2001 Dodge Dakota: engine overheating

Filed Jul 18, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 215,000 miles · 00

Engine was overheating when air conditioner was turned on. This was due to the fan clutch needing to be replaced. Also, oil pressure gauge is broken in instrument cluster and so is not reporting oil pressure accurately. The entire instrument gauge cluster needs to be replaced to repair this.

Filed Aug 10, 2010 · Brakes · OR

Front brakes lock up or drag on 2001 dodge dakota. Extensive research in the internet reveals numerous identical problems 2000-2005 dodge dakota and durango. Problem baffles all. No reliable fix found. Brakes drag and overheat, smoke, burst into flames, may cause severe damage to vehicle.

Filed Aug 8, 2008 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · KS

I purchased the vehicle used with 39k miles I had it for a month and noticed vibrations when braking from 50 - 40 MPH. I figured the brake rotors were warped. After about a year of this I took the rotors off and into a parts store to have them checked, they were warped and too thin to turn (lathe). I bought new rotors and pads, cleaned and greased the caliper slide pins and reassembled the brakes. After this the braking vibration went away. Recently I was driving in heavy traffic and once I got to my exit I noticed smoke from the left front of the vehicle, also the brake pedal felt hard. I pulled over to find that the front brakes were smoking. I jacked up the front of the vehicle (wheels off the ground) and found that neither wheel/tire could be turned by hand. After the vehicle sat for approximately 5 hours to cool down the wheels could then be turned. Took vehicle to repair shop that confirmed the brake pad wear indicated that for the most part the pistons and slides seemed to be operating properly. I am an a.s.e. Certified master mechanic and have never seen brakes overheat like this and cause caliper lock up. Happen. I believe there is something inherently wrong with these vehicles.

Filed Jun 29, 2008 · Brakes · 86,000 miles · KY

Knowing the dakota's have brake issues, I replaced the front rotors with aftermarket slotted rotors in hopes that the rotor would stay cool & not warp. However even after adding new rotors I have had on three separate occasions one or the other front rotors have locked up. After the first incident I completely drained & replaced all the brake fluid w/synthetic brake fluid. I had no problems for about 2 months before they locked up again. This time I replaced both calipers, it's only been a month everything is working for now. Dodge should recall! Either there brake booster or calipers are flawed because the brake caliper tend to stick causing overheating, wrong to the point where the pads are so hot your engulfing other vehicles in smoke!

Filed Dec 15, 2007 · Brakes, Suspension · 64,000 miles · VA

I have a 2001 dakota quad cab 4x4 purchased new and the inside of the front rotors wear out extremely fast. They become damaged on the inside of the rotor appearing extremely rusted and as if maybe they overheated on the inside. 64,000 and this has happened 2 times. Dealers deny this is common , my brother has a 2002 (purchased new) and has had the same problem. Ball joints failed on both trucks , steering rack and rear differential leaks on both .

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Brakes · CA

2001 dodge dakota quad cab - faulty front and rear brake design I am a mechanical engineer by training. The front rotors and rear disc brakes are of poor design and function. They overheat, warp and begin to pulse. This occurs as a result of small brakes coupled with the large diameter tires and heavy weight of the vehicle. I have had to replace all brakes twice within 3 years (60,000 miles) as a result. These breaks do not brake well and are extremely soft. I have had numerous close calls as a result of these brakes. I would also like to point out that when coupled with this ABS system most vehicles continue to "lock-up" and slide creating a potential for serious accidents.

Filed Jan 25, 2002 · Electrical · OH

Abs failed three time, dealer replace the blown fuse with a higher amperage fuse, this makes the electrical subject to overheating and or fire. Dealer altered the fuse system without informing the owner this is unacceptable.