The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
The worst 2001 Dodge Dakota problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension236
- Brakes130
- Transmission93
- Engine59
- Electrical58
- Steering48
- Airbags39
- Visibility31
- Tires30
- Lights20
- Acceleration19
- Body11
- Fuel system9
- Seats7
- Wheels6
- Locks5
- Seat belts4
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Dodge Dakota
Ball joint 208Premature wear 33Headlights 26Airbag light 19Wipers 19Grinding brakes 18ABS 17Check engine light 16Harsh shifting 15Stalling 15Adaptive cruise 13Knocking 13No deployment 11Fire or smoke 11Door locks 10Pulling 10Won't shift 10Tire blowout 10Engine failure 9Brake failure 7Jerking 7Overheating 7Slipping 7Steering noise 7Power steering loss 6Warning lights 6
Recalls 7
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 07V555000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 04V596000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 03V505000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 03V389000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 01V233000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 01V077000 · Recall details
Child seat
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 00V366000 · Recall details
See all 7 recalls for the 2001 Dodge Dakota
Defect investigations
Upper ball joint separation
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 (the federal safety agency 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 safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA03023
Front safety belt anchorage
Allege that the front safety belt anchor bolts disengage from their mounting points or are found to be loose.
EA01010
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Dodge Dakota 72
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the...
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard...
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to...
- Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision...
- Service
- Valve Body
- Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly
- Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve
2001 Dodge Dakota fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 23 | 20 |
| 3.9L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19-20 | 16 |
| 4.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 18-19 | 14-15 |
| 3.9L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-14 | 17-18 | 14-15 |
| 4.7L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12-13 | 17-18 | 14-15 |
| 5.9L 8‑cyl | RWD | 11 | 15 | 13 |
| 5.9L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 11 | 16 | 13 |
What 2001 Dodge Dakota owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The driver seat moves on its own about 2 inches forward and backwards.no accident has happened.
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
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.
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.
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.
Compare the 2001 Dodge Dakota
Other model years
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Questions about the 2001 Dodge Dakota
Is the 2001 Dodge Dakota reliable?
Owners have filed 678 complaints about the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 3.3 times a typical Dakota model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2001 Dodge Dakota year score?
The 2001 Dodge Dakota scores 27 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Dakota: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge Dakota?
Suspension, with 236 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles. Next is brakes (130).
How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have?
7 recalls, covering power train, suspension and equipment.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Dodge Dakota suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V596000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge Dakota have bad suspension?
The Dodge Dakota model years with the most suspension complaints are 1999 (342 complaints), 2000 (282 complaints) and 2001 (236 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Dodge Dakota get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Dodge Dakota range from 13 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 23 highway.
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