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 2002 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was traveling at 25 MPH and approx. 100 feet behind other cars when someone about 10 cars ahead made a hard stop causing everyone behind them to do the same. I heard at least three cars tires screaching to a stop in front of me. When I applied my brakes in my 2002 Dodge Durango with brake pedal pushed down as far as it would go and as hard as I could the truck slowed to about 5 MPH with everything loose in the truck flying foward, but the truck did not stop. For the last 30 feet it just kept going at 5 MPH and I hit the rear of of a 97 Honda accord. The tires never locked up or did I feel any anti-lock pulsation in the brake pedal as I have on other vehicles. I had no control in this accident. If I had not had 4 wheel anti-lock brakes I would have been able to stop. Something is wrong with the braking system on this truck! But the dealer said everything was normal. …
While driving, no matter what speed the vehicle starts to sputter, loses power and will stall. I was low on gas, and took my car to a local gas station for fuel. After putting $10 in my car was running extremely rough. I was doing about 20 MPH, when it just shut off. Brakes got real hard. After re starting the vehicle all seemed normal. Then, I drove about 3 car lengths and it did it again at a red light. I tried pushing the gas to see if that would do anything, it didnt. I drove all in , about 3 miles, and the car stalled 7 times. While in the drive through, it stalled 3 abd at one point jerked so far I thought I was going to hit the car in front of me. Vehicle speed does not matter , as it will slowly lose power and turn off. I was driving locally on a city street. …
The braking system has always had a problem "skipping" even after multiple repairs - replacing brakes, rotors, brake booster, master cylinder, hubs and wheel bearings. If I have to come to a "short stop" the truck skips like it tries to stop, lets go, then tries to stop again. It happens about 3-4 times before it actually comes to a complete stop! I think it is related to the Durango's. I had another model years ago (1999) and the same thing happened. I didn't realize until having the same trouble with the 2002 model it was probably related to the model of the vehicle or maybe Dodge in general. I was actually in 2 very minor accidents due to this. Once in each vehicle. After the last round of repairs all seemed great, but it just never lasts!
I was driving on the freeway at 55 MPH, 6 car lengths behind a vehicle. The vehicle in front of me stopped abruptly (a disable vehicle was in the lane) and when I slammed on the brakes, the vehicle kept rolling as if no brakes were applied. My foot went all the way to the floor. There were no vibrations from the ABS as well as no lowering of the front end, typical from braking. I ended up colliding into the vehicle at about 30 MPH and the air bags did not deploy. I had previously complained several times to my dealer that the brakes were faulty in a panic situation. I complained shortly after purchasing the vehicle and up until a year ago. In all instances, I was advised that there was nothing wrong with my brakes as no code was detected.
During breaking, steering, and turning, I hear a "clacking" sound and there is a feeling of something sticking. When the SUV is parked on my drive way, I release the hand break and I can hear a strong "clack" sound. I had times where the breaking system was difficult to press. I took the SUV to pep boys and their evaluation shows that it needs upper and lower ball joints, front brakes, and shock and struts. Steering: terrible and extremely difficult to turn (super hard to steer). Some parts where changed by pep boys in an "urgent" situation. The steering "bearings" ?(a part that goes from the steering wheel down to the motor) was changed. (I have a copy of the work done).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorbaord. In addition, both rear wheels seized. The contact waited a while and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brakes failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000. Updated 12/06/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving at any speed, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle vibrated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was difficult to stop. The failure recurred. The contact stated that the front brake rotors and brakes were replaced; however, the failure recurred. It was unknown where the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
Returned vehicle to dealer complaining of poor antilock brake performance and excessive pedal travel. Dealer resurfaced front rotors/replaced pads. Vibration from run out is gone but poor antilock performance and excessive pedal travel still exits. Dealer states all is fine. Excessive stopping distance contributed to first accident.
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock with rear ABS only (2-wheel) when the ABS system is activated the vehicle surges forward. It is as if the front brakes will not stop. This has been a problem sense the vehicle was new. When it was mention to the dealer they said that was how the ABS system worked.
Happened twice since dec. 2018 when driving on city streets at speed of aprx. 35-45 and ABS was deployed it immediatly unlocked and jumped forward causing the car to not immediately stop. Came very close to rear ending car in front of me had I been closer.
Brake complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Dodge Durango, 15% of the model year's 423 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Durango brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Dodge Durango, though it has 4 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 2002 Dodge Durango brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 1 fire and 4 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.