Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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.
2001 Dodge Dakota slipped out of park into reverse gear and was circling out of control. The vehicle eventually struck a concrete median and stopped. The driveshaft and other parts under the vehicle were damaged. This wasn't the first time the gear selector jumped out of gear. This vehicle was previously taken to maroone/Dodge service center to have the transmission checked where it sat to this day. Consumer stated it was a mechanical problem since they complained about this. They haven't obtained no information on their vehicle since it was towed to the repair shop. The A/C only worked on high due to a faulty blower motor resistor. The power steering made noise intermittently. The gas cap was loose which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The driver seat handle came apart
Key and shift lever lockout malfunctioning: in a running vehicle in "drive", the key can be turned to the off position, turning the motor off, leaving the automatic transmission in "drive" and the key removed without the automatic transmission shift lever being placed in "park". If left in "drive" or "reverse", the vehicle will roll after the key is out, the brake is released and motor off. The shift lever moves freely back and forth between all positions with the key out of the ignition after following the sequence mentioned above. In order for the shift lever lockout to work properly again, the key must be removed only when the automatic transmission is in "park".
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the rear axle pinion nut loosened and the driveshaft was removed from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the differential and driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in NHTSA campaign number: 12V474000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
I was driving in a small neighborhood and I hear a very distinct ticking noise coming from the front passenger side, after I looked at the area I noticed that the exhaust manifold bolts and heat shield were broke . This can cause exhaust fumes to come into the car while driving and should be taken care of.
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.
While driving the transfer case cracked down the middle. The friction and sparks caused it to catch on fire. It was loose and severed from the main attachments which dumped the oil ontothe skid plates.
1. The 4-wheel drive on my vehicle will only occasionally engage when the selector is set to 4-wheel drive. If engaged it always disengages suddenly and/or re-engages at random times. In other words, it goes in and out of 4-wheel drive randomly and on its own when the selector is set to 4-wheel drive. 2. The problem began during the winter of 2008-2009 and has continued to the present. This has caused unsafe driving conditions and sliding on ice and snow covered streets when the 4-wheel drive suddenly goes off and then on again causing the vehicle to lurch. I have not yet had an accident as a result but have had a couple of very scary incidents and near misses. 3. On July 7, 2009 I took my vehicle to my local mechanic for diagnosis and repair. …
2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 driving along the hwy around curve at 55 miles and hour power steering failed almost had a head on collision. The truck has been in the shop for a week being fixed under warranty. Odometer 29980.00 miles. I have had multiple problems with this truck ever since it was bought new, they had to replace the power steering pump, malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dash. Transmission slipping. Received the truck back from the dealer drove 22 miles transmission slipping again MIL light on again. Had to replace the radio malfunction, I could go on and on. I feel that the power steering failing, could have cost my wifes life not to mention the occupents of the on comming truck. The truck is driven by her 99 percent of the time. I just happened to be driving it on the long weekend. I was able to fight with it and managed to drive to the side of the road. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
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).
Remedy: 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 shift
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.
Remedy: 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…
Transmission complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 93 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 14% of the model year's 678 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Dakota transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-555 (column shift, Dec 4, 2007); NHTSA recall 01V-077 (column shift, Mar 7, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Dakota transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.