Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This is just a run down on repairs I made to my vehicle, but they are problems that should have been taken care of at the factory. First of all, the brake problem still exists. This is the only vehicle that I know of that has to have air in the front caliphers to work. I had to put bearings in both front and rear differential assemblies. The front one came from the factory without a bearing in the left side of the differential assembly.
When attempting to slow/stop to avoid hitting a deer, experienced ABS failure, upon appying, brakes, they grabbed and did not release right away, causing wheels to lock up, skidded and then vehicle rolled over.
While traveling down the road at night, all lighting systems went out with no warning. The headlights, tail lights, and side marker lights went out. Consumer states the tachometer stopped working and the gas mileage dropped from 24.5 mpg to 18 mpg after he fabricated repair parts, the cause of failure was due to a wiring harness plug connector not being sufficiently waterproofed, water, road salts, and minerals collected at the wiring side of the connector and caused three electrical spades in the connector to short out, burning one spade out completely, consumer had not heard back regarding the shipment of the wiring harness, however was told it would only take approximately 7 days.
The entire braking system except for the brake cables had to be replaced in July. Two weeks after the vehicle had been sitting for about four hours, the emergency brake cable caught on fire and burned from the handle down about 12 inches, which made the battery fail. Consuemr called sears, who did the brake job, and they are not taking responsibility for the cable fire. There was brake fluid leaking onto consumers driveway and the vehicle was put back in the shop for replacement of all the brake cables.
Got a new battery for the vehicle and started the vehicle. Noticed the ABS light come on. Took it to dealer, and they indicated that the ABS module and pressure limit valve needed to be replaced. This has happened two times. The other time the ABS light came on, took it to the dealer and was told that the wiring harness was pinched between the speed sensor and frame.
Driver tried to apply brakes, they failed then driver applied emergency brake, skidded into another vehicle hitting windshield due to airbag not deploying causing injury.
The truck has rear ABS brakes. The front brakes lock up and the pedal goes to the floor when applied. Please describe. Tt
During impact driver's side air bag did not deploy and when applying ABS brakes, the brakes locked up.
The ABS circuit board and rear ABS sensor and harness malfunctioned, causing the ABS system to be inoperative, and resulted in extended stopping distance which could result in a crash.
When applying brakes there is squeaking and jerking. Took vehicle to dealer and they stated rotors/ disc, and calipers need replacing. Please provide any further information.
Brake complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Dodge Dakota, 14% of the model year's 208 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Dakota brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Dodge Dakota. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Dakota brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.