Model year record

2001 Dodge Dakota

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 949 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V555000

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

Component: Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
Vehicles affected: 576,418
Reported to NHTSA: 2007-12-04
Owners notified: 2007-12-24

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V596000

Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint

Component: Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected: 592,707
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-12-21
Owners notified: 2004-12-21

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V505000

Equipment: other: labels

Component: Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected: 35,692
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-12-10
Owners notified: 2004-03-01

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V389000

Electrical system: wiring

Component: Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected: 50,082
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-10-10
Owners notified: 2003-11-03

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V233000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component: Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected: 104,252
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-07-05
Owners notified: 2001-07-19

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE FRONT OUTBOARD LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY.

Safety risk

AN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY NOT PROVIDE THE ANTICIPATED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT RESTRAINT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V077000

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

Component: Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected: 85,400
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-03-07
Owners notified: 2001-04-09

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V366000

Child seat

Component: Child seat
Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected: 1,211,756
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-11-09
Owners notified: 2000-11-12

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	162	46,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	77	43,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	54	20,000 mi
Electrical system	37	98,762 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	33	43,155 mi
Air bags	25	95,000 mi
Suspension	22	50,000 mi
Tires	21	44,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	20	48,985 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	19	47,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	17	30,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	17	98,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	16	60,000 mi
Suspension: front	16	40,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	15	30,000 mi
Power train	14	128,600 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	13	88,400 mi
Engine and engine cooling	12	55,000 mi
Exterior lighting	12	110,800 mi
Air bags: frontal	11	27,000 mi
Unknown or other	11	88,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	10	21,000 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit	8	56,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission	8	33,336 mi
Electrical system: wiring	7	48,450 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	7	13,500 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch	7	—
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)	7	57,987 mi
Service brakes	7	132,000 mi
Steering	7	69,527 mi
Tires: sidewall	7	12,424 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	7	53,375 mi
Power train: axle assembly	6	42,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	6	5,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	6	37,256 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	5	37,500 mi
Engine	5	176,000 mi
Structure	5	36,000 mi
Structure: body	5	125,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	5	39,070 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	5	109,000 mi
Electrical system: horn	4	98,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	4	110,000 mi
Equipment	4	55,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	4	37,500 mi
Interior lighting	4	59,840 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	4	—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	4	8,500 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	4	37,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	4	29,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm	4	39,070 mi
Suspension: rear	4	—
Visibility	4	50,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	4	110,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	4	—
Electrical system: ignition	3	180,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	3	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	3	200 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	3	185,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	3	54,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift	3	70,000 mi
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint	3	11,000 mi
Seat belts	3	85,196 mi
Seats	3	24,620 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum	3	5,000 mi
Steering: column	3	175,725 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	3	11,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	3	10,000 mi
Wheels	3	—
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	2	20,000 mi
Child seat	2	—
Exterior lighting: brake lights	2	56,982 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	2	10,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	2	24,620 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	2	125,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	2	37,500 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft	2	47,000 mi
Power train: driveline: universal joint	2	42,500 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner	2	—
Service brakes, air: antilock	2	29,289 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor	2	28,149 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum	2	—
Steering: gear box: shaft sector	2	2,115 mi
Steering: linkages	2	—
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm	2	29,000 mi
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting	2	4,001 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	2	43,000 mi
Suspension: front: hub	2	42,000 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber	2	21,500 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	2	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor	2	7,566 mi
Visibility: windshield	2	101,300 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	2	—
Air bags: side/window	1	—
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	1	215,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	1	33,400 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings	1	32,976 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	55,000 mi
Equipment: other: labels	1	—
Exterior lighting: fog lights: switch	1	73,350 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch	1	110,800 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch	1	73,350 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch	1	73,350 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch	1	132,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	1	40,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors	1	—
Fuel system, other	1	—
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	10,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch	1	15,400 mi
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical	1	—
Parking brake: driveline: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	71,342 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	1	50,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly: banjo housing	1	83,000 mi
Power train: driveline	1	—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	1	54,800 mi
Seat belts: front: webbing	1	—
Seats: front assembly: head restraint	1	—
Seats: front assembly: power adjust	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings	1	7,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders	1	33,400 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	1	3 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist	1	3 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	1	77,000 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)	1	—
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments	1	10,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	1	125,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar	1	23,558 mi
Suspension: multiple axle	1	—
Suspension: rear: springs	1	49,808 mi
Tires: bead	1	—
Tires: tread/belt	1	—
Trailer hitches	1	—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	40,687 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables	1	—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices	1	101,300 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	—
Wheels: rim	1	71,342 mi

The 2000 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2002 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.