Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
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.
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.
The fuse for my dimmer switch kept blowing. And I kept replacing. Because with out it in I can not see gauges. And my outside marker light fuse kept doing same. I replaced fuses again today they immediately blew. I rotated the dimmer switch to the lowest position. Again I replaced fuses. Then I turned on lights and slowly rotated dimmer switch up and I saw smoke coming from corner of instrument panel near where switch sets in dash.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. While driving 55 MPH, the passenger side low beam headlights failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the central timer module and keyless entry failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the headlights, turn signals, and speedometer failed to operate. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.
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.
My husband was driving his 2001 Dodge Dakota home at night, on a country road, around August 5, 2008 and the headlights flickered on and off. When he got home, the windshield wipers went haywire, the horn continued to honk, the door locks began locking and unlocking, and the air bag light came on. We found out the central timer module (cmt) and clock spring had failed and was told the truck was unsafe to drive. We had both repaired for $530. I was told that recalls existed on several Dodge vehicles but not one of them specified our truck. I contacted Dodge and they just said it was not my truck so I was out of luck. I then did some research on this on-line and found several forums with this same problem on this year of truck, plus several others, and they could not find any help from Dodge either. This is a really serious malfunction and could of cause a very bad accident. …
While driving my 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab at night, all of the lights (exterior and interior) started flashing intermittently. This could easily startle the driver or the drivers of other vehicles, and could leave the vehicle with no lights. Dealer diagnosis revealed a bad central timer module (ctm) which controls the lighting system of the vehicle. Anecdotal evidence gathered on various Dodge forums revealed several instances of this same problem. Daimler Chrysler should be queried on how many of these modules they are replacing on 1998-2004 Dodge dakotas.
Headlights turning off and on and flashing while driving, power door locks not working during this time. If interior lights are on at this time they would flash on and off also. Found previous year models of Dodge Ram's and Dakota's have same problem which was recalled. Central timer module had to be replaced and reprogrammed. A vehicle with 60,000 miles should not have this problem. Could only drive in daylight hours until problem was resolved at my expense.
Headlight complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2001 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the lights of the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the model year's 678 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Dakota headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2001 Dodge Dakota, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Dakota headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights 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.