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2001 Dodge Dakota electrical problems

58 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
58
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Wiring
    7
  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    5
  • Horn
    4
  • Ignition
    3
  • Wiring: front underhood
    2
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    1
  • Instrument cluster/panel
    1
  • Ignition: switch
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge Dakota electrical problems in other years

19901995200020052011

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Dodge Dakota electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 11Warning lights 6

Related recalls

Electrical system: wiringReported October 10, 2003 · 50,082 vehicles affected
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

What 2001 Dodge Dakota owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · 119,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Apr 17, 2020 · Electrical · 250,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed May 6, 2019 · Electrical · 99,000 miles · OR

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.

Filed Jan 6, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 189,000 miles · CA

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

Filed Jun 18, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 160,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Feb 1, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 148,500 miles · WA

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.

Filed Aug 9, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 90,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Apr 20, 2017 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Sep 19, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 125,000 miles · UT

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.

Filed May 27, 2016 · Electrical · 147,000 miles · CA

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.

Questions about the 2001 Dodge Dakota electrical

Does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 58 complaints about the electrical of the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Dakota electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Dodge Dakota electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 03V389000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Dakota have the most electrical problems?

The Dodge Dakota model years with the most electrical complaints are 2001 (58 complaints), 2002 (52 complaints) and 2003 (34 complaints).

Other 2001 Dodge Dakota problems

Suspension 236Brakes 130Transmission 93Engine 59Steering 48Airbags 39Visibility 31Tires 30Lights 20Acceleration 19Body 11Fuel system 9Seats 7Wheels 6Locks 5Seat belts 4

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