RoadVitals

2001 Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
54
Latest Aug 12, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
8%
of 678 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
7
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 Dodge Dakota submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 54 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 54, in the owner's own words

ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 12, 2025

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 residence on nine separate occasions. The vehicle was also towed to a dealer, where the PCM was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM). The contact believed that a defect with the SKIM had caused the sudden stall with the security light flashing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 119,000.

NHTSA ID
11680215
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
Mileage
119,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 17, 2020

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

NHTSA ID
11321446
Incident
Mar 3, 2020
Mileage
250,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 6, 2019

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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO GET A USED PART BECAUSE THEY NO LONGER MADE THAT PART. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA ID
11205765
Incident
Apr 29, 2019
Mileage
99,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 6, 2019

HELLO MY I AM DISAPOINTED THIS IS THE 3RD CAM SHAFT SENSOR ILL HAVE TO REPLACE AFTER MUCH RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON ERROR ON WHOEVER DESIGNED THIS IN RESULT CAR CAN SHUTSOWN WHILE DRIVING LEAVING YOU WITH NO CONTROL OR PERHAPS WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WILLLL NOT STAY RUNNING WHY ISNT THERE A RECALL TO FIX THIS POBLEM FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD

NHTSA ID
11165444
Incident
Dec 18, 2018
Mileage
189,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jun 18, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11102291
Incident
Jun 1, 2018
Mileage
160,000 mi
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Feb 1, 2018

COMPUTER CONTROL OF HEADLIGHTS, INTERIOR AND DASH LIGHTING, AND POSSIBLY THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE INTERMITTENT WIPER CONTROL ARE AFFECTED. WITHOUT WARNING THESE SYSTEMS EITHER FAILED OR BECAME ERRATIC. VEHICLE EXHIBITS THESE MALFUNCTIONS BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION, AND AT ALL SPEEDS. IT IS APPARENTLY NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE, AS PER INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET. THE (TEMPORARY?) FIX IS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FOR 15+ MINUTES, POSSIBLE CAUSE: THE COMPUTER CONNECTORS.

NHTSA ID
11066177
Incident
Jan 15, 2018
Mileage
148,500 mi
ElectricalInterior & seatsExterior lighting
Filed Aug 9, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOME AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL CONTROL TIMER MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TT

NHTSA ID
11014000
Incident
Aug 16, 2016
Mileage
90,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 20, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEADLIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS, AND DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL CONTROL TIMING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT OPENED CASE NUMBER: 30176046 AND WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST FOR PARTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN EMAIL STATING THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER BEING MADE AS OF 2011. THE CONTACT LOCATED A DEALER THAT HAD THE PART IN STOCK, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS ON FREEZE BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ID
10979597
Incident
Aug 1, 2016
Mileage
89,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Sep 19, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE AND KEYLESS ENTRY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ID
10907598
Incident
Sep 7, 2016
Mileage
125,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 27, 2016

4WD SELECTOR SWITCH BLINKING AND UNABLE TO GO INTO 4WD MODES, DOOR LOCKS OPEN AND CLOSE RANDOMLY AT ANY SPEED, 4WD DRIVE LIGHT ON AT DASH, NO AIR BLOWING FOR AC OR HEAT.

NHTSA ID
10871124
Incident
May 27, 2016
Mileage
147,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 26, 2015

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHILE MY HEAT WAS ON AND I LOST TWO FAN SPEEDS, AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND MY RESISTOR WAS MELTED, AND SO WERE TWO WIRES. NOW I CURRENTLY LOST ANOTHER SPEED AND HAVE ONLY LEVEL 2 FOR HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING.

NHTSA ID
10743527
Incident
Mar 19, 2015
Mileage
175,600 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 11, 2014

THE KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I DID THIS BY ACCIDENT ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. I JUST READ THE ARTICLE ABOUT THE CURRENT GM RECALL IN THE USA TODAY NEWSPAPER. I'M NOT CONCERNED ABOUT IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE AS I UNDERSTAND IT. I TRY NOT TO PULL IT OUT ANYMORE AS I THINK THAT WOULD LOOSEN IT UP MORE. I DON'T THINK IT EVER GOES OUT OF THE RUN CONDITION. I BELIEVE THERE ARE SEVERAL OEM'S (IF NOT ALL WHEN THE VEHICLE GETS OLD) THAT HAVE THIS ISSUE AND I ALSO BELIEVE THAT IT IS NOT A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. THE CUSTOMER KNOWS THEY HAVE AN ISSUE WHICH MAKES THEM SHARE ON THE LIABILITY. I JUST REPORTED THIS ON MY SATURN VUE AS WELL. THE KEY COMES OUT MUCH EASIER ON THE DODGE THAN ON THE SATURN. THE IGNITION SLOT IS MUCH LOOSER ON THE DODGE. *JS

NHTSA ID
10579164
Incident
Apr 11, 2007
Mileage
180,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 2, 2013

DASH LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLASH ALONG WITH HEAD LIGHTS, THEN WENT OUT. TIME WAS 10:30 PM TO DARK TO DRIVE RURAL ROADS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10522961
Incident
Jun 21, 2013
Mileage
91,454 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jun 29, 2013

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I WAS NOT MOVING, JUST STARTED VEHICLE. LIGHT HAS REMAINED ON FOR 5 DAYS WITH MY NORMAL DRIVING. HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WORK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10522399
Incident
Jun 19, 2013
Mileage
98,762 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingSeat belts
Filed May 11, 2013

THE STEREO SYSTEM STOP WORKING, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE FLICKERING AND EVEN WHEN THE DOORS ARE PERFECTLY CLOSED AND I AM WEARING MY SEAT BELL THE ALARM ( BELL SOUND) START SOUNDING WHEN I REACH THE 10 MPH SPEED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10511500
Incident
Apr 24, 2013
Mileage
85,196 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 22, 2011
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH WHEN ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AREA WHICH THEN IGNITED INTO A FIRE. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED AND WAS ABEL TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SENSOR TIMER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS PENDING AN INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 104,300.

NHTSA ID
10440991
Incident
Dec 21, 2011
Mileage
104,300 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 18, 2011

ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING WHEN AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED ON. THIS WAS DUE TO THE FAN CLUTCH NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE IS BROKEN IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND SO IS NOT REPORTING OIL PRESSURE ACCURATELY. THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT GAUGE CLUSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THIS. *KB

NHTSA ID
10413463
Incident
Jul 17, 2011
Mileage
215,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 27, 2011

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL, AIRBAG AND HORN WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10409073
Incident
Dec 1, 2009
Mileage
100,000 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Mar 24, 2011

AN EXISTING NHTSA RECALL, 06V039000, EXISTS FOR 2006 DODGE DAKOTAS. "STATIC CAN DISABLE HEADLAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, & WINDSHIELD WIPERS". I HAVE A 2001 DAKOTA WITH THE SAME ISSUE. IT HAPPEN 2-5 TIMES PER YEAR. EVERYTHING WORKS AGAIN IF I CYCLE THE IGNITION, BUT THAT 'S SMALL COMFORT IF THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT @ 75 MPH. DODGE HAS REFUSED TO FIX IT FOR FREE, SAYING THAT IT ONLY APPLIES TO 2006. IF IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR A 2006, THEN IT IS A SAFETY RISK FOR 2001 TOO. THE KNOWN FIX IS TO "RE-FLASH" THE DASH, WHICH I ASSUME MEANS TO REPROGRAM THE DASH CONTROL PROCESSOR.

NHTSA ID
10393275
Incident
Mar 24, 2011
Mileage
10,000 mi
ElectricalInterior & seatsExterior lighting
Filed Dec 17, 2010
Crash reported

RECALL ID # 03V389000: ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA WIRING HARNESS REROUTING/REPAIR RECALL ID#09EO12000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING RECALL ID#09EO25000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING HEADLIGHTS THE 2001 DODGE DAKOTA WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH TURN SIGNALS ,TAIL LIGHT, DASH LIGHTING, & RADIO FAILURE I HAVE TALKED TO 20 OR 30 DAKOTA OWNERS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION &SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10371017
Incident
Nov 14, 2010
Mileage
50,000 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical+1 more
Filed Nov 10, 2010

I BOUGHT MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB BRAND NEW AND UNTIL THIS DATE, I HAVE ONLY HAD ONE ISSUE. THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR QUIT AND WAS REPLACED IN 2008. ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2010, MY CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT. THINKING IT WAS WEAR AND TEAR, I WAS NOT IN A RUSH TO FIX IT. THEN THE HORN QUIT WORKING. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, I TOOK IT IN TO BE SERVICED. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AS A PREVIOUS RECALL, BUT MY VIN # IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT PERIOD. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT IS THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE PART IS EXPENSIVE. LOOKING ONLINE, IT APPEARS DODGE IS NOT MAKING GOOD. MY VIN # MATCHES THE OTHER COMPLAINTS. AFTER CONTACTING DODGE (11/10/10), I WAS OFFERED A 50% REFUND ON REPAIR WORK. THIS SAYS TO ME THAT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH OTHER MODELS/YEAR. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE NO MATTER HOW OLD THE VEHICLE IS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH DODGE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10365241
Incident
Oct 1, 2010
Mileage
236,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 17, 2010

MOVEMENT OF TILT STEERING WHEEL IN LOWER HALF OF RANGE WILL CAUSE SHORT-CIRCUIT OF TURN SIGNAL OPERATION. LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WILL BE INOPERATIVE. RADIO CIRCUIT ALSO AFFECTED. MOVEMENT BACK INTO UPPER HALF OF RANGE WILL CORRECT PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10360827
Incident
Oct 16, 2010
Mileage
75,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 5, 2010
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE DOORS WOULD LOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD SPORADICALLY FLICKER ON AND OFF. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE WAS BURNED AND PARTIALLY MELTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTER BOARD FOUR TIMES BECAUSE IT HAD BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 11/19/10 *CN

NHTSA ID
10347463
Incident
Feb 5, 2010
Mileage
112,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 16, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE DOOR LOCKS, AIR BAG, HEAD LIGHTS, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER BECAME INOPERABLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AT THE CMT AND CLOCK SPRING MODULES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,990 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

NHTSA ID
10343632
Incident
Feb 1, 2010
Mileage
72,990 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 22, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V389000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING). AFTERWARD, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS WERE NOT OPERATING ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER ADVISED HAVING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT HER EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,000.

NHTSA ID
10339502
Incident
May 15, 2010
Mileage
83,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .