Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 6 | 14% | 28,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% | 93,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% | 43,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% | 31,000 miles |
| 2006 | 24 | 8% | 52,000 miles |
| 2005 | 83 | 18% | 14,000 miles |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% | 13,000 miles |
| 2003 | 51 | 17% | 15,000 miles |
| 2002 | 213 | 31% | 32,000 miles |
| 2001 | 130 | 19% | 29,000 miles |
| 2000 | 263 | 33% | 30,000 miles |
| 1999 | 95 | 15% | 63,000 miles |
| 1998 | 80 | 15% | 88,000 miles |
| 1997 | 73 | 16% | 86,000 miles |
| 1996 | 28 | 15% | 235,000 miles |
| 1995 | 29 | 14% | 90,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Case nunber:[redacted]. I contacted you 12/04/15 concerning brakes on this truck and I also told you that every time I would try an discuss this issue with efird Chrysler florence, sc they would tell me the brakes are antilock system and it was normal for them to make noise when applied for emergency stopping. I took this truck back 12-10-15 and told them about the near accident my wife and I had on 12-01-15 making an emergency stop. This truck (traveled 15ft.) after applying the brakes before it started braking to stop this vehicle and we were 3ft. Away from making contact with another vehicle. Now to me this is serious and we are afraid of this vehicle in emergency stops. It has had poor stopping before but never like this. I contacted Chrysler several times about the problem with the brakes but, contacting Chrysler you can get into a lot of conversation but not much action. …
Case number: [redacted] /this truck has never stopped safely since I purchased it new (02-07-2011/ mileage now 28455). When you have to make an emergency stop it might or might not bring it to a stop. Last week my wife and I tried to avoid a collision when a car made a quick turn in front of us and then this car had to make a quick stop. When we applied the brakes it made a very rough sound under front end...(as usual...but traveled 15 ft. Before it applied the brakes... And we were only 3ft. Away from a serious accident). I have discussed this brake problem on many occasions when I would take it in for service with the people who check me in but,...they always tell me the brakes are bunny hopping and this is normal for the new trucks and there is nothing wrong with them...(but never check them out to make sure). …
Ref mfr recall 870- NHTSA recall 00v-193. Brake line leaking from rubbing against power steering hose. Contacted local dealer (m&l Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, lexington nc) was told they had the brake line but not part #cbed6701 and could not repair under recall but could sell me a brake line, referred me to customer service @ [phone]. They took information and said they had to check with dealer. I have heard nothing after 10 days from dealer or customer service. Meanwhile I have to add brake fluid to keep from losing my brakes when they have the brake line to fix the problem but say I will have to pay for it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Dakota. While driving 20 MPH, the brakes were dragging and caused the vehicle to bounce. The contact stated that the calipers were sticking. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 02/05/16 updated 05/02/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while reversing, the the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The brake light illuminated and remained on. The contact noticed smoke emitting from underneath the hood. The contact opened the hood and noticed that the smoke was from the side of the engine. In addition, brake fluid squirting from the brake line. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any help. The contact was told that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 56,700.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. While driving between 10-15 MPH, the contact merged into traffic and made a left turn. The preceding vehicle stopped unexpectedly and the contact rear ended the vehicle. He attempted to depress the brake pedal, but the accelerator pedal was depressed instead due to the close positioning of the pedals on the floor panel. The unintended acceleration resulted in a crash. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The front bumper of his vehicle was damaged. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, but they found no failures with the manufactured components. The failure recurred on a separate occasion. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 31,000 and current mileage was 32,000. The consumer stated the brake and accelerator pedals were designed too close together. …
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. …
Related recalls (5)
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.
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks (2 wheel drive only). The front brake hoses or anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensor wire May be abraded at the front wheels by contact with a front wheelhouse splash shield.
Remedy: Dealers will trim the front wheelhouse splash shields and the brake hoses and ABS sensor wires will be inspected. If evidence of abrasion is found on any hose or ABS wire, they will be replaced.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
The power brake booster vacuum hose could be improperly installed and not clamped to the brake booster vacuum nipple.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to insure that the brake booster vacuum hose connection is fully seated and clamped to the vacuum check valve nipple at the brake booster.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Dakota years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (263), 2002 (213), 2001 (130), 1999 (95) and 2005 (83) model years. Brake complaints make up 33% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Dodge Dakota brake problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 06V-038 (control unit/module, Feb 9, 2006); 00V-193 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 17, 2000); 00V-198 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Dakota brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › disc › rotor (339 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (196).
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.