2001 Dodge Dakota recalls and problems

The 2001 Dodge Dakota has 7 safety recalls and 678 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

678

Crashes / fires

44 / 11

Injuries / deaths

27 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Dodge Dakota vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Dodge Dakota recalls

Recall 07V-555: Power Train

Reported Dec 4, 2007 · 576,418 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 04V-596: Suspension

Reported Dec 21, 2004 · 592,707 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 03V-505: Equipment

Reported Dec 10, 2003 · 35,692 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 03V-389: Electrical System

Reported Oct 10, 2003 · 50,082 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 01V-233: Seat Belts

Reported Jul 5, 2001 · 104,252 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 01V-077: Power Train

Reported Mar 7, 2001 · 85,400 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 00V-366: Child Seat

Reported Nov 9, 2000 · 1,211,756 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.

2001 Dodge Dakota problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	307
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	137
Power Train	99
Electrical System	61
Engine and Engine Cooling	54
Steering	49
Air Bags	39
Visibility	33
Tires	30
Exterior Lighting	23
Vehicle Speed Control	21
Equipment	12

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint — 162
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 77
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 54
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 33
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 17
Suspension › Front — 16
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 16

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Dodge Dakota complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Child Seat · reported Oct 14, 2025

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Aug 12, 2025

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 âantiquated software systemâ. This is a dangerous situation, particularly in foothills with winding roads.

Electrical System · at 119,000 miles · reported Aug 12, 2025

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…

Power Train · at 234,000 miles · reported Aug 23, 2023

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.

Suspension · at 300,000 miles · reported Dec 29, 2021

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a wobble coming from the front passengerâs 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.

Other Dodge Dakota years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 200220012000

Compare all Dodge Dakota years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 Dodge Dakota: 07V-555 (power train), 04V-596 (suspension), 03V-505 (equipment), 03V-389 (electrical system), 01V-233 (seat belts) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge Dakota?

Owners report suspension problems most often (307 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (137). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.