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 1997 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
3 days after we bought this vehicle the fuel system went down. Replaced the fuel pump and still wants to stall and act like its clogged in the fuel lines. Its been flushed. When driving it bogs down and chugs. It wants to die and shut off while your driving the truck. The brakes only work half the time. Most of the time I can't even stop until I'm halfway through the intersection. Replaced all the sensors and still doesn't want to start and stay running. Fuel pump kicks on, but has to run extra hard to try and keep the engine running.
Took vehicle to Dodge dealer (bryden motors beloit) for inspection of fuel line and brakes (fuel line is not right and rear brake line is leaking affecting braking) fuel line part was ordered nut brakes were not inspected and ignored. I am supposed to return Wednesday afternoon to have ordered fuel line part(s) installed.
Locked vehicle in four wheel drive high, started going through flat pasture, either brakes locked up or front pumkin turned up and locked front wheels up, lost control and rolled onto driver side.
The front brake caliper bolts to the steering knuckle on a 1997 Dodge Dakota, 4wd. Due to the nature of the design, the threads that hold the brake caliper mounting studs can strip out, thereby leaving the caliper to float on the knuckle. Under prolonged use, these studs can back out, letting the caliper fall off, which could lead to a crash. On my particular vehicle, this has happened for the third time now, once on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side. The threads strip out, and the mounting boss section is so small that a larger thread cannot be retapped without danger of breaking the hole out. Auto parts suppliers sell slightly oversize, self tapping studs, but these do not last long. The steering knuckle is a very pricey part (on the order of $600 just for the part) and continuing replacement is cost prohibitive. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle shifts out of gear when the 4 wheel drive feature is activated. The failure began since the time the vehicle was purchased. He called the dealer, but became ill and was unable to return the vehicle for repair before the thirty day warranty expired. The vehicle received a new state inspection in spite of the brake and ball joint issues. The contact stated that the 4 wheel drive feature disengages while driving and the upper and lower ball joints were completely worn, making the vehicle difficult to steer. The wheel hub was replaced and there was no brake lining on the rear axle. The brake cables were replaced as well. The VIN, engine size, and purchase date were unknown. The current mileage is 116,000 and failure mileage was 108,000.
Tl* - the contact' owns 1997 Dodge Dakota. The contact complained that brake warning light turned on. The contact took the vehicle to two different brake repair facilities, and both stated that the brake warning light stayed on due to the sensor, which meant that the ABS were turned off. The sensor was located on the master cylinder. The contact stated that the repair facilities didn't know why the sensor was failing. When they inspected the brakes they couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle. Also, the contact stated that while applying the brakes in wet conditions the vehicle had a difficulty stopping, causing it to slide.
Tl* - the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. While leaving his driveway at 5 MPH in an attempt to engage the brakes, the pedal went to the floor and the vehicle did not stop. The contact used the emergency brake to slow the vehicle down. The contact observed brake fluid on the engine and under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop and the shop mechanic stated the driver side brake line rusted which caused the failure. The repair order stated that all the brake lines were rusty and any one of them could have failed. Updated 2/13/2007 -
Dt*: the contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the brake pedal went three quarters of way to the floor. The vehicle was then driven down the driveway and fluid was on the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where it was determined the brake lines that go to the rear of the vehicle corroded. The vehicle is located in a salt belt state. The mechanic installed new piping.
When applying the brake at 30 MPH brake pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to pump the brakes and coast the vehicle off the road. Vehicle was towed to a repairs shop, and mechanic determined that the main brake line, which leads to the rear brakes, rusted, and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified.
ABS; first accident occurred while driving between 5-10 MPH applied brakes and hit person in front car. Second time, vehicle impacted at 12:00 position, speed 15mph, applied brakes , experienced extended stopping distance, resulting in loss of control/crash.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5l engines. Some vehicles May have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles May have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent…
Brake complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 16% of the model year's 446 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Dakota brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-193 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 17, 2000); NHTSA recall 00V-198 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Dakota brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries 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.