VehicleVerdict

2001 Dodge Dakota electrical system problems

The 2001 Dodge Dakota has 61 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

61

Electrical System complaints

6%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Dakota electrical system complaints by model year61 complaints1988: 2 complaints1989: 4 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 23 complaints1993: 9 complaints1994: 25 complaints1995: 17 complaints1996: 20 complaints1997: 21 complaints1998: 24 complaints1999: 25 complaints2000: 21 complaints2001: 61 complaints2002: 55 complaints2003: 38 complaints2004: 23 complaints2005: 39 complaints2006: 34 complaints2007: 13 complaints2008: 14 complaints2009: 4 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 4 complaints
Dakota electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

03V389000Electrical SystemOctober 10, 2003 · 50,082 units

Defect

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.

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.

What owners report

“IN AUGUST 2004. A 2001 DODGE DAKAOTA PICKUP RAN A STOP SIGN AND I HIT HIM. THE TRUCK ROLLED AND CONTINUED TO RUN AND CAUGHT THE VEHICAL ON FIRE AND BURNED THE DRIVER CRITICALLY, AND HE ULTIMATELY DIED. WHY DIDN'T THE VEHICLE INERTIA SWITCH CUT THE VEHICAL OFF. I HAVE A FILE CLAIMED AGAINST THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 27, 2004 · crash · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2001 Dodge Dakota have?

NHTSA has 61 complaints about the 2001 Dodge Dakota electrical system — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2001 Dodge Dakota electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 03V389000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.