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 2005 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated, pulled to the right, with a burning odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the caliper had failed. The calipers had been replaced six times; however, the failure persisted and became more frequent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
I am the original owner of a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4x4 4 door mid sized pick up. It has 89,000 miles on it. I experienced braking problems on 9/10/16 and brought it to the shops for complete break inspection where repairs were done. On 1/25/17 I took it to a Dodge dealer for an airbag sensor recall where the truck was looked at by Dodge mechanics. On 1/30/17 while driving, my truck lost all braking ability. The pedal when to the floor, despite rapidly pumping the breaks, I rear ended the car in front of me. Fortunately no one was hurt but this could have been a catastrophe had it happened in another location. The truck was towed to my local station where an inspection revealed the break lines had rotted out causing a catastrophic brake failure. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while reversing into the driveway when the contact attempting to apply the brakes when the brake pedal floored failing to stop the vehicle. The contact applied the emergency brakes and looked under the hood of the vehicle where they noticed a burning odor. The contact shortly noticed that the vehicle had a fire near the engine of the vehicle. The contact stated they had their wife contact the fire department. The fire department put out fire. There were no injuries and no medical assistance needed. Vehicle towed. The contact contacted the manufacturer to inform them that the fire report reported that the vehicle's master cylinder brake fluid leak caused fire. The vehicle deemed totaled. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000.
The entire front brakes {rotors, caliper, pads} required replacement at 33K miles, in addition several hard brake lines were severely rusted and needed replacement. This is totally unacceptable on a truck!
On October 5, 2016 at approximately 12:45 p.m., l engaged the cruise control at a speed of 55 miles per hour. When I pressed on the brake pedal the truck accelerated to a speed of 60 miles and higher. I tested the cruise control system twice more and it did the same thing. The vehicle never slowed down. This is a safety hazard. I was on dam neck road where the speed limit is 55 miles per hour. This is a city street. After this occurred my engine light came on, which clearly indicates a mechanical problem. I think there May be other vehicles that could have this same malfunction and cause a serious accident or death.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to safely pull off the road. Due to brake failure, she crashed backwards into another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer sent out an investigator to inspect the vehicle, but the results were inconclusive. The contact has pictures of the damaged vehicle and a copy of the police report. The failure and current mileages were 22,000.
Brake and ABS warning lights started coming on... The brake warning light should only come on when there is a problem with the braking system or if the parking brake is applied. A brake warning light when these conditions are not met is a false warning and a recall must be issued ! This occurs when the truck is in motion and will clear upon restart. A false brake warning light is worse than no light at all since if a real brake system failure does occur the drive would be unaware. This problem is widespread on most Dodge trucks.
My brakes locked up completely and my truck slid like it was on ice for 200ft before colliding with the car stopped at the intersection ahead. I have had numerous problems with the braking system and now it has caused an accident which the california law considers me at fault because I rear ended the car ahead of me. I think Chrysler is at fault because their anti lock breaks did not stop the brakes from locking at all now my truck is totaled and another persons car is damaged.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal failed when depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that all four brake lines were leaking and corroded. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. Updated 04/04/16 updated 05/11/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving 45 MPH, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was engaged to stop the vehicle at a stop sign. The contact was able to coast the vehicle onto a curb to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Brake complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2005 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 83 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Dodge Dakota, 18% of the model year's 470 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Dakota brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2005 Dodge Dakota, though it has 6 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 2005 Dodge Dakota brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 14,000 miles, and 61% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 2 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.