NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
58 reportsClear category filter236,000 miles · Nov 10, 2010
Air BagsElectrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
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…
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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 ODI #10365241
75,000 miles · Oct 17, 2010
Electrical System
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 ODI #10360827
112,000 miles · Aug 5, 2010
Electrical SystemFire
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 H…
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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 ODI #10347463
72,990 miles · Jul 16, 2010
Electrical System
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 …
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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 ODI #10343632
83,000 miles · Jun 22, 2010
Electrical System
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 VEHICL…
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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 ODI #10339502
94,000 miles · Dec 17, 2009
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND THEN BACK OFF. ALSO ALL GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL HAVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HE WAS AWAITING THE CONCLUSION OF THE TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #10296270
98,000 miles · Nov 16, 2009
Air BagsElectrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
THE HORN QUIT THE CRUISE CONTROLS QUIT WORKING. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ARE ON AIR BAGS ARE DEAD THE CLOCK SPRING IS BAD IN ALL THE 2000 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 'S ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER SAID SOUNDS LIKE YOU GOT A PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292356
125,000 miles · Sep 24, 2008
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HIS 2001 DODGE DAKOTA HOME AT NIGHT, ON A COUNTRY ROAD, AROUND AUGUST 5, 2008 AND THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF. WHEN HE GOT HOME, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WENT HAYWIRE, THE HORN CONTINUED TO HONK, THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING, AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. WE FOUND OUT THE CENTRAL TIMER …
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MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HIS 2001 DODGE DAKOTA HOME AT NIGHT, ON A COUNTRY ROAD, AROUND AUGUST 5, 2008 AND THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF. WHEN HE GOT HOME, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WENT HAYWIRE, THE HORN CONTINUED TO HONK, THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING, AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. WE FOUND OUT THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CMT) AND CLOCK SPRING HAD FAILED AND WAS TOLD THE TRUCK WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WE HAD BOTH REPAIRED FOR $530. I WAS TOLD THAT RECALLS EXISTED ON SEVERAL DODGE VEHICLES BUT NOT ONE OF THEM SPECIFIED OUR TRUCK. I CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY JUST SAID IT WAS NOT MY TRUCK SO I WAS OUT OF LUCK. I THEN DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ON-LINE AND FOUND SEVERAL FORUMS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THIS YEAR OF TRUCK, PLUS SEVERAL OTHERS, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY HELP FROM DODGE EITHER. THIS IS A REALLY SERIOUS MALFUNCTION AND COULD OF CAUSE A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. I JUST NEED DODGE TO OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND REIMBURSE US FOR THE REPAIRS WE HAD. ALSO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM ON ALL DODGE VEHICLES, BEFORE SOMEONE GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243372
40,000 miles · Aug 18, 2008
Electrical System
LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF, INTERIOR LIGHT GO OUT, DOOR ALARM GOES OFF AT 70 MPH, WIPERS GO OFF BY THEMSELVES, HORN BEEPS, TRUCK WONT START. QUICK FIX , DISCOUNT THE BATTERY AT RESET THE SYSTEM, PERMANENT FIX TO REPLACE THE CENTRAL TIMING MODULE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238638
127,500 miles · Apr 6, 2008
Electrical System
ALL LIGHTS START TURNING ON AND OFF IN A RANDOM PATTERN. MUST HOLD DRIVER DOOR OPEN WHILE DRIVING TO HAVE A CONSISTENT HEADLIGHT. EVERY LIGHT IS AFFECTED. DASH LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, HEAD LIGHTS, 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE LIGHTS, HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER LIGHTING RELATED ISSUES. …
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ALL LIGHTS START TURNING ON AND OFF IN A RANDOM PATTERN. MUST HOLD DRIVER DOOR OPEN WHILE DRIVING TO HAVE A CONSISTENT HEADLIGHT. EVERY LIGHT IS AFFECTED. DASH LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, HEAD LIGHTS, 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE LIGHTS, HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER LIGHTING RELATED ISSUES. THIS ISSUE IS DANGEROUS AT NIGHT SINCE THERE ARE NO HEADLIGHTS UNLESS THE DRIVER DOOR IS HELD OPEN WHILE TRAVELING. I WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE PROHIBITIVE COST OF CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM BY A DODGE SERVICE GARAGE. UNABLE TO LOCATE SOURCE OF PROBLEM DUE TO THE RANDOMNESS OF THE VARIOUS LIGHT SYSTEMS TURNING ON AND OFF. ALSO, IT IS NECESSARY TO REMOVE THE GROUND LEAD ON THE BATTERY WHEN VEHICLE IS LEFT UNATTENDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10223467
Official recalls
7Dec 4, 2007
ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: 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.
Dec 21, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), 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 OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: 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.
Dec 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR) THAT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Oct 10, 2003
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 & remedy
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.
Jul 5, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE FRONT OUTBOARD LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY NOT PROVIDE THE ANTICIPATED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT RESTRAINT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Mar 7, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE ELECTRIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE MAY NOT FULLY ENGAGE INTO GEAR WHEN THE OPERATOR MOVES THE TRANSFER CASE SELECTOR SWITCH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Nov 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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