2001 Dodge Dakota recalls and problems

7 recalls and 678 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Dodge Dakota.

7
recalls
678
owner complaints
44
complaints mentioning a crash
11
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Dodge Dakota recalls

Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift

NHTSA campaign 07V555000 · reported December 4, 2007 · CHRYSLER LLC · 576,418 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.
The 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.

Suspension: front, control arm, upper ball joint

NHTSA campaign 04V596000 · reported December 21, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 592,707 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
The 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.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 03V505000 · reported December 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 35,692 vehicles potentially affected

The 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."
The risk
Improperly loading your vehicle can cause tire failure and result in a crash.
The 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.

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 03V389000 · reported October 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 50,082 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Seat belts: front, anchorage

NHTSA campaign 01V233000 · reported July 5, 2001 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 104,252 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: quad cab pickup trucks. The front outboard lower seat belt anchor bolts may not be tightened correctly.
The risk
An improperly tightened seat belt anchor may not provide the anticipated level of occupant restraint in a crash.
The 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.

Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift

NHTSA campaign 01V077000 · reported March 7, 2001 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 85,400 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Child seat

NHTSA campaign 00V366000 · reported November 9, 2000 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 1,211,756 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
The fix
Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 14, 2025 · Child seat

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…

Aug 12, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system

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…

Aug 12, 2025 · Electrical system · 119,000 miles

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…

Aug 23, 2023 · Power train · 234,000 miles

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…

Dec 29, 2021 · Suspension · 300,000 miles

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…

Dakota model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 58066014
2001 76784411
2002 56785518
2003 4296165
2004 1206116

Across all years, the 2000 Dakota has the most complaints (806). All Dodge Dakota years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 Dodge Dakota, the most recent reported on December 4, 2007 (Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Dodge Dakota?
Owners have filed 678 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (236 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (118).
How many 2001 Dodge Dakota complaints mention a crash or fire?
44 of 678 complaints report a crash and 11 a fire; 27 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 14, 2025.