Four problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Torque converter broke apart internally after 54000 miles. Contacted aamco tranmission and was told this was a very common problem on Dodge trucks through 2003. Transmission had to be rebuildt.
The transmission failed on my Dodge ram1500 with 63,000 miles on it. I was stranded 5 hours from home in michigans upper pennisula. The trans. Was slipping and fluid was leaking near the torque converter area. As of now the truck has not been repaired and I really don't care. I also have that clunking noise even after replacing all the u-joints. I'm definately trading in for a Ford.
The check engine light related to the transmission in my 2001 Dodge ram pickup lit up at around 45,000 miles. I had the light checked out and found out there was a problem. I was told that the transmission would need to be rebuilt including the torque converter. Since the mileage was over 36,000 the dealership made it clear that the warranty was over and that fixing the truck would be my problem. I ran the vehicle until the transmission completely failed, which was at 54,000 miles. I had to put in a replacement transmission. I wrote to the president of Dodge (dr zitske) telling him of my dissatisfaction with the failure of the transmission and that Dodge would not stand behind their product. I didn't even receive the courtesy of a reply. Nothing. I am now the proud owner of a real truck (Toyota tundra). I try to make it a point to tell everyone I can that Dodge does not stand behind their product at all.
I have a 2001 Dodge, Dakota, quad cab, 4x4. Shortly after the warrenty expired(36000mi. ), I developed a poping noise in the front end when turning over bumps. Sense then it has progressively gotten worse. I had it inspected and was told it was ok, just typical truck noise due to bumps. After hearing about the problem with the balljoints, I had it re-inspected (many miles later) only to find that I am lucky that a wheel has not came off (bad joints). Also, if the truck sets overnight (or 1 or more days)when you first crank the truck and put in gear(reverse) the transmition will slip. Took to the dealer while still under warrenty they said it was typical that the torque converter would drain down and that you had to put it in neutral for a few seconds to let the converter fill before putting in gear. I still have the problem!.