INJURED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 2, 201391,454 milesWA

DASH LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLASH ALONG WITH HEAD LIGHTS, THEN WENT OUT. TIME WAS 10:30 PM TO DARK TO DRIVE RURAL ROADS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 29, 201398,762 milesFL

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I WAS NOT MOVING, JUST STARTED VEHICLE. LIGHT HAS REMAINED ON FOR 5 DAYS WITH MY NORMAL DRIVING. HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WORK. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 11, 201385,196 milesFL

THE STEREO SYSTEM STOP WORKING, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE FLICKERING AND EVEN WHEN THE DOORS ARE PERFECTLY CLOSED AND I AM WEARING MY SEAT BELL THE ALARM ( BELL SOUND) START SOUNDING WHEN I REACH THE 10 MPH SPEED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 8, 2013105,000 milesTN

CLOCKSPRING IN STEERING COLUMN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL, HORN AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING. A NEW CLOCKSPRING WAS INSTALLED AND NOW EVERYTHING WORKS FINE. UPDATED 06/10/13 *BF

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 13, 201399,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT STATED THAT AFTER APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, THE LEVER FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 99,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 13, 2013KY

A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. MOST OF THE DAMAGE WAS FROM THE FRONT MIDDLE TO PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 678, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201144600Do not drive
201035700Do not drive
200918500Do not drive
200891210Do not drive
2007145420Do not drive
2006285671Do not drive
20054707270Do not drive
2004206561Fatalities reported
20032961150Above average
200267812182Fatalities reported
2001 — this page67814112Fatalities reported
200080612142Fatalities reported
19996411060Above average
19985451216Fatalities reported
19974461261Fatalities reported
1996189261Fatalities reported
1995208161Fatalities reported
1994166442Fatalities reported
1993134260Routine
1992216280Above average
1991128550Routine
199063300Routine

Compare every Dakota year →

2001 Dodge Dakota: questions buyers ask

Is the 2001 Dodge Dakota a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Dakota years to avoid: owners filed 678 complaints, 3.3 times as many as a typical Dakota year. The most common complaint is about the suspension (33%).

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge Dakota?

The suspension: 223 of the 678 complaints (33%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (11%) and vibrates or shakes (4%). The typical report comes at 46,258 miles.

How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have?

14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 00V366000, covered 1,211,756 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Dakota problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 50,000 miles. For the suspension the midpoint is 46,258 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2001 Dodge Dakota?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA03023 ("UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION"), was opened Nov 19, 2003 and closed Feb 11, 2005.

Are there service bulletins for the 2001 Dodge Dakota?

The manufacturer filed 72 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (12), the body and frame (12) and the transmission (10). They include a warranty extension, 0201004, filed Dec 16, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.