Six problems related to axle assembly have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
At 42,000 miles the front wheel hub assembly failed. As a result, while driving driver's side tire bounced up and down. Also, a grinding noise was produced at slow speeds. The dealer stated tire loosened on the axle.
Front axle on 2001 Dodge Dakota unexpectedly broke. The vehicle was in motion when the incident occurred. The dealer stated it was a manufacturer's problem. The consumer experienced several serious problems within one year with sudden acceleration on up to 80 mph.
I was driving to work and my front axle broke. I also had two previous problems with the truck were it would accelerate on it's own to 80 miles a hour and the only way to stop was to shift into neutral, emergency brake and press on the brakes and pray. I was out of a car over thirty days between the two times trying to repair the acceleration.
While driving 65 mph right wheel came off, then left wheel, came off. Rear axle had sheared off vehicle.
The right rear tire/wheel protrudes farther out from body then left tire/wheel assembly. I'm concerned this could effect the drivabilty,handling and safety of the truck in a accident or in an evasive maneuver.
While making left or right turns consumer noticed a popping noise. Consumer had the vehicle serviced by a technician , who determined that the front axle had problems, but failed to fix it until it was recalled a few months later. While driving 60 mph consumer heard a popping sound again which resulted in the vehicle sliding sideways and crashing into a tree; vehicle was totaled.