2001 Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab from North America - Comments

At 20K the differential had to be rebuilt due to "whining" from the rear end. Parts must be made in Bali as it took 6 days to repair.

At 30K the valve body assembly on the transmission had to be rebuilt.

Seems to require a thorough cleaning of the intake and injectors of carbon build-up regularily. Otherwise you'd think the tranny is acting up, but the computer is trying to compensate for for the carbon build-up.

Overall the truck is great! The four full-size doors and back-seat are terrific. The truck rides nicely and the cab is solidly isolated from the frame.

The 3.9 is adequate at best, but you'd think the mileage would be better. Tempe Dodge in Arizona did the rebuild on the differential and whined because my truck was taking up space in one of their bays!

The dealer is NOT the manufacturer, please make that distinction. The dealer is there to make MONEY for the OWNER. Not Chrysler. I would say that all things have a few bad seeds in the bunch. Mine is

GREAT!

Mike.

I'd disagree about the few bad seeds. I have a 2001 Quad Cab and I too had to have the limited slip replaced as the clutch plates would bind after highway driving and shudder the moment I made a turn off the highway. You'd think a machine shop was located in the back of my truck. It took 5 weeks to get the parts in and another 3 days to put it together since bearings aren't part of the set.

Gas mileage sucks, body flexes too much, and the tranny is pathetic plus the spark knock is pathetic. I didn't realize that I own a diesel. Did I forget to mention that the paint on the flares comes off and the fog light lenses aren't worth anything since they both cracked within the 1st month of me owning my truck (and I do not drive on unpaved roads). Oh yes, and the best of the bunch that the OD doesn't work on the truck if it is below -19C (0F) - you'd think they'd mention that to Canadian owners since it does get below that a few times a year. Makes highway driving very nice...

Have a look at your owners manual - they mention that spark knock is normal. I guess that Dodge thinks that it is normal that a time bomb is present each time it combusts and that this could and will eventually destroy the piston. Don't forget the recall on the ball joints either... you are right, only a few bad seeds. Like +5,000,000 on recall!!!

Great truck. Had to sell it, but I really miss it. Had a 2001 Quad Cab/4x4 SLT+. Had to sell it because I got a company car and didn't need the extra loan payment. Had to have the front rotors turned and ball joints replaced under recall and that's it. Handling was adequate, but not as good as the 2005 model. Seemed to ride better with about 300lbs in the bed. -didn't bounce as much. Rear doors opened 90 degrees, which was great for putting my 1yr old in the back. Wish my car doors opened that wide. Mileage was good for a V8/4x4---16/17 mpg under 60/40-highway/city driving. My buddies Ford and Chevy full-size half-tons are lucky to get 12-13 mpg. Major complaint was that air (hot and cold) blew thru the dash vents when the selector switch was on floor only. Dealer adjusted the blend door twice, but still never worked right. Said there was nothing else they could do. Overall, I rate it a good buy. Held resale value pretty well too. I did have the 5 yr/60K btb ext wty, so I did have that extra piece of mind. I'd buy another quad cab if I was in the market. Perfect sized truck as far as I'm concerned.