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 1999 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Steel Brake lines burst. The Steel lines are all rusted and corroded. Even the factory replacement pieces corroded again. This happened 2 times and even when I replaced them with original factory pieces ,it happened again .this can't be a coincidence.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 40 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the vehicle did not stop when the brake pedal was depressed and he crashed into a vehicle. The vehicle would not stop even after the contact repeatedly applied pressure to the brakes. He stated that if the braking unit was functioning normally he would have had ample time to avoid a crash. After close inspection of the vehicle, he noticed that the brake assembly pin that connects the master cylinder to the braking unit had severe corrosion on the inside, which caused it to fracture. The vehicle failed and was completely destroyed. The manufacturer sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle and it was discovered that there was no recall for that component; therefore, they could not assume any financial responsibility. The contact has pictures of the failed component. …
4 times in the last two weeks while driving in heavy city traffic in the los angeles, ca area the engine turned off, without warning, warning lights, or warning sounds. All guages went to zero. There was no abnormal function of the vehicle before each incident. Power assist to steering and brakes were also lost. Each time it was in dry, sunny weather with the temperature between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. Each time I was able to coast to a curb or physically push the vehicle out of traffic. Each time, except one, the engine would not start immediately afterward. The engine would turn over briskly but would not start. After 4 to 6 attempts the car would start normally and then run normally as if nothing had ever happened. Each time the gasoline tank was at least one quarter full. …
Just bought this vehicle, the ABS and brake light is on, contacted seller and he stated it was not on when he sold it to me. I took to auto zone for them to run the needed scan on it. It showed rear wheel sensor. So, I took it to my mechanic. He then ran 3 different code scans on it and it came up with nothing. So, unfortunately he can't fix it without a code. Unless I want to thro more money into it just to start replace ikng things that maybe May not be the problem. Now the check engine light is on. Upon reading others with the same problem, I feel there is a faulty something in there that needs to be figured out and recalled. I pray to god, my brakes dont go out while I am driving with my kids in the vehicle. I am a single parent and cannot afford to just go out and buy another vehicle. Figure out the problem and get it recalled and fixed, please!
I was driving on a local city streetwhen the driver in front of me braked hard because the car in front of him decided to turn into a driveway immediately following an intersection. I of course braked hard and the brake pedal in my 1999 Dodge Durango broke and went all the way to the floor, as it turns out there is a pin that goes through the brake pedal arm and the head of it (the part that actually applies the the brakes) broke off. I hit the people in front of me damaging their trunk and the front of my Durango. There was not extensive damage to either vehicle, although it did puncture my radiator and all of the coolant ran out. So at this point the vehicle can not be driven. Still have the broken pin and it's obvious that there was a flaw in it where it broke.
Dt: consumer was driving at 25 MPH, when she was getting ready to go under an overpass, she applied the brakes for a red light and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. Consumer was applying the brakes suddenly and hard for a quick stop. However, the ABS brakes did not activate. There were no skid marks on the road. Consumer hit another vehicle on the side because the vehicle would not stop. Consumer stated that when she first purchased the vehicle there was noise under the hood and the dealer told her the ABS brakes were trying to test themselves. After the accident consumer could hear a grinding noise under hood when vehicle was started. The noise was on the driver's side and only lasted for a couple seconds.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle veered to the left and the power assist pulled to the right. The contact heard a loud noise and smoke appeared under the hood. In addition, the vehicle was not running properly and the brakes overheated with a burning odor. The contact observed severe tire wear. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the vehicle was repaired. On over 20 separate occasions, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for the same issues; however, the failures still persist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 20,000 and current mileage was 122,000.
ABS & brake lights illuminated and speedometer works sporadically - I just purchased my vehicle but was told by previous owner that the ABS & brake lights have been on for some time and a continuous problem. Both the ABS & brake lights are illuminated and the speedometer works sporadically. After searching the internet for repair options, I have found that several thousand people have the same issue. I am told it is one of two issues: wheel and/or transmission sensors and/or ABS control module. I feel this should be a recall by daimler Chrysler as there are way too many complaints & issues with the same thing.
ABS parking brake light on. No code comes through scanner. Transmission drags and shifts improperly throughout. During slippery snow conditions not able to brake with ABS is very dangerous for my family and others on the road. There are many reviews regarding this issue with the Dodge Durango and this should be a very important matter due to all the Dodge durangoso on the road. I have been to a couple mechanics that don't exactly know what the actual problem is and that is not OK. Safety first!
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH in the rain, the ABS light on the dash illuminated intermittently, and the vehicle swerved from side to side. The vehicle ultimately collided with a concrete barrier in the center of the highway, and struck one person, who suffered two broken legs. A police report was taken at the scene of the crash. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard, and declared a total loss.
Brake complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 173 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Dodge Durango, 9% of the model year's 1,967 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (68 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Durango brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 Dodge Durango, though it has 3 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 1999 Dodge Durango brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 31 crashes, 2 fires and 115 injuries and 99 deaths 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.