Problems with 2001 Dodge Dakota POWER TRAIN

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.

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.

Put in park and it rolled down drive into road and hit a parked car

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.

The shifter lever came loose from its mounting. either the roll pin worked up and out of position or the roll pin was not installed correctly at assembly. the transmission would not go easily into the " park " position allowing the truck to roll backwards on the driveway. also, the transmission would not shift into " drive " . the problem on my truck has been fixed. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. the contact stated that the vehicle was engaged in four wheel drive when the transmission erroneously slipped into neutral, causing the vehicle to roll away in reverse. the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who indicated that the electronic shift transfer case had malfunctioned. the manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 01v077000 (power train). the failure mileage was 81,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. the contact stated that the transfer case control module was defective. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who verified the failure and stated that the transfer case module needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in recall nhtsa campaign id number: 01v077000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 220,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the truck transfer control module independently switched from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, causing the tires to seize. the contact had to unhook the wires from the transfer case and power the vehicle off in order for the contact to secure the vehicle in two-wheel drive mode. the failure was recurring. the contact, who was a mechanic diagnosed that the transfer case control module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

No crash, no injuries. 2001 dodge dakota crew cab, column shifter shifts out of park with out pressing brake while the key is in the on position. *tr

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. *tr

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. after 2 days of diagnosis he replaced the control module but still could not resolve the problem even though his diagnostic computer found the components working correctly independently of each other. he researched the issue on line and found it should be related to a safety recall for daimler chrysler. he printed out the recall information for me, which i have in my possession. 9/19/09 i took it to bellevue dodge, 120 116th ave ne, bellevue, wa 98005 with the recall paperwork. they told me that my vehicle is not related to the previous recall item. since this is such a dangerous problem i felt a report is in order. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. after driving the vehicle from the sales lot, the contact noticed that the check engine light was illuminated. she took the vehicle back to the dealer; however, they filed bankruptcy and were closed down. the contact discovered nhtsa campaign id number 07v555000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift) and took the vehicle to another dealer. the dealer stated that they would repair one issue under the recall, but another issue had to be repaired for $700 at the contact's expense. the manufacturer stated that because she was the second owner, she would have to pay out of pocket. the current and failure mileages were 85,289. updated 09/10/08. *lj the consumer stated even after the recall was performed, he is still having problems with the gear shift. updated 09/11/08*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. the contact received a safety recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 07v555000 (power train: automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift). he took his vehicle to the dealer for repair and when he retrieved it, the driver side air bag light illuminated. he believes that the recall repair caused the clock spring to fail. the repair would cost $197 to repair. the dealer stated that the clock spring was defective. the current mileage was 63,300 and failure mileage was 62,970. update 04-02-08 *bf the consumer stated while driving, the air bag light illuminated. there were no problems with the air bag light until after he picked the vehicle up from having a recall performed. updated

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. the electric shift transfer case did not fully engage into gear when the contact moved the transfer case selector switch. he received a recall notice and called the dealer to schedule an appointment. one week later, the dealer stated that they had to reschedule due to a lack of parts. the repair was rescheduled for may; however, the dealer stated that no repairs were done on saturdays. the recall number was unknown. the failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 70,250.

I have a 2001 dakota quad cab 4x4 purchased new and the inside of the front rotors wear out extremely fast. they become damaged on the inside of the rotor appearing extremely rusted and as if maybe they overheated on the inside. 64,000 and this has happened 2 times. dealers deny this is common , my brother has a 2002 (purchased new) and has had the same problem. ball joints failed on both trucks , steering rack and rear differential leaks on both . *tr

Power train, many times when the gear selector is shifted into a gear, it is not actually in the gear selected. this has been happening for a long time. *tr

I bought a 2001 dodge dakota 4wd a month ago. i have had to replace the lower ball joints, catalytic converter, timing chain, water pump and now the transfer case has gone bad. the truck only has 55000 miles on it. i have only made one payment on the truck and have paid the repair shop over $1500 in repair costs. they only time that i have got to drive the truck is to the repair shop except when i bought it. this is ridiculous, a truck with low miles like this should not have this many problems. the dealer said that they would look at it this time put they couldn't make any promises. we paid for everything else to get fixed and i refuse to pay for anything else. i paid $10,000 for a truck that i can't even drive, i'm actually scared to drive it because who knows what will happen next. apparently dodges are pieces of crap to put it politely. *jb

The rears in dodge trucks fail with mileage between 65000 to 10000 and they tell everyone that it is from normal wear. mine failed at 83000 resulting in the rear having to be rebuilt at a cost of 2200 dollars

2001 dodge dakota pick up, loss of steering, resulting in a off the road crash and rollover with injuries. (one moment later could have resulted in deaths.) *jb

Just bought a dakota truck 2 wks ago, second day engine light went on and car kept stalling when driving, it completely turned off while driving. it also does not change gear; it takes a while to get going. this happened 1/18/06. on 2/10/06 i noticed an idling sound right after breaking and it didn't want to stop. very unsafe driving with children. uncertain of its brakes and the complete shut off of truck & or stalling while driving. i took it to chrysler and wanted to charge $170. for diagnostic work 2 weeks after i bought it. why haven't they recalled these type of unsafe vehicles? *nm

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab. the contact started the vehicle and shifted it into drive, without applying his foot to the brake pedal. the current mileage was 94,000 and failure mileage was 50,000.

On my 2001 dodge dakota quad cab, the vehicle had a long stutter or pause once the gas pedal was pressed, from a stop. this almost caused an accident in rush hour traffic because i expected the vehicle to accelerate, which it did not. after coming to a complete stop the vehicle would jump forward, making me feel like someone rear ended me. i took it to a local dodge dealership for a diagnostic check. i was told my whole internal transmission was bad! i find this to be ridiculous for a 2001 vehicle, and dangerous!*jb

Abs & brake light and check engine light came on on our 2001 dodge dakota quad cab with 43,000 miles. took to norwin dodge for service. they found that the differential (rear end) was completely ruined. since vehicle was out of warrently our out of pocket expense was in excess of $1,600.00. also said that engine light was due to a moderate evaporation leak and replaced gas cap. the transmission of this vehicle also had to be replaced after only 4000 miles!(fortunately this was covered under warrenty), but a complete transmission replaced after only 4000 miles? also had vehicle back to be checked after transmission replacement because it would hesitate and then shift hard. we were told that that is normal and how dodge trnamissions shift? we take very good care of this vehicle and had it serviced regularly. want to register formal complaint and make others aware of poor quality of dodge vehicles and potentially defective products used?

Dt: while driving he noticed he had a hard down shift from 2nd gear to 3rd gear. the next day it would not shift from 2nd to 3rd. gear. *ak

Consumer states: that abs light, engine light, and brake lights came on at the same time. the clutch packed in the rear differential is half inch long , and its job is to hold the clutches and lemon slipped differential, and it failed. it came out and shredded speed sensor in rear differential. *ak

Transmission failed while still under warranty. contacted the dealer, and was told that it would cost consumer $2,000 to be repaired. *ak

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. *ak *nm

Reference 2001 dodge dakota 4wd: there has already been a safety recall on the 4wd module. it needed reprogramming to assure that it wouldn't slip out of gear causing the truck to roll. this recall has been performed on my truck. however, the module, after only a few thousand miles has gone out again. the "service 4wd" light comes on, but dodge tells me that they cannot even retrieve diagnostic codes from the module... and that it needs replacing. this failure of the 4wd module and the dealers inability to even diagnose the problem, after having recall work done on it, makes me wonder if the original safety recall service was even effective. *nm

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. *ak

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. *tr

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.*ak

Noticed a squeaking noise coming from the rear wheels of my 2001 dodge dakota. dealer stated that both rear u joints failed. the truck has only 42000 miles on it and should not have this kind of failure. *ak in addition, i was informed that the extended warranty that i had purchased was no longer valid because that particular warranty company had gone out of business. i had to pay for the cost of the repair out of pocket!

1.rear end making alot of noise. 2.rear end locked up, truck went off the road. .rear end rebuilt.*ak

At 42,000 miles the front wheel hub assembly failed. as a result, while driving driver's side tire bounced up and down. also, a grinding noise was produced at slow speeds. the dealer stated tire loosened on the axle. *ak

While driving at a slow speed the pinon gear shaft broke causing the drive shaft to fall out in the middle of a busy roadway. the rear differential locked shortly after the driveshaft fell into street. the truck had 56,000 miles on it and chrysler/dodge refused to cover any part of the repair. *ak

Spontaneous breaking of front axle and ball joint, resulting in right front wheel falling off vehicle. the incident happened at low speed, so was able to maintain. *ak control of vehicle

Gears in front axle quit working front tires locked up while driving. *ak

Vehicle shut completely down while driving. (nar) *ph

While attempting to engage the two wheel drive vehicle became inoperative. as a result, vehicle became stuck in four wheel drive.*ak

Transmission shifting,slipping,poor accelaration. previously complained about noise in front end when turning. bad idle and poor fuel economy.*ak

2001 dodge dakota slipped out of park into reverse gear and was circling out of control.*mr 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 *ph *nlm

I was driving to work and my front axle broke. i also had two previous problems with the truck were it would accelerate on it's own to 80 miles a hour and the only way to stop was to shift into neutral, emergency brake and press on the brakes and pray. i was out of a car over thirty days between the two times trying to repair the acceleration. *jb

Front axle on 2001 dodge dakota unexpectedly broke. *mr the vehicle was in motion when the incident occurred. the dealer stated it was a manufacturer's problem. the consumer experienced several serious problems within one year with sudden acceleration on up to 80 mph. *scc *jb

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. i feel that this should not have accured with the kind of mileage precent on the truck as well as the age. any help you can profide in addressing these issues, would be appreciated

When stop and in neutral. it's very hard to put it in first gear and the car gets stuck in the middle of the road. it just wont shift into first gear you can be there for about 5 minutes trying to put it in first gear, and this causes a traffic jam behind me. i'm not sure if its the gear box or the clutch, but its very frustrating. this is a 2001 truck and i don't think it should be having a problem yet. maybe there's another 2001 dodge dakota with the same problem like this. *nlm

Transmission will not shift to second gear under full throttle. this problem has occurred since purchase date and occurs every time. *jb

On full throttle acceleration the automatic transmission will not up shift from 1st to 2nd. chrysler states that is not a defect and is normal.

shifts into netural while driving will not upshift from lower gear vechicle still at dealer still has not dianosoned problem has had since 2/6/03 while i pay for a rental car.

Auto transmission would not shift properly on acceleartion. required transducer and solenoid governor valve replacement twice within one year. first time it ws covered under warranty, one year and 17,901 miles later, replacement was required and not covered under dodge warranty.