Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The vehicle is a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab equipped with a factory towing package. On March 12, I was driving the vehicle on I-215 pulling a trailer. I smelled something burning, then the cabin filled with smoke. The turn signals, brake light, and emergency flasher ceased operating. A combination flasher unit had failed and burned, with the plastic case partially melted. The heat had damaged the combination switch, which also failed, and the plug into the wiring harness was also partially melted. The Dodge dealer changed the failed components, and they failed again, this time with no trailer attached. The dealer finally attributed the failures to a short circuit in the wiring installed by the factory which connected the factory installed trailer socket to the electrical system. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the instrument cluster lights, windshield wipers, headlights, signal lights, and door locks stopped working without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the central control timing module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact opened case number: 30176046 and was placed on a waiting list for parts. The contact received an email stating that the part was no longer being made as of 2011. The contact located a dealer that had the part in stock, but was informed that the part was on freeze by the manufacturer. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Recently investigated a fire in a 2001 Dodge Dakota r/t pickup truck equipped with a 5.9 liter gasoline engine. Fire originates at and confined to the central timer module and the c1, c2 & c3 wiring harness connectors attached to the module. The central timer module is located behind the kickpanel at the front lower left side of the passenger compartment below the fuse panel and the parking brake pedal. The vehicle was parked for approx. 30 minutes prior to the fire. If any one else has experienced a fire in this location or would like additional information, please contact steven c. Rowe fire investigation at [phone] or by e-mail at [email] .
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the interior dome and instrument panel lighting failed to illuminate. In addition, the headlights and tail lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the central control timer module failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic disconnected the battery and all the lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that nothing could be done to assist. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact was driving approximately 3 MPH when all of the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then noticed smoke coming from the dashboard area which then ignited into a fire. The driver was not injured and was abel to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the contact that the sensor timer module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and the vehicle failure was pending an investigation. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 104,300.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated the doors would lock independently. The windshield wipers would engage independently and the interior lights would sporadically flicker on and off. The contact found that the central timer module was burned and partially melted. In addition, the contact stated he has had to replace the blower motor resister board four times because it had burned. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 112,000 and the current mileage was 123,000. Updated 11/03/10. Updated 11/19/10
Computer control of headlights, interior and dash lighting, and possibly the ABS system and the intermittent wiper control are affected. Without warning these systems either failed or became erratic. Vehicle exhibits these malfunctions both stationary and in motion, and at all speeds. It is apparently not an uncommon issue, as per information available on the internet. The (temporary?) fix is to disconnect the battery for 15+ minutes, possible cause: the computer connectors.
Recall id # 03V389000: on 2001 Dodge Dakota wiring harness rerouting/repair recall id#09eo12000 exterior lighting recall id#09eo25000 exterior lighting headlights the 2001 Dodge Dakota with automatic transmission has the same problem with turn signals ,tail light, dash lighting, & radio failure I have talked to 20 or 30 Dakota owners with automatic transmission &same problems.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Wiring
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.
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.
Electrical complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 9% of the model year's 678 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Dakota electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-389 (wiring, Oct 10, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Dakota electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.