10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,670 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #7

Feb 182005

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,700 miles
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.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #6

Jan 012005

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #5

Dec 172004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,987 miles
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.

- Forked River, NJ, USA

problem #4

Dec 182003

Dakota

  • 39,000 miles
While attempting to engage the two wheel drive vehicle became inoperative. As a result, vehicle became stuck in four wheel drive.

- Bennington, VT, USA

problem #3

Jul 052002

Dakota 4WD

  • miles
I do not have the exact dates for each time the transfer case has failed, my documents are in the vehicle, still in in the shop. The dealership has lead me to believe that it might be the way it was driven (of course). I assured them this was not the case and offered for them to drive the vehicle (if they can repair it again) as long as they drove it 20 miles per day and engaged the 4 wheel drive system for at least 1/2 mile per day. These are the exact driving conditions each time the transfer case has went out. My only other stipulation is that whomever drove it, did not Transport children in this vehicle. (no takers so far) we live out in the county and off the main road. Four wheel drive is utilized not because of rough terrain, but because of the 45 degree incline (saves wear and tear on our tires). Another vehicle has been purchased to get back and forth to work and because I am terrified to drive this truck for fear of losing control due to yet another mechanical failure. We are not talking windshield wipers here. Russel at the dealership has contacted the manufacturer and has "not received adequate answers" to his questions regarding this transfer case. He also stated that they "no long made this transfer case" which "should tell him something." He has checked the gears in the transfer case to ensure the right gears were in there and they were. He also thought that maybe the previous owners did not engage the 4 wheel drive system. My response was "that would explain the first transfer case...what about the other two? we have purchased Dodge products for well over 5 years now and look at nothing else when purchasing a new vehicle. It appears however, that when you need them to right a wrong, it is the consumer who is the victim, not the big corporation. I will rethink the purchasing of Dodge vehicles from now on and can assure the Chrysler corporation that my cummings diesel will be the last Dodge product purchased in this household.

- Eldon, MO, USA

problem #2

Sep 062001

Dakota 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer stated vehicle was parked and when consumer went to check on vehicle, it had rolled down a mountain. Consumer also stated had gotten recall# 01V077000 but hadn't got recall fixed yet. Vehicle was totaled.

- Summersville, WV, USA

problem #1

Apr 172001

Dakota 4WD

  • miles
Recall 01V077 was completed on vehicle, however after repair, consumer drove onto driveway which is on a steep incline, waited for garage door to open and while consumer had foot on brake, the vehicle rolled back 2 feet or so, consumer pressed on gas to find engine had cut off, transmission specialist stated this is normal and it is a safety feature.

- Marysville, WA, USA