2001 Dodge Dakota Problems and Recalls (656 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2001 Dodge Dakota is Suspension (32% of 656 owner reports). There are 14 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Suspension — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 656 complaints · 14 recalls

What problems show up on the 2001 Dodge Dakota?

211 of 656 filings named Suspension (32% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Brakes (111 reports).

There are 14 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Transmission / driveline, Seat belts, Electrical, Suspension, Fuel system, and Lights. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2000 has 787 reports on file; this year has 656. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2001 Dodge Dakota

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 14 campaigns on file below.
  2. Suspension. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues.
  3. Brakes. Have a shop check pads, rotors, fluid and whether the pedal feels firm.
  4. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Suspension. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Suspension 211 complaints · 32.2% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 43
  • Fires 11
  • Injuries 25
  • Deaths 2
Compare with 2000 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Suspension (SUSPENSION) appears in 211 of 656 owner complaints (32.2%) in this vehicle snapshot. Suspension (SUSPENSION): 211 complaints, 32.2% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 6 crash reports 211 · 32.2% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 111 complaints, 16.9% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 6 crash reports 1 fire reports 111 · 16.9% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 83 complaints, 12.7% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 9 crash reports 1 fire reports 83 · 12.7% Engine (ENGINE): 43 complaints, 6.6% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 1 crash reports 43 · 6.6% Steering (STEERING): 40 complaints, 6.1% of reports Steering (STEERING) 4 crash reports 40 · 6.1% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 37 complaints, 5.6% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 2 crash reports 7 fire reports 37 · 5.6% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 31 complaints, 4.7% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 12 crash reports 31 · 4.7% Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 24 complaints, 3.7% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 1 fire reports 24 · 3.7% Wheels (WHEELS): 18 complaints, 2.7% of reports Wheels (WHEELS) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 18 · 2.7% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 500 complaints, 76.2% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 34 crash reports 6 fire reports 500 · 76.2% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 211 32.2% 6 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 111 16.9% 6 crashes · 1 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 83 12.7% 9 crashes · 1 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 43 6.6% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 40 6.1% 4 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 37 5.6% 2 crashes · 7 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 31 4.7% 12 crashes · 0 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 24 3.7% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Wheels (WHEELS) 18 2.7% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 500 76.2% 34 crashes · 6 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Oct 2000; the first recall shown was reported in Nov 2000. 2000-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2001-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2001-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2001-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2001-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2002-Q1: 21 owner reports 21 2002-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2002-Q3: 18 owner reports 18 2002-Q4: 13 owner reports 13 2003-Q1: 17 owner reports 17 2003-Q2: 22 owner reports 22 2003-Q3: 41 owner reports 41 2003-Q4: 48 owner reports 48 2004-Q1: 69 owner reports 69 2004-Q2: 39 owner reports 39 2004-Q3: 27 owner reports 27 2004-Q4: 57 owner reports 57 2005-Q1: 38 owner reports 38 2005-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2005-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2005-Q4: 10 owner reports 10 2006-Q1: 9 owner reports 9 2006-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2006-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2006-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2007-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2007-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2007-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2007-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2008-Q1: 10 owner reports 10 2008-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2008-Q3: 9 owner reports 9 2009-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2009-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2009-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2009-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2010-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2010-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2010-Q3: 8 owner reports 8 2010-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2011-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2011-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2011-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2011-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2012-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2012-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2012-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2013-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2013-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2013-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2013-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2014-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2014-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2014-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2015-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2015-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2015-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2015-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2016-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2016-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2017-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2018-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2019-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2020-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2025-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Oct 2000 Oct 2025 Recall campaign 00V366000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V366000 Recall campaign 01V077000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V077000 Recall campaign 01V233000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V233000 Recall campaign 03V389000 ◆ Recall campaign 03V389000 Recall campaign 03V505000 ◆ Recall campaign 03V505000 Recall campaign 04V596000 ◆ Recall campaign 04V596000 Recall campaign 06E011000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E011000 Recall campaign 06E024000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E024000 Recall campaign 06E026000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E026000 Recall campaign 06E065000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E065000 Recall campaign 07V555000 ◆ Recall campaign 07V555000 Recall campaign 08E064000 ◆ Recall campaign 08E064000 Recall campaign 09E012000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E012000 Recall campaign 09E025000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E025000 Investigation EA01010 ● Investigation EA01010 Investigation EA03023 ● Investigation EA03023
  • Campaign 01V077000 was reported 8 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 03V389000 was reported 837 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 03V505000 was reported 1,072 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 04V596000 was reported 1,499 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E011000 was reported 1,708 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 07V555000 was reported 2,471 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 08E064000 was reported 2,898 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 09E025000 was reported 2,510 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2000-Q4 Owner reports 1
2001-Q1 Owner reports 5
2001-Q2 Owner reports 11
2001-Q3 Owner reports 20
2001-Q4 Owner reports 8
2002-Q1 Owner reports 21
2002-Q2 Owner reports 13
2002-Q3 Owner reports 18
2002-Q4 Owner reports 13
2003-Q1 Owner reports 17
2003-Q2 Owner reports 22
2003-Q3 Owner reports 41
2003-Q4 Owner reports 48
2004-Q1 Owner reports 69
2004-Q2 Owner reports 39
2004-Q3 Owner reports 27
2004-Q4 Owner reports 57
2005-Q1 Owner reports 38
2005-Q2 Owner reports 11
2005-Q3 Owner reports 7
2005-Q4 Owner reports 10
2006-Q1 Owner reports 9
2006-Q2 Owner reports 4
2006-Q3 Owner reports 7
2006-Q4 Owner reports 6
2007-Q1 Owner reports 5
2007-Q2 Owner reports 3
2007-Q3 Owner reports 4
2007-Q4 Owner reports 4
2008-Q1 Owner reports 10
2008-Q2 Owner reports 4
2008-Q3 Owner reports 9
2009-Q1 Owner reports 1
2009-Q2 Owner reports 4
2009-Q3 Owner reports 2
2009-Q4 Owner reports 2
2010-Q1 Owner reports 3
2010-Q2 Owner reports 5
2010-Q3 Owner reports 8
2010-Q4 Owner reports 4
2011-Q1 Owner reports 2
2011-Q2 Owner reports 2
2011-Q3 Owner reports 5
2011-Q4 Owner reports 2
2012-Q1 Owner reports 2
2012-Q3 Owner reports 2
2012-Q4 Owner reports 1
2013-Q1 Owner reports 3
2013-Q2 Owner reports 3
2013-Q3 Owner reports 2
2013-Q4 Owner reports 1
2014-Q1 Owner reports 1
2014-Q2 Owner reports 6
2014-Q3 Owner reports 1
2015-Q1 Owner reports 1
2015-Q2 Owner reports 1
2015-Q3 Owner reports 5
2015-Q4 Owner reports 1
2016-Q2 Owner reports 1
2016-Q3 Owner reports 2
2017-Q1 Owner reports 1
2017-Q2 Owner reports 1
2017-Q3 Owner reports 3
2018-Q1 Owner reports 1
2018-Q2 Owner reports 2
2018-Q4 Owner reports 1
2019-Q1 Owner reports 2
2019-Q2 Owner reports 3
2020-Q1 Owner reports 1
2020-Q2 Owner reports 1
2021-Q4 Owner reports 2
2023-Q3 Owner reports 1
2025-Q3 Owner reports 2
2025-Q4 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 00V366000
Recall campaign 1 01V077000
Recall campaign 1 01V233000
Recall campaign 1 03V389000
Recall campaign 1 03V505000
Recall campaign 1 04V596000
Recall campaign 1 06E011000
Recall campaign 1 06E024000
Recall campaign 1 06E026000
Recall campaign 1 06E065000
Recall campaign 1 07V555000
Recall campaign 1 08E064000
Recall campaign 1 09E012000
Recall campaign 1 09E025000
Defect investigation 1 EA01010
Defect investigation 1 EA03023
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (14)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Transmission / driveline, Seat belts, Electrical, Suspension, Fuel system, and Lights.

  1. Recall campaign 00V366000

    Safety recall 00V366000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 01V077000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 01V233000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 03V389000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 03V505000

    Safety recall 03V505000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 04V596000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 06E011000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 06E024000

    Safety recall 06E024000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 06E026000

    Safety recall 06E026000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 06E065000

    Safety recall 06E065000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 07V555000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 08E064000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 09E012000

    Safety recall 09E012000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 09E025000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 656 complaints · page 1 of 27
2025-10-14Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11693322
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2025-08-12Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11680215
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2025-08-12FUEL SYSTEM
NHTSA ODI 11680211
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2023-08-23Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11540409
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2021-12-29Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11445473
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2021-12-12Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11443516
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The driver seat moves on its own about 2 inches forward and backwards.no accident has happened.
2020-04-17Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11321446
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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
2020-01-14Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
NHTSA ODI 11299180
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2019-05-26EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NHTSA ODI 11210011
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2019-05-06Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11205765
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2001 Dodge Dakota?

Owners named Suspension most often — 211 of 656 reports (32%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2001 Dodge Dakota?

NHTSA lists 14 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Transmission / driveline, Seat belts, Electrical, Suspension, Fuel system, and Lights. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2001 Dodge Dakota?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources