2001 Dodge Dakota Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 236about this part
- Share
- 35%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,129miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 236 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 35% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,129 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1. Clunking noise coming from the front end of my truck. 2. Upper ball joing wear at a dangerous level. 3. I had to have the parts replaced, and I still have the old part. This part was recalled under the 4x4 vehicles, and mine is 2wd so I had to pay for repairs. I believe my safety was at risk, and it had nothing to do with the fact my vehicle was not a 4wd.”
NHTSA complaint #10126556, filed 2005-06, 111,000 miles“Tires on the front end of my 2001 Dodge Dakota 4wd 3.9l v6 were wearing really unevenly. Come to find out that I had one upper and one lower ball joint on opposing sides that went bad. My truck only had 40,000 miles on it and they were all highway. Both ball joints have been replaced and was done in december 2003. It wore out two brand new tires.”
NHTSA complaint #10102603, filed 2004-12, 40,000 miles“Right front ball joint had to be replaced because of excess wear on tires and loose driving. I now have just over 50k miles and have been told that both right and left ball joint need to be replaced. Truck has a terrible ride and a Dodge dealer stated that my problem would not be covered under any bullitin or warranty. Cost is estimated to be over $1200.00”
NHTSA complaint #10069371, filed 2004-01, 47,000 miles“My 40k '01 Dakota qc has a very loose upper left ball joint, a loose lower right ball joint, a loose right outer tie rod and has been making a popping noise/thunk for a number of months. When I called Dodge and asked them why they would need to be repaired they said, just wear and tear. As if it was no big deal. They didn't mention any safety concerns.”
NHTSA complaint #10046943, filed 2003-11, 35,000 miles“Both upper ball joints on my 2001 Dodge Dakota are displaying characteristics of excessive wear. Grease is leaking out around the ball joints and a popping sound comes from the front left of the vehicle under hard braking. It also pops when I turn all the way to the right. The ball joints are not fitted with grease fittings, so I cannot lubricate them myself.”
NHTSA complaint #10051073, filed 2003-12, 42,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V596000Dec 21, 2004On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint…Covers: Dodge Dakota 2000–2003, Durango 2000–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10011940Dec 16, 2004Upper ball joint extended warranty.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 9% |
| 2006 | 25 | 9% |
| 2005 | 51 | 11% |
| 2004 | 45 | 22% |
| 2003 | 100 | 34% |
| 2002 | 226 | 33% |
| 2001 | 236 | 35% |
| 2000 | 282 | 35% |
| 1999 | 342 | 53% |
| 1998 | 217 | 40% |
| 1997 | 142 | 32% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2001 Dodge Dakota
130 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
93 complaintsElectrical system
58 complaintsEngine cooling
53 complaintsSteering
48 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsTires
30 complaintsExterior lighting
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsEquipment
12 complaints
← 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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology