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 2002 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had just purchased the car 2 weeks earlier. I was accelerating to merge onto the freeway and the accelerator stuck at 60 MPH. No matter what I did to the pedal, it was stuck at 60 MPH. The brakes would not work either. I was in a runaway car on a busy freeway. I tried to negotiate the traffic for 2 miles then decided I needed to get off the freeway. I started to smash into the freeway off-ramp retaining wall in the effort to slow the truck down which it did to some degree. Then had to barrel through a red light with flashers and horn going and to stop the truck I deliberately rammed it into a wrought iron fence, 2 landscaping boulders and a light post. The airbag also failed. I was rushed by ambulance to the hospital with head trauma and concussion, broken glasses that cut my eyebrow. I have pictures. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While driving various speeds, the front passenger side brakes seized without the brake pedal being depressed. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front passenger side where the brake was located. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the calipers or the brake lines needed to be replaced. The contact independently replaced the brake lines, brake calipers, and brake pads; however, the failure recurred and the contact noticed smoke and fire coming from the front passenger side where the brake was located. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
At just 24000 miles my brakes were replaced because the front end would shimmy when stopping. Upon inspection, the rotors were gouged but there was plenty of wear left on the pads. Because of these faulty/poorly designed brakes I was involved in a mva when my brakes failed to stop me when attempting to slow down when approaching an intersection. I applied the brakes while only going 20mph (in the rain) but my anti-lock brakes locked up. When I first pressed on them there was no effect, when I pushed a little harder they locked. I released them and tried to stop again but they locked again and I slid into the car in front of me as there was no where to turn. My dealership was notified of brake problems prior to this but told me the brakes and rotors only last 25000miles. These brakes didn't work and this isn't the first time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota quadcab. While driving at approximately 10 MPH, the front brakes locked and the vehicle would only accelerate at a very low speed. The contact stated there was an extremely strong burning rubber smell. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnosis and was not repaired. The failure occurred once before and was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The failure and current mileages were 73,000. Updated 11/19/10 the consumer stated the front brakes locked up. Updated 11/23/10. Updated evoq 12/22/10 the consumer stated the brakes locked up again on July 18,2011. The consumer also stated while under the 30 day warranty, the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. Updated 08/31/11 updated 10/20/11,.
My truck only has 60K miles, don't drive a whole bunch, bought it brand new in 2002. 2 times I have had the front passenger wheel and breaks catch on fire due to the brakes/caliper locking up. One incident was only going about 25 MPH, the other incident on highway around 55 MPH. Between towing and replacing brakes, rotors, caliper, brake lines, around $500-$750 each time. I am on here because my brake line from front to back has eroded away near gas tank, same as everyone's I have read and because my passenger wheel has began to give signs that it will be locking up again. Have also had to replace the front drivers side brake line due to the line being cracked where the banjo bolt is. These seem to all be huge issues and very dangerous that need to be addressed. Thank you
Driving my 2002 Dodge Dakota (slt 4x4) in a 55 MPH speed limit. Was traveling at 49 MPH. Applied brakes with abnormally slow response, jerking and vibration, resulting in rear-ending the car ahead. Resulted in $5050 damage to my truck and $4781 in damage to the other vehicle. Have had brakes checked twice by the dealership since accident with explaination that the front brakes are disc and the back are drum and that front disc brakes will apply before the rear, and this is the normal operation of these brakes. This truck continues to have a long stopping distance compared to other trucks I have owned. I am now seeing multiple other braking complaints related to this truck. I am in the process of looking for a different vehicle because this one does not feel safe while stopping.
Continued problems with front brakes. In July 06, rotors had to be replaced with only 35,552 miles on the truck (see odi #10200119). In March 07, the new rotors had to be turned at 44,6295 miles (see od #10200122). In May 07, vibrations in the front end returned and there was a strange rattling noise coming from the front end. Dealer replaced the brakes at 50,230 miles (see odi #10200127). I drove the vehicle about 17 miles (all highway miles). When I stopped, smoke was rolling out of the front left side and there was a strong brake odor. I took it to the dealer the next day. Technician indicated it was sticking calipers. Technician replaced front left caliper. Total cost $121. (note - dealer did not charge me for labor on caliper replacement.)
Bought a 2002 Dodge Dakota brakes aren't strong enough to drive on interstate or in city , went to Dodge darcars dealership in maryland they looked at the truck , said this is fine this is the way Dodge brakes are terribly wrong . Went to repair the emergency brake cables Dodge don't make the parts any more this Dodge don't make the parts anymore is terribly wrong . Dodge , darars are putting consumers life a risk . 2002 4x4 Dodge Dakota should recalled brakes ,brake parts upgraded to strong , safe brakes , Dodge needs to keep making the parts for 2002 Dodge Dakota 4x4 or hire somebody who can . , Dodge darcars visual brake check is the worst idea yet . Brakes need to be felt look at , bleeded .
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the driver side front brake locked up and began smoking. The vehicle pulled over until it cooled off and then it released itself. He was able to continue driving. He changed the front brake pads and rotors himself. The failure continued intermittently. At 50,000 miles, he changed the front brake pads, rotors and calipers. The failure occurred again so he changed the front brake pads, rotors and calipers again. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified. The current mileage was approximately 60,000. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
For a vehicle supposedly with an ABS brake system, this Dakota's wheels lock up at the slightest presence of water. This caused me to slide into the rear of another vehicle during a rainstorm at something less than 20 MPH. I sustained $5,000 damage to my truck, and the airbags did not deploy. This is the only accident I have ever had in over 40 yrs of driving. Testing stopping distances on wet pavement are at best, scary. This thing locks wheels too easily in my opinion, causing uncontrollable skids that I have never experienced in my 1990 Dodge caravan, or any other car I have ever owned.
Brake complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 213 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Dodge Dakota, 31% of the model year's 678 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (68 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Dakota brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Dodge Dakota, though it has 5 recalls for other components. 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 2002 Dodge Dakota brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 12 fires and 1 injury 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.