2001 Dodge Dakota Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 93about this part
- Share
- 14%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,982miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 93 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 14% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,982 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10743528, filed 2015-07, 176,000 miles“My vehicle was recalled but the day I was going to bring it in the transmission stopped working and the motor is no more good. The truck would not shift gears good and it was going on for a while. My father changed the head gaskets but it did not help.”
NHTSA complaint #10263914, filed 2009-04, 85,000 miles“I just replaced the ball joints on my 2001 Dakota. They were very loose and had alot of play . I'm lucky I got mine repaired before it caused an accident like others I've recently heard about. I've also replaced the front drive shaft, rear u-joints and rear differential all within the last year. I have to believe that all this is related. I'm probably up over $3,000 in repairs for these things.”
NHTSA complaint #10102550, filed 2004-12, 54,800 miles“I have a problem with my fwd. I had replaced module/contrlo, anti-lock brake,trasfer case gear and the modulefor the transfer case.and the shift motor (vacuum). And also the propeller shaft, with universal joints replaced also. And to top it off my fwd service light is on again,also I have no low gear in fwd light is blinking.and front end still makes noise. I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab.”
NHTSA complaint #10062050, filed 2004-03, 57,987 miles“I also have a 2001 Dodge Dakota I bought it used in 2004 and sometimes the gear shift does not go where the indicator say it is. I took it in to the dealer and they said they could not find a problem, but it has happened several times.”
NHTSA complaint #10242302, filed 2008-09, 75,000 milesRelated recalls
- 07V555000Dec 4, 2007On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the…Covers: Dodge Dakota 2001–2002, Durango 2001–2002, RAM Van 2001–2002 +1 more
- 01V077000Mar 7, 2001Vehicle description: light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear…Covers: Dodge Dakota 2001, Durango 2001
Related service bulletins
- 10136906Jan 30, 2014Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer…
- 10136527Mar 27, 201356045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10017000Sep 1, 200545rfe/545rfe trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 8 | 18% |
| 2010 | 7 | 20% |
| 2009 | 6 | 33% |
| 2008 | 10 | 11% |
| 2007 | 24 | 17% |
| 2006 | 36 | 13% |
| 2005 | 81 | 17% |
| 2004 | 19 | 9% |
| 2003 | 38 | 13% |
| 2002 | 89 | 13% |
| 2001 | 93 | 14% |
| 2000 | 74 | 9% |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% |
| 1998 | 74 | 14% |
| 1997 | 46 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 15% |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% |
| 1994 | 25 | 15% |
| 1993 | 20 | 15% |
| 1992 | 110 | 51% |
| 1991 | 60 | 47% |
| 1990 | 14 | 22% |
| 1989 | 12 | 19% |
| 1988 | 10 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2001 Dodge Dakota
236 complaintsBrakes
130 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 30, 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