2001 Dodge Dakota Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2001 Dodge Dakota. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shiftCovers: Dodge Dakota 2001–2002, Durango 2001–2002, RAM Van 2001–2002 +1 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.
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.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball jointCovers: Dodge Dakota 2000–2003, Durango 2000–2003
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
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.
- Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Dodge Dakota 2001–2002, Grand Caravan 2000, Caravan 2000
Reported issue: 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."
Possible consequence: Improperly loading your vehicle can cause tire failure and result in a crash.
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.
- Electrical system › WiringCovers: Dodge Dakota 2001–2003
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: 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.
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.
- Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Dodge Dakota 2001
Reported issue: Vehicle description: quad cab pickup trucks. The front outboard lower seat belt anchor bolts may not be tightened correctly.
Possible consequence: An improperly tightened seat belt anchor may not provide the anticipated level of occupant restraint in a crash.
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…
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shiftCovers: Dodge Dakota 2001, Durango 2001
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: 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.
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.
- Child seatCovers: Dodge Dakota 2001, Plymouth Neon 2000–2001, Dodge Neon 2000–2001 +16 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.
NHTSA investigations
- EA03023Upper ball joint separationClosed · Nov 19, 2003
- EA01010Front safety belt anchorageClosed · Mar 8, 2001
← All problems reported for the 2001 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.