2001 Dodge Dodge Truck problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 12.0 times the median Dodge Truck year — the 2001 model ranks #3 of 31 Dodge Truck years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (7), suspension (6), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
48
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other Dodge Truck years?
What are the most common 2001 Dodge Dodge Truck problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 7 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 6 | 13% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 10% | — flat |
| Steering | 4 | 8% | — flat |
| Transmission | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Brakes | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Trailer Hitch | 1 | 2% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA LEAKED WATER TO THE RIGHT OR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAB COMPARTMENT (EVERY TIME IT RAINED. IT WAS FIRST NOTICED DURING THE SUMMER OF 06" IT FIRST APPEARED ON THE FLOOR OF THE FRONT SEAT. AFTER TEARING UP ALL THE CARPET I FOUND THAT THE WATER WAS ACTUALLY COMING IN FROM BEHIND…”
“LEFT FRONT TIRE RUBS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DIGGING A GROOVE IN THE TIRE. I REPLACED THE TIRES THREE TIMES. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THIS COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.”
“CAR HAS STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING. THIS MEANS I HAVE VIRTUALLY NO STEERING AND NO BRAKES. A FEW TIMES IVE DRIVEN INTO CURBS TO KEEP FROM HITTING OTHER VEHICLES AND TO STOP MY VEHICLE. THIS WEEK IT HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN ONE DAY WHILE TRAVELING ON CONGESTED STREETS. IT IS COMPLETELY…”
“A GASKET TYPE PART ON THE FRONT OF THE CAB BELOW THE WINDSHIELD AND UNDER THE HOOD KEPT COMING LOOSE. I PUT IT BACK AND IT CAME LOOSE AGAIN. IT FIT ONTO A LIP BUT WOULD NOT STAY. HALF OF IT EVENTUALLY FELL DOWN ONTO THE ENGINE AND CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING THE CAP OFF MY FREON CHARGER ALLOWING ALL MY…”
“THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE REPLACED ONCE TO CORRECT THE NOISES AND (THE HOSES-PER SERVICE BULLETIN) WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE OR A REFUND. SINCE THE PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD A NOISE IN THE POWER STEERING. THE PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE OF THE…”
2001 Dodge Dodge Truck — common questions
Is the 2001 Dodge Dodge Truck reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2001 model at #3 of 31 Dodge Truck years. It is one of the Dodge Truck years to avoid.
What are the most common 2001 Dodge Truck problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (7 complaints), suspension (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).
Does the 2001 Dodge Dodge Truck have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Dodge Dodge Truck.
Which Dodge Dodge Truck years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Dodge Truck years to avoid are 1999, 1996, 2001, 1998, 1994. The cleanest record among Dodge Truck years belongs to 1985.
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.