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Dodge Dakota 2001

The 2001 Dodge Dakota came with 4 engines: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 3.9 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.9 L 8-cylinder. It gets 13 to 20 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 14 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD AWD
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Dodge Dakota
Representative photo of the Dakota. It may show a different year or version. Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
3,900 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic · 4 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)5,320 × 1,820 × 1,690 mm (209.4 × 71.7 × 66.5 in)
Wheelbase3,330 mm (131.1 in)
Curb weight1,785 kg (3,935 lb)
Body styleStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 6 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

For sale in United States

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2001 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★
NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2001 Dodge Dakota 4-DR. Cab
🇺🇸 Local data

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
13 MPG
Highway
17 MPG
Combined
14 MPG
Emissions
394 g/km
CO₂

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
2.5 L 4-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 17 MPG 23 MPG 20 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 13 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 20 MPG 16 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 12 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 18 MPG 14 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 19 MPG 15 MPG
5.9 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 11 MPG 16 MPG 13 MPG
5.9 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 11 MPG 15 MPG 13 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

14 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS 09E025000 · 2009-05-11 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E012000 · 2009-04-07 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB 08E064000 · 2008-10-20 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT 07V555000 · 2007-12-04 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E065000 · 2006-07-17 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E026000 · 2006-03-23 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 06E024000 · 2006-03-15 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP 06E011000 · 2006-02-01 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT 04V596000 · 2004-12-21 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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

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:LABELS 03V505000 · 2003-12-10 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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

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:WIRING 03V389000 · 2003-10-10 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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.

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:ANCHORAGE 01V233000 · 2001-07-05 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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

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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT 01V077000 · 2001-03-07 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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.

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 SEAT 00V366000 · 2000-11-09 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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

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

5 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Other 2007389 · 2007-12-05 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperable. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the PARK position with the ignition key removed (or in the lock position) or it could allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the PARK position. This could allow the vehicle to roll away, possibly causing property damage and/or personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly.

Suspension 2004439 · 2004-12-20 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain four wheel drive vehicles, 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 progressively over an extended period of time. A worn upper ball joint could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control which may result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the upper ball joints with a revised assembly having improved sealing integrity. Two wheel drive models will be covered by an extended warranty of 10 years or 160,000 kms.

Electrical 2003245 · 2003-10-14 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, 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. Correction: Dealer will reroute the wiring harness.

Seats And Restraints 2001197 · 2001-07-17 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain Quad Cab pickup trucks. The front outboard lower seat belt anchor bolts may not be tightened correctly. An improperly tightened seat belt anchor may not provide the anticipated level of occupant restraint in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the driver and passenger side lower seat belt anchor bolts and tighten to specification.

Powertrain 2001065 · 2001-03-14 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain 4WD vehicles, the electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch. 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. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

CHILD SEAT 2025-10-14 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V366000 (Child Seat); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep…

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2025-08-12 · NHTSA

My 2001 Dodge Dakota has a faulty SKIM system. The vehicle goes into No-Start/Stall while driving down the road. I have had it at a dealership and they do not have technical experience with these older vehicles that require an “antiquated software system”. This is a dangerous situation, particularly in foothills wi…

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2025-08-12 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the catalytic converter replaced, the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had to have the vehicle towed to the r…

POWER TRAIN 2023-08-23 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shifted out of gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park(P) but rolled unintendedly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The man…

SUSPENSION 2021-12-29 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a wobble coming from the front passenger’s side tire. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints needed to be replac…

SEATS 2021-12-12 · NHTSA

The driver seat moves on its own about 2 inches forward and backwards.no accident has happened.

TIRES 2021-01-11 · NHTSA

CRUISING ON INTERSTATE @ 70 MPH. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR STARTED ROARING AND THEN PROCEEDED TO DISINTEGRATE AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE UPPER WALL, WHEN STOPPED THE TIRE HAD BECOME 2 PIECES COMPLETELY SEVERED INTO TO SEPARATE CIRCLES. CONDITIONS WERE GOOD; IE; NO ROAD HAZARDS. WEATHER CLEAR, AND LIGHT TRAFFIC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2020-04-17 · NHTSA

THE GAUGES WOULD STOP WORKING. SEEMS THERE WAS NO COMMUNICATION CMT AND I HAD THE EMC CHECKED AND IT WAS FINE. IT ONLY COSTS $90 TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. SEEMS THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IN REGARD TO THIS FAILURE. *TR

SERVICE BRAKES 2020-01-14 · NHTSA

I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH, WHEN I TAPPED BRAKES SUDDENLY,. THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD TO USE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP. AFTER PUMPING BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. I LOOKED FOR SIGNS OF BROKEN BRAKE LINES AND/OR FLUID AND ALL LOOKED WELL. I HAVE HEARD OTHER REPORTS IDENTICAL T…

POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2019-05-26 · NHTSA

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2019-05-06 · NHTSA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE KEY FOB WERE INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS STILL PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS.…

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2019-04-16 · NHTSA

TAKATA RECALL EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET FAIL OVER TIME AND ALLOWING MORE FUMES AND ENGINE NOISE DOOR PINS NONE REPLACEIBLE AND WEAR OUT OVER TIME CAUSE DOOR DAMAGE

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have?
The 2001 Dodge Dakota came with 4 engines: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 3.9 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.9 L 8-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2001 Dodge Dakota?
It gets 13 to 20 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have recalls?
14 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Exterior Lighting (2009-05-11).
What are the common problems of the 2001 Dodge Dakota?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Power Train.

Other years

Which Dodge Dakota year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Dodge

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