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 2006 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was going to work and the transmission started slipping when I had cruise control on, and then when I got to a stop light my truck started revving and wouldn't move. When i put it in neutral it wouldn't roll either. It just kept on revving and screeching. So i out back into drive and it jerks. Also my trucks rear end locked up and wouldn't roll in neutral while the truck is on. You have to keep the truck off and then put it into neutral to roll it.
ABS light wont even flash or give warning and truck slid a bit. No accidents to report, yet. This has happened multiple times after braking when the needle dips below 20 miles per hour. Thats why I give plenty of space between cars when approaching a light just in case the truck slides. I have complained but Dodge keeps telling me my VIN number has no recall for my ABS ECU. There is a recall for ABS ECU but not on my VIN number but I am having the same issue for the ABS recall. So they will not replace it. You can feel the brakes lock up when it does it. Im also having a probem with my ignition swith. At times it will do a no start. That is also on the recall list but I was told again my VIN number wasn't on the list but I have these same problem for the recall. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota truck. While driving in normal weather conditions, she depressed the brake pedal and the brakes failed. She heard a fizzing noise and the vehicle began to spin out of control until the vehicle crashed and went beyond a small steel fence. The air bags did not deploy. Someone nearby noticed an unknown fluid leaking from the vehicle and she was advised to get out of the vehicle. She was able to climb out of her driver's side window and the vehicle caught on fire. A police/fire report was filed and the fire was extinguished. The vehicle was destroyed. She was not aware if there was a recall for the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were under 79,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the driver side brakes were exhibiting a loud noise and smoke was seen coming out of the wheel well. The contact also mentioned that she had to replaced the calipers several time. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated to the contact that the calipers were defective. As a result, the calipers, rotors, brake pads and the entire brake line would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000 and the current mileage was 146,000.
While emergency braking going down st.hwy the ABS system activated and the petal went to the floor losing braking and I then pushed on parking brake to slow down and moved to shoulder. I then found that brake fluid was leaking around line by the master cylinder @ fire wall. Fluid continued to leak and was able to get to service that will start repairs on 11/23 and to determine possible cause
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While driving 20 MPH the brakes failed which caused the contact to crash into a fence. Shortly after exiting the vehicle it caught fire. Dodge stated that the her VIN was not a part of the brake recall. The current and failure mileages were 79000.
I was involved in a crash where I was traveling at 45 MPH and pushed my brake pedal to stop as I was approaching an intersection. The driver's side front brake locked up and there was approximately a 50-60 ft skid mark only from that wheel reducing the speed from 45 MPH to approximately 35 MPH during the skid while the other 3 wheels failed to brake. The failure of the anti lock braking system, which was an uneven distribution of braking pressure, caused my truck to fail to stop in time. The distance was well within normal braking distance for the speed. And until now, I had never had a similar problem. The brakes, caliper, and rotors had been replaced in September of this 2012 with new parts. They had been installed correctly and I have documentation to prove that. During the crash, the airbags failed to deploy. The accident was one where my Dodge Dakota rear ended another vehicle. …
Shortly after leaving an interstate highway in maine, shaking of rear wheel was noticed and 2006 Dodge Dakota was pulled over. Two wheel studs were broken, nuts missing. All remaining wheel nuts on all wheels were checked and were all loose. Upon tightening a third nut on the same rear tire, it broke off. When the rear drum was later removed for repair, it was noticed that there were three cracks on the brake drum lining. Alloy wheel rim was damaged. Repairs needed to be performed without dealer assistance due to remote location. Original dealer was notified , but has yet to check vehicle. Another dealer was contacted and will perform a safety check. Web searches indicate that deaths have resulted from this type of failure at highway speeds.
10-23-12. My technician almost had an accident because of his vehicles brakes(ABS control module). My tech noticed the stopping light and applied the brake pedal to slow his vehicle. The vehicle did not slow. The tech noticed that the clock went off for a second and came back on. He still didn't have any brakes. Right before he came into the intersection the brakes locked up and he came to a complete stop. He took his foot off the brakes and it was still locked up. He stepped on the gas pedal and the brakes released and he parked in parking lot. I had him get the vehicle towed to a local auto shop chain and they called me later that night and told me that they almost got thrown out of the window because the brakes locked up on him.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While driving 10 MPH and greater, the vehicle vibrated intermittently when the brakes were applied. The vibration is more frequent at lower speeds. The dealer stated that the rotors were failing intermittently as well. The failure began immediately after the vehicle was purchased. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 06V038000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). There were no warning indicator lights present at the time of the failure. The failure mileage was 550 and current mileage was 20,192. Updated 12/12/07
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), the ABS electronic control unit (ECU) May cause a loss of front to rear brake balance, and the rear brakes could lock up prematurely during certain braking conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS ECU. The recall is expected to begin during the week of July 17, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Brake complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Dodge Dakota, 8% of the model year's 285 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Dakota brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-038 (control unit/module, Feb 9, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Dakota brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 3 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.