Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK | |||
| 12/12/2004 | 45000 | 8 | 10/12/2003 |
| When needing to brake quickly, the brakes do not function. i assume it is an anti-lock brake malfunction, and have seen many complaints. this has happened numerous times, mostly during the need to brake quickly. i have always had a way to maneuver around the obstacle (car, pedestrian, etc..), but what will happen when the day comes that i don't have anywhere to go and a person gets hit, because of deimler-chrysler's lack of morals to make right what they did wrong, and not recall this poor design. it does not feel good knowing that you put on your brakes, and you can't stop...very helpless, and nervous. we need to do something about this now, to save a life. hopefully this complaint along with the numerous others will raise a red flag, and something will be done.*ak | |||
| 06/20/2004 | 29289 | 4 | |
| Rotors warped at 25000 miles. had dealer replace rotors with brembo rotors and pads with raybestos ceramic pads. received from dealer after replacement- brakes dragged. took back to dealer twice- finally, dealer discovered that abs system is non-functional. dc paid for the parts to repair system- labor was my expense ( i had timed out of warranty). dealer says that new pads are cracked from damage done after repair. have to replace pads. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 05/30/2002 | 28149 | 04/26/2001 | |
| Premature corrosion of front brake rotors causing failure of nys vehicle inspection | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 08/26/2011 | 90000 | ||
| 2001 dodge dakota has had front brakes drag/lock up. has happened twice, both times the calipers/rotors got extremely hot and smoked. after first time, truck was taken to dealer, they found nothing wrong but could see that rotors had gotten extremely hot. after allowing car to sit for several hours, the problem seems to go away. | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 2001 dodge dakota had many problems with the drive train and brakes.*mr the consumer heard a clunking noise when shifting from park to drive, reverse, etc. the rear tire on the right side stuck out from the vehicle. the driveshaft seemed to have alot o slack in it. there was a popping noise in the front end when making sharp slow turns. there was a whining noise in the steering and rear end when turning. the vehicle was taken tot he dealer but they were unable to duplicate the problems. the brake, rotors, calipers had to be replaced between 55-8000 miles. *nm | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 30000 | 30 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. while driving approximately 35 mph with his foot on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to slow down and hesitate. the contact stopped the vehicle to allow the front disc brakes to cool off since they were dragging. the brake lines and calipers were replaced at 50,000 miles. the current mileage is 64000 and the failure mileage was 30000. the contact will add the vin, engine size and purchase date. | |||
| 05/01/2005 | 56982 | 1 | 04/17/2001 |
| Consumer states: that abs light, engine light, and brake lights came on at the same time. the clutch packed in the rear differential is half inch long , and its job is to hold the clutches and lemon slipped differential, and it failed. it came out and shredded speed sensor in rear differential. *ak | |||
| 09/20/2004 | 2 | ||
| 2001 dodge dakota quad cab - faulty front and rear brake design i am a mechanical engineer by training. the front rotors and rear disc brakes are of poor design and function. they overheat, warp and begin to pulse. this occurs as a result of small brakes coupled with the large diameter tires and heavy weight of the vehicle. i have had to replace all brakes twice within 3 years (60,000 miles) as a result. these breaks do not brake well and are extremely soft. i have had numerous close calls as a result of these brakes. i would also like to point out that when coupled with this abs system most vehicles continue to lock-up and slide creating a potential for serious accidents.*ak | |||
| 07/17/2004 | 1 | 12/27/2000 | |
| I'm a little disturbed at this page....number of deaths? does somebody have to die before consumers are protected? my complaint is for the brakes on my 2001 dodge dakota quad cab. i no longer expect my brakes to stop me when i need them which means to avoid an accident, i had better always be looking for a way to steer around an obstacle! on two occasions i can remember, i had to steer around a stopped vehicle because my truck would just not stop in time. i've done some research on my own and there is enough evidence on the internet that proves there is a real defect in the braking system used on dodge dakota trucks from 1999 to 2002 from what i've read. when you read of one person complaining about warped rotor's and having no brakes when you need them, that's one thing. but when you read countless complaints of these same things..what has to be done? how many people have to die? obviously it's about money...you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out. chrysler would rather ignore problems and take a hit on a couple law suits every year after someone dies. it must be cheaper for them to operate this way because otherwise they wouldn't be doing it. now it's your job to promote safety...is it not? if it is, then you should make our highway's safer by removing dangers from them..such as dangerous vehicles with brakes that fail.*jb | |||
| 12/17/2004 | 57987 | 8 | 04/04/2001 |
| 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. *ak | |||
| 09/30/2002 | 1 | 10/15/2001 | |
| My 2001 dodge dakota 4x4 4w antilock brakes don't provide adequate braking. vehicle does not brake adequately during panic stopping. the antilock feature releases the brakes long before it should. abs engages but allows too much free-wheeling which allows vehicle too much travel. i have several close calls. the last time this has caused a rear end crash in my truck and both air bags deployed and cost 11,000.00. replacing the air bags cost 8,500.00. i have taken the truck to 3 local dealers and they said the abs is working as designed. the last dealer i took it to i talked to the tech. he said it is a bad design. he also said the master cylinder vacuum chamber is to small. this is very dangerous and all 2001 and newer trucks should be recalled. i have had antilock brakes on several of my previous vehicles but this truck has the worst brakes ever. we need a class action law suit to force dodge to fix defect!! *la | |||
| 11/21/2001 | 1254 | 1 | 04/01/2001 |
| Front brakes clunk when applied,dealer replaced rotors. transmission won't shift properly,dealer ordered and replaced new valve body. lower engine needed to be replaced,because of valve tapping. a/c has bad odor when on. front end squeaked around boots front end has bad knocking sound. 2 goodyear tires slow leak. problems started at 1,254 miles, and keep going at 26,000 miles. *ak | |||
| 04/21/2001 | 1 | ||
| While driving 35-40 mph applied brakes and pedal faded to floor, no braking action, and vehicle rearended another vehicle. mileage at that time was 8000. damage to vehicle about $ 1000.00 consumer injured leg and nerve system. vehicle taken to dealer 3 times, cannot duplicate, cannot remedy. dodge district manager said this was not dangerous enough to do anything about. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 09/20/2004 | 2 | ||
| 2001 dodge dakota quad cab - faulty front and rear brake design i am a mechanical engineer by training. the front rotors and rear disc brakes are of poor design and function. they overheat, warp and begin to pulse. this occurs as a result of small brakes coupled with the large diameter tires and heavy weight of the vehicle. i have had to replace all brakes twice within 3 years (60,000 miles) as a result. these breaks do not brake well and are extremely soft. i have had numerous close calls as a result of these brakes. i would also like to point out that when coupled with this abs system most vehicles continue to lock-up and slide creating a potential for serious accidents.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 30000 | 30 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. while driving approximately 35 mph with his foot on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to slow down and hesitate. the contact stopped the vehicle to allow the front disc brakes to cool off since they were dragging. the brake lines and calipers were replaced at 50,000 miles. the current mileage is 64000 and the failure mileage was 30000. the contact will add the vin, engine size and purchase date. | |||
| 08/20/2005 | 52000 | 2 | 12/07/2000 |
| Had a sudden stop in 100 degree weather, when pulled off, the truck felt as if it were pulling a load and a strong burning rubber smell was coming from the front end. ended up having it towed to the dealership where it was found that the front calipers had seized up. dealership was not certain as to what caused the problem. truck only has 52,000 miles on it. ended up putting all new braking system on the front end. a year ago had the same problem, brought into the dealership and they told me it was a sensor that controlled the abs. can't figure that one out, only have abs on the rearend, not on the front. it is a scary thing when you are on the highway and you have that burning smell and smoke is bellowing from the front wheels. dealership claims no fire would've occurred. tained. *jb | |||
| 12/02/2004 | 3 | ||
| Dodge dakota, quad-cab, 2001 ? after heavy usage (i.e. commuter traffic) front brakes seize and lock up; leaving brakes engaged while driving. suspect rotor warp from the heat of the brake pads thus rendering the front brakes fully engaged until the rotor cools. dealer inspected brakes / rotor after each incident (3) to find no obvious direct cause and only made the suggestion to bring in for service when incident occurred again.*ak | |||
| 07/10/2004 | 40687 | 5 | 06/01/2001 |
| I own a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 sle that we purchased new. in the last 6 months, and with only 49000 miles on the truck currently, the following failures have occurred: (1) (from february 2004 to present) the factory-installed external wiring harness (for towing a trailer) melted from the inside out, shorting out the electrical system. (2) brakes would pulsate anytime brakes were applied. dealer attributed this to warping of rotors and replaced pads and turned the rotors. dealer noted a spring on driver-side caliper was missing and replaced it as well. (3) the heater/ac controls failed. (4) went for state inspection and inspector failed truck due to failure of upper ball joints and brakes. the same brakes i just had fixed in february. premature failure of ball joints attributed to typical problem for dakotas/durangos. well if it's typical, why isn't there a recall?? the dealer had no answers. failure was a result of calipers not releasing properly causing the rotors and brake pads to glaze. dealer opted to pick up the tab for the new rotors and the new pads, only at my request. the new calipers and brake lines still cost me $800. again i'm wondering why i'm paying for so much on a truck that is only 3 years old with only 49000 miles. (5) unknown problem at startup when engine is cold. pressing the accelerator causes the engine to sputter. problem exists until engine is warm then goes away. two dodge dealerships and neither can figure out the problem as there is no computer error code coming up. all items mentioned were paid for by me unless otherwise specified. had any of these issues been a result of negligence, or lots of mileage, or had the dodge dealership(s) opted to pay for items that were the obvious result of poor craftsmanship, i wouldn't complain. but, the failures relating to the brakes could quite possibly have resulted in an accident which risks my life and that of my wife, and dodge doesn't seem to care. *ak | |||
| 11/13/2001 | 13000 | 1 | 02/15/2001 |
| Front rotors warped at 13k. rotors turned. problem persisted and had to be turned again at 31k. 61k had front rotors and brake pads replaced. brake assembly fell apart in mechanics hands. 72k problem still persists and dealer suggest having rotors turned every 3k miles. huh?? *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 08/25/2006 | 33400 | 1 | 11/06/2001 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while having the vehicle serviced, the dealer noticed the brake pads and rotors were worn and needed to be replaced. also, upon starting the vehicle, the key would not turn the ignition switch. the dealer determined the switch needed to be replaced. the contact removed the switch and cleaned it with no further problems. updated 11/30/2006 - the check engine light was illuminated constantly. the dealer determined there was a vacuum leak. the wheel cylinder locked up. *nm | |||
| 07/10/2004 | 40687 | 5 | 06/01/2001 |
| I own a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 sle that we purchased new. in the last 6 months, and with only 49000 miles on the truck currently, the following failures have occurred: (1) (from february 2004 to present) the factory-installed external wiring harness (for towing a trailer) melted from the inside out, shorting out the electrical system. (2) brakes would pulsate anytime brakes were applied. dealer attributed this to warping of rotors and replaced pads and turned the rotors. dealer noted a spring on driver-side caliper was missing and replaced it as well. (3) the heater/ac controls failed. (4) went for state inspection and inspector failed truck due to failure of upper ball joints and brakes. the same brakes i just had fixed in february. premature failure of ball joints attributed to typical problem for dakotas/durangos. well if it's typical, why isn't there a recall?? the dealer had no answers. failure was a result of calipers not releasing properly causing the rotors and brake pads to glaze. dealer opted to pick up the tab for the new rotors and the new pads, only at my request. the new calipers and brake lines still cost me $800. again i'm wondering why i'm paying for so much on a truck that is only 3 years old with only 49000 miles. (5) unknown problem at startup when engine is cold. pressing the accelerator causes the engine to sputter. problem exists until engine is warm then goes away. two dodge dealerships and neither can figure out the problem as there is no computer error code coming up. all items mentioned were paid for by me unless otherwise specified. had any of these issues been a result of negligence, or lots of mileage, or had the dodge dealership(s) opted to pay for items that were the obvious result of poor craftsmanship, i wouldn't complain. but, the failures relating to the brakes could quite possibly have resulted in an accident which risks my life and that of my wife, and dodge doesn't seem to care. *ak | |||
| 06/20/2004 | 29289 | 4 | |
| Rotors warped at 25000 miles. had dealer replace rotors with brembo rotors and pads with raybestos ceramic pads. received from dealer after replacement- brakes dragged. took back to dealer twice- finally, dealer discovered that abs system is non-functional. dc paid for the parts to repair system- labor was my expense ( i had timed out of warranty). dealer says that new pads are cracked from damage done after repair. have to replace pads. *ak | |||
| 06/18/2004 | 50 | 1 | 11/30/2000 |
| I have a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab and while approaching a stop sign, stepped on the brake pedal which went completely to the floor, and nearly caused me to rear end another vehicle. when i brought it to the dealer they stated to me that the the brake pad was sheared off by the rivets, causing a metal to metal contact with the rotor.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 12/06/2007 | 64000 | 2 | 11/14/2000 |
| I have a 2001 dakota quad cab 4x4 purchased new and the inside of the front rotors wear out extremely fast. they become damaged on the inside of the rotor appearing extremely rusted and as if maybe they overheated on the inside. 64,000 and this has happened 2 times. dealers deny this is common , my brother has a 2002 (purchased new) and has had the same problem. ball joints failed on both trucks , steering rack and rear differential leaks on both . *tr | |||
| 08/25/2006 | 33400 | 1 | 11/06/2001 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while having the vehicle serviced, the dealer noticed the brake pads and rotors were worn and needed to be replaced. also, upon starting the vehicle, the key would not turn the ignition switch. the dealer determined the switch needed to be replaced. the contact removed the switch and cleaned it with no further problems. updated 11/30/2006 - the check engine light was illuminated constantly. the dealer determined there was a vacuum leak. the wheel cylinder locked up. *nm | |||
| 02/19/2004 | 23000 | 2 | 02/27/2001 |
| Front rotors become hot and warped. it was under warranty and rotors were rotated and put back on. received the vehicle back and it still felt like rotors were still warped... a lot of shaking in the steering wheel and brake pedal. *nm | |||
| 03/22/2006 | 1 | ||
| At 32,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. problem-warped rotors. corrected by 'turning' rotors (resurfacing). at 58,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. problem-warped rotors. corrected by 'turning' rotors. at 70,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. problem-warped rotors. corrected by replacing rotors. at 90,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. problem-warped rotors. corrected by 'turning' rotors. at 100,200 miles front end vibration when breaking. problem-warped rotors. dealer suggests replacing rotors. this seems to be a recurring problem. the same thing occurred on my 1997 dakota. the dealer told me then that the rotors warp when they are hot(from use) and then get wet. (so i guess i shouldn't use the brakes in wet/rainy conditions) the warped rotors are caused by a design flaw, either the brake system is not 'sized' properly (ie insufficient stopping power causing excessive heat build-up) or the rotors are inferior(metal grade). i believe most owners do not complain about this problem because the dodge dealers convince them that this is routine maintenance. the truck is great otherwise. *nm | |||
| 04/01/2003 | 3 | ||
| Front brake rotors have been replaced 3 times on my vehicle with mopar parts. i have owned the vehicle for 2 years and have put 40,000 miles on it. the rotors are only lasting in the area of 10 - 15000 miles. i spoke with my local mechanic and he has told me this is a known issue with the dodge dakota and i better get use to replacing them or get use to driving with warped rotors. *nm | |||
| 08/01/2004 | 14000 | 1 | 08/23/2001 |
| Vehicle vibrated when brake were being applied at any speed. consumer believed the problem was causes by warped rotors. *ak | |||
| 09/11/2001 | 11000 | 5 | |
| I own a dodge dakota quad cab 2001 5.9 v8 the brakes have always sucked. the front rotors warped over and over again i'm forced in buying a bigger kit that will cost me $3,000. the rear end leaks and the dealer says its natural. these two problems have been with me for 6 months after purchase. i will not buy another dodge again. i think the transmission is going now and the steering pump is going too. the truck has 66,000 miles now. it looks nice but hp , brakes and over all performance sucks. if i was in the creative end working for dodge i could improve their vehicles greatly. *jb | |||
| 07/10/2004 | 40687 | 5 | 06/01/2001 |
| I own a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 sle that we purchased new. in the last 6 months, and with only 49000 miles on the truck currently, the following failures have occurred: (1) (from february 2004 to present) the factory-installed external wiring harness (for towing a trailer) melted from the inside out, shorting out the electrical system. (2) brakes would pulsate anytime brakes were applied. dealer attributed this to warping of rotors and replaced pads and turned the rotors. dealer noted a spring on driver-side caliper was missing and replaced it as well. (3) the heater/ac controls failed. (4) went for state inspection and inspector failed truck due to failure of upper ball joints and brakes. the same brakes i just had fixed in february. premature failure of ball joints attributed to typical problem for dakotas/durangos. well if it's typical, why isn't there a recall?? the dealer had no answers. failure was a result of calipers not releasing properly causing the rotors and brake pads to glaze. dealer opted to pick up the tab for the new rotors and the new pads, only at my request. the new calipers and brake lines still cost me $800. again i'm wondering why i'm paying for so much on a truck that is only 3 years old with only 49000 miles. (5) unknown problem at startup when engine is cold. pressing the accelerator causes the engine to sputter. problem exists until engine is warm then goes away. two dodge dealerships and neither can figure out the problem as there is no computer error code coming up. all items mentioned were paid for by me unless otherwise specified. had any of these issues been a result of negligence, or lots of mileage, or had the dodge dealership(s) opted to pay for items that were the obvious result of poor craftsmanship, i wouldn't complain. but, the failures relating to the brakes could quite possibly have resulted in an accident which risks my life and that of my wife, and dodge doesn't seem to care. *ak | |||
| 05/06/2004 | 0 | ||
| Brake rotors warping on 2001 dodge dakota. cause uneven where on brake rotor and eventual replacement less than 10k. | |||
| 04/10/2004 | 15400 | 0 | 06/28/2001 |
| Dodge dakota rotor warps. i have less than 16,000 miles and the car began shaking upon applying brakes. increase stopping distance. took vehicle to dealer and was told my rotors were warped. offered to turn at my expense. no other solutions offered. researched problem and found to be widespread. taking vehicle back to dealer. also liftgate improperly latches unless slammed hard. a/c blower motor went out in winter and was unable to clear windows. | |||
| 08/28/2003 | 38000 | 09/30/2001 | |
| Front disc barkes - rotors warped at 38,000 miles. the vehicle began shaking badly when braking and stopping time was greatly affected due to this condition. the dealer said that the only way to remove the shaking was to turn the rotors at a cost of $170. dealer also indicated that pads only had 45% wear and advisied that this condition would not cause any problems and to just wait until pads are worn enough to warrant a brake job. i replaced pads and rotors immediately as this condition is dangerous and common to this vehicle. i feel a recall of the front rotors is in order. this condition affects stopping time!! | |||
| 04/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| Warped rotors. *ak | |||
| 08/01/2003 | 69000 | 2 | 11/10/2000 |
| Front rotor warping.ak | |||
| 07/24/2003 | 13900 | 1 | 10/21/2000 |
| Warped front rotors at 13,900 miles. rotors replaced $400. rear brakes checked cleaned adjusted $85. chrysler toll free assistance refused any help. said nothing could be done and none else i could speak to. clearly a design/engineering problem with the dakota brakes. *ak | |||
| 07/10/2003 | 1 | 07/12/2001 | |
| Fed up with warped rotors on my 2001 dodge dakota quad cab. i have had my rotors turned twice and they are warped again. my dakota has only 44k miles on it. this is unacceptable and unsafe!*ak | |||
| 07/10/2003 | 23823 | 1 | 04/11/2001 |
| 2001 dodge dakota warped brake rotors @ 22,000 miles & 35,000 miles. *ak | |||
| 05/15/2003 | 29000 | 2 | 06/29/2001 |
| Brake rotors warped and were resurfaced at 15400 miles. during braking the truck bounced and the steering gyrated left and right severely. truck now has 29000 (appx) miles and the rotors have warped again. same vibration and steering wheel gyrations. dangerous to stop quickly. *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| The rotors were replaced because of heavy rust and deterioration.*ak *jb | |||
| 05/29/2002 | 1 | 01/13/2001 | |
| When consumer applied brakes with some force, the front of the truck suddenly veered sharply to the right. when consumer attempted to correct, the truck then veered dangerously in the other direction. the driving conditions were dry pavement and consumer was able to bring the truck under control. the rotors had to be replaced due to rust and deterioration. *tt | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - WHEEL CYLINDERS | |||
| 08/25/2006 | 33400 | 1 | 11/06/2001 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while having the vehicle serviced, the dealer noticed the brake pads and rotors were worn and needed to be replaced. also, upon starting the vehicle, the key would not turn the ignition switch. the dealer determined the switch needed to be replaced. the contact removed the switch and cleaned it with no further problems. updated 11/30/2006 - the check engine light was illuminated constantly. the dealer determined there was a vacuum leak. the wheel cylinder locked up. *nm | |||