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2001 Dodge Dakota transmission problems

93 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 56,982. 10 crashes reported.

owner complaints
93
of this car's complaints
14%
typical mileage
56,982
crashes
10
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    33
  • Manual transmission
    8
  • Driveline: differential unit
    8
  • Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
    7
  • Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
    7
  • Axle assembly
    6
  • Driveline: constant velocity joint
    3
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    3

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 transmission problems in other years

19901995200020052011

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Dodge Dakota transmission

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

Harsh shifting 15Won't shift 10Jerking 7Slipping 7

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported December 4, 2007 · 576,418 vehicles affected
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

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported March 7, 2001 · 85,400 vehicles affected
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

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 Aug 23, 2023 · Transmission · 234,000 miles · AZ

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.

Filed May 26, 2019 · Lights, Transmission · 185,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Jul 1, 2016 · Transmission · 128,600 miles · TX

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".

Filed Oct 2, 2015 · Transmission · 135,000 miles · TN

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v474000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 176,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed May 24, 2015 · Transmission · DC · crash

Put in park and it rolled down drive into road and hit a parked car

Filed Jun 6, 2014 · Transmission · 131,500 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jan 3, 2014 · Transmission · 81,000 miles · IA

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 the federal safety agency campaign id number: 01v077000 (power train). The failure mileage was 81,000.

Filed Nov 27, 2013 · Transmission · 124,000 miles · NY

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.

Questions about the 2001 Dodge Dakota transmission

Does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 93 complaints about the transmission of the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 14% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Dakota transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 56,982 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Dodge Dakota transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 07V555000, 01V077000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Dakota have bad transmission?

The Dodge Dakota model years with the most transmission complaints are 1992 (110 complaints), 2001 (93 complaints) and 2002 (89 complaints).

Other 2001 Dodge Dakota problems

Suspension 236Brakes 130Engine 59Electrical 58Steering 48Airbags 39Visibility 31Tires 30Lights 20Acceleration 19Body 11Fuel system 9Seats 7Wheels 6Locks 5Seat belts 4

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