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 1998 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Durango. While the vehicle was idling, the engine suddenly shut off. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injection lines were faulty. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued to occur. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the ceiling light inside the vehicle would erroneously turn on. In addition, when depressing the brake pedal, a banging noise was present coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Brakes failed at 50mph. Slammed into the back of semi truck at 40mph and totaled vechile. The seatbelt restrant and airbag system failed to engage. I slammed into the steering wheel to break 2 ribs and crack my sternum. If the airbags would have went off I wouldnt be having back and neck problems either. I wish Dodge would help us instead of hurting us.
Consumer's vehicle was involved in an collision while going about 55-60 MPH and a van crossed in front, causing consumer's vehicle to rear-end the other vehicle. ABS brakes failed. Consumer pushed the brakes down to the floor, but vehicle still did not stop. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy.
ABS failure, vehicle had 500 miles. Car slammed on brakes in front of me. I slammed on brakes. Front brakes locked, rear brakes did not work at all. The dealership and mechanincs can not find failure. Dealership claims there is nothing wrong with the brakes.
Upon traveling on dry or wet pavement and when making any stop consumer had difficulty in stopping. Brake faded away, resulting in extended stopping distance. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.
Rear ABS failure when a dear ran out in front of me. Front brakes locked up, rear of SUV passed the front. Dear was hit with the left front and left side as the vehicle skidded out of control. 1 death if you count the dear
I bought this car used in the last week of November '08. I had my brakes done by an individual maybe two weeks later. A couple of day later driving home from work I started hearing a real loud iron grinding noise. The next day I had the car towed to aamco, who told me my caliper pins had came out, and I would need a new steering knuckle and a set of caliper pins.the truck was fixed costing me $525 (noting: mechanic used a used steering knuckle.) now 2 months after those repairs I need a wheel spindle, and caliper bolts because the threading have stripped away and something totally unrelated a neutral safety switch. Costing me $580. …
Nyle maxwell Dodge supercenter in austin texas was paid to fix my sensor light for the antilock brake system which comes on continuously and stays on 100 percent of the time. I was told that they needed to replace a sensor which would cost just over $1100, and was required to sign off on a form so they could begin the work. After they had my Dodge Durango a couple of days, February 27, 2013, I got a phone call from service to say they could not completely fix the problem and that the light still comes on "intermittently". Their explanation was confusing. So I believe that I understand from this, if the warning light is on that the ABS brake will not be working at all. After this, I was given an option of paying another $350 for a separate part, perhaps "module" and the service man felt it would be the solution. …
I won a 1998 Dodge Durango 4x4. I recently had to replace the brakes on my Durango. I had one of the pads on the passenger side break loose from the shoe. I had to replace the rotors as well. Costing me $435. The mechanic doing the work wanted to know if I had replaced the rear brakes recently. I informed him that I had not. The front and rear were replace at the same time maybe a year earlier. He said there was next to no wear on my rear brakes. Sincfe having my brakes replaced there is this awful grinding sound in the front of the vehicle. I took it back to the mechaninc and he said all 4 ball joints, upper and lower, needed to be replaced at a cost of $1400. Parts and labor. I know Dodge recalled the 2000-2003, but this is rediculous. I have not read alot of complaints about the 2000-2003, I've read more about the 98-99. …
I took vehicle to my mechanic, complaint regarding left front brake. Already had new brakes, rotors replaced one year ago. Mechanic found that the ball joints need replaced. Vehicle has 59,000 miles on it, and has already had ball joints replaced, during a TSB repair bulletin, several years ago, on my 1998 Dodge Durango, 4x4. Mechanic says that spindles need replaced, along with ball joints. Premature failure, vehicle should drive for 100,000 miles before a failure such as this on the ball joints. Currently waiting on parts from dealer, to replace worn parts, had extended warranty, but already ran out in May 2005. Am also having bushings replaced, due to extreme temps in phoenix area. Will cost over $3000.00 to do the repairs, which should either be recalled by dc, or covered under warranty. Will also call and complain to dealer.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The rear brake tube can contact an underbody crossmember eventually wearing a hole in the tube.
Remedy: Dealers will install a rubber isolator on all vehicles that do not indicate tube contact. Vehicles that show contact and have less than 45,000 miles and no signs of red rust will have the rubber isolator installed with…
Brake complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 94 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 10% of the model year's 965 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (37 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Durango brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-341 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Dec 2, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Durango brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 1 fire and 2 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.