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 2000 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was slow to stop. While depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 164,731.
Approximately 20 occurrences of anti-lock brake failure in hard braking situations, resulting in one accident in 2002. As the brakes are applied, they will cut out and a humming noise can be heard from the motor/front of the vehicle. Sometimes the braking will kick back on after a moment or two, other times the brake pedal must be released and reapplied in order to achieve normal braking. On the May 2, 2003 incident, I was attempting to stop at a red light, traveling 25 MPH, clear and sunny day, 52 degrees. The light changed quickly and I began braking. As I depressed the brake harder, the brakes seemed to give out and I heard the humming noise. The Durango slowed to about 2-5 MPH but maintained that speed, even with the brake pedal fully depressed. As I was about to roll into the intersection, I released the brakes and quickly reapplied them. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began driving roughly and smoke appeared under the hood. The brakes stiffened when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact eased off the brakes, but they failed completely. More smoke appeared under the hood. The contact attempted to pull the vehicle over, but lost control. She heard two snapping noises under the hood. She applied the emergency brake, which stopped the vehicle. The passenger opened the hood and noticed flames in the engine. They called the fire department and a report was filed. The engine fire spread to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A few minutes later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no injuries. Prior to the fire, repairs had been made to the engine because it would stall and overheat. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 5 MPH, another vehicle going approximately 55 MPH crashed into the front passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the left hand, hip, and rib. The contact and her child who was in the rear middle seat were transported to the hospital via ambulance. The contact's child sustained bruises to the shoulder from the child seat straps. The vehicle was driven away from the scene and was not taken to a repair shop. Prior to the crash while driving approximately 10 MPH ,the contact depressed the brake pedal but the brakes would not respond and the vehicle suddenly slid and crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics however, the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. While driving at an unknown speed, the tensioner hanged from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the tensioner was rusted and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. The VIN was not available.
When requiring to stop quickly, front brakes lock up, and vehicle skids, rear anti-locks work but dont keep vehicle from skidding. Clicking noise from under dash when this happens. Have had several accidents due to this problem. Even at 35 MPH on dry street they still lock up. Dealer wouldnt talk to me, refered me to Dodge complaints, they tested the brake system and read that the computer showed no failure in braking system.
Driving the Durango down our hill. Brakes were lost. Immediately after accident I check brake fluid, it was full. Then check brake pedal, it did go to floor with no effect by pumping the brakes. Durango totaled as was the other car that hit my wife and kids. No serious injury occurred. Complete brake job 8 months before. Have had brakes problems before, never able to isolated the problem.
Multiple times the truck has just died. Driving down the road no warning. The vehicle runs just fine and starts right back up. Yesterday this happened on the highway and almost caused a major accident. When it dies you loose all power steering and power brakes. It is dangerous and ive found numerous complaints online from Durango owners with the same problem.
When brake pedal was depressed while driving at 30 MPH, ABS brakes locked up, brakes failed to stop vehicle, resulting in extended stopping distance, and a rear end collision the brake skid mark was 20 feet long. Consumer felt that this failure was the same defect as stated in recall 99V341000 concerning rear brake tube.
When we tried to avoid an accident by braking, our anti-lock brakes locked and we were unable to steer. Also, upon impact at approximately 40-45 MPH, our air bags did not deploy even though the front end of our Dodge Durango (2000) was completely destroyed.
Brake complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 83 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Dodge Durango, 8% of the model year's 1,075 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Durango brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Dodge Durango, though it has 2 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 2000 Dodge Durango brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 23 crashes, 1 fire and 13 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.