2001 Dodge Dakota Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 14, 2025 · 93 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 93 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 14% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 56,982 miles. The words owners use most often: “quad cab” (9% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Quad cab: mentioned in 8 of 93 complaints (9%)
  • Transfer case: mentioned in 8 of 93 complaints (9%)
  • Front axle: mentioned in 7 of 93 complaints (8%)
  • Transmission shift: mentioned in 5 of 93 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 53 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles4 · 8%
10k–25k miles6 · 11%
25k–50k miles9 · 17%
50k–75k miles15 · 28%
75k–100k miles8 · 15%
100k–150k miles6 · 11%
150k+ miles5 · 9%

How serious are the reports?

Of 93 complaints, 10 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.

Dodge Dakota power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2001, with 93 complaints
1995: 271995271996: 28281997: 461997461998: 74741999: 561999562000: 74742001: 932001932002: 89892003: 382003382004: 19192005: 812005812006: 36362007: 242007242008: 10102009: 6200962010: 772011: 820118

n = 716 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2011 Dakota818%28,455
2010 Dakota720%65,000
2009 Dakota633%50,000
2008 Dakota1011%57,000
2007 Dakota2417%39,000
2006 Dakota3613%50,000
2005 Dakota8117%85,000
2004 Dakota199%34,000
2003 Dakota3813%12,500
2002 Dakota8913%50,000
2001 Dakota9314%56,982
2000 Dakota749%60,000
1999 Dakota569%92,000
1998 Dakota7414%79,000
1997 Dakota4610%53,990
1996 Dakota2815%—
1995 Dakota2713%49,330

When owners reported it

Peak: 2002, with 17 complaints
2001: 122001122002: 17172003: 142003142004: 17172005: 7200572006: 332007: 2200722008: 662009: 2200922010: 112012: 2201222013: 112014: 2201422015: 332016: 1201612019: 112023: 1202312025: 11

n = 93 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftDec 4, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V555000 · 576,418 vehicles

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.

Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftMar 7, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V077000 · 85,400 vehicles

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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Received Aug 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11680215

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…

Received Aug 23, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11540409

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.

Received May 26, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11210011
Dodge Dakota
1987-1990 Dodge Dakota photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2001 Dodge Dakotas have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 93 owner complaints about power train for the 2001 Dodge Dakota (14% of the 678 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Dodge Dakota power train?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do power train problems start?

The median reported mileage is 56,982 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about power train problems on the 2001 Dodge Dakota?

The most frequent phrase is “quad cab”, in 8 of 93 complaints, followed by “transfer case” (8).

Other 2001 Dodge Dakota problems

See all 2001 Dodge Dakota problems or power train problems across all Dakota years.