Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. While the contact was driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes were engaged and the vehicle began to travel into a different lane without assistance. The failure occurred four different times. The vehicle was taken to a an independent mechanic where the front calipers and brake pads were replaced. Also, the front rotors were resurfaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions for the identical failure and the same repairs were performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the third time for the identical failure occurrence. The contact was waiting on a response from the technician regarding the extent of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
2001 Dodge Dakota brakes complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 130, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Front brakes lock up or drag on 2001 dodge dakota. Extensive research in the internet reveals numerous identical problems 2000-2005 dodge dakota and durango. Problem baffles all. No reliable fix found. Brakes drag and overheat, smoke, burst into flames, may cause severe damage to vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal rattling from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnosis of the failure. The failure persisted and progressively became worse within one year. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the mechanic advised the caliber brackets were stripped. The mechanic re-drilled the caliber and bracket and installed a large bolt with a lock nut on both sides of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. While depressing the brake pedal, he could feel the brake dragging from the front left wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they could not duplicate the failure. The dealer advised him that the front brakes were new and that there should not be any malfunctions. The vehicle was released to the owner, however the failure persisted. There were no recalls for the failure and there were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 61,615 and the current was 62,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a pulling sensation and an odor was present when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact immediately pulled to the side of the road and observed that the wheels were excessively hot. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on two separate occasions. The technician stated that the failure was related to the calipers locking up, which damaged the rotors. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 59,776 and current mileage was 59,876.
I purchased the vehicle used with 39k miles I had it for a month and noticed vibrations when braking from 50 - 40 MPH. I figured the brake rotors were warped. After about a year of this I took the rotors off and into a parts store to have them checked, they were warped and too thin to turn (lathe). I bought new rotors and pads, cleaned and greased the caliper slide pins and reassembled the brakes. After this the braking vibration went away. Recently I was driving in heavy traffic and once I got to my exit I noticed smoke from the left front of the vehicle, also the brake pedal felt hard. I pulled over to find that the front brakes were smoking. I jacked up the front of the vehicle (wheels off the ground) and found that neither wheel/tire could be turned by hand. After the vehicle sat for approximately 5 hours to cool down the wheels could then be turned. Took vehicle to repair shop that confirmed the brake pad wear indicated that for the most part the pistons and slides seemed to be operating properly. I am an a.s.e. Certified master mechanic and have never seen brakes overheat like this and cause caliper lock up. Happen. I believe there is something inherently wrong with these vehicles.
Knowing the dakota's have brake issues, I replaced the front rotors with aftermarket slotted rotors in hopes that the rotor would stay cool & not warp. However even after adding new rotors I have had on three separate occasions one or the other front rotors have locked up. After the first incident I completely drained & replaced all the brake fluid w/synthetic brake fluid. I had no problems for about 2 months before they locked up again. This time I replaced both calipers, it's only been a month everything is working for now. Dodge should recall! Either there brake booster or calipers are flawed because the brake caliper tend to stick causing overheating, wrong to the point where the pads are so hot your engulfing other vehicles in smoke!
Clock spring - no horn - no drivers side airbag have replaced 2 sets of front brake calipers and lines on this truck due to front brakes locking up while driving. Nearly causing accidents.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 35 MPH with his foot on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to slow down and hesitate. The contact stopped the vehicle to allow the front disc brakes to cool off since they were dragging. The brake lines and calipers were replaced at 50,000 miles. The current mileage is 64000 and the failure mileage was 30000. The contact will add the VIN, engine size and purchase date.
I have a 2001 dakota quad cab 4x4 purchased new and the inside of the front rotors wear out extremely fast. They become damaged on the inside of the rotor appearing extremely rusted and as if maybe they overheated on the inside. 64,000 and this has happened 2 times. Dealers deny this is common , my brother has a 2002 (purchased new) and has had the same problem. Ball joints failed on both trucks , steering rack and rear differential leaks on both .
2001 dodge dakota applied brake and vehicle pulled sharply to the left**cw** the consumer stated when the brakes were applied, pressure was being placed on the lugs/slide bars. The consumer also stated that it was also quite possible the brakes could be delayed from engaging because the backing plates are not able to ride up and over the wear spot.*jb the consumer stated would like a full investigation performed on the vehicle. Updated 07/23/07
Dt*: the contact stated while having the vehicle serviced, the dealer noticed the brake pads and rotors were worn and needed to be replaced. Also, upon starting the vehicle, the key would not turn the ignition switch. The dealer determined the switch needed to be replaced. The contact removed the switch and cleaned it with no further problems. Updated 11/30/2006 - the check engine light was illuminated constantly. The dealer determined there was a vacuum leak. The wheel cylinder locked up.
Front rotors become hot and warped. It was under warranty and rotors were rotated and put back on. Received the vehicle back and it still felt like rotors were still warped... A lot of shaking in the steering wheel and brake pedal.
At 32,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Corrected by 'turning' rotors (resurfacing). At 58,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Corrected by 'turning' rotors. At 70,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Corrected by replacing rotors. At 90,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Corrected by 'turning' rotors. At 100,200 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Dealer suggests replacing rotors. This seems to be a recurring problem. The same thing occurred on my 1997 dakota. The dealer told me then that the rotors warp when they are hot(from use) and then get wet. (so I guess I shouldn't use the brakes in wet/rainy conditions) the warped rotors are caused by a design flaw, either the brake system is not 'sized' properly (ie insufficient stopping power causing excessive heat build-up) or the rotors are inferior(metal grade). I believe most owners do not complain about this problem because the dodge dealers convince them that this is routine maintenance. The truck is great otherwise.
I have taken my vehicle several repair places (brake specialists) including 2 dealerships (multiple times). They tell me my rotors are warped, or that they can find nothing wrong!!! Starting at around 20,000 miles I started getting hard vibrations in the front end, replaced rotors and pads, fixed problem. Then, 5,000 miles later it started again, had rotors turned and replaced pads, fixed problem. 5,000 miles later it happens again, I decide to deal with it for a little while. 2,000 miles of driving with warped rotors, and right front caliper locks up, nearly causing a fire!!. Replaced both calipers, rotors and pads, problem fixed again. Problem recurs roughly every 5,000 miles. I drive very carefully to ensure that I am not causing any undue stress on the brake components. The expense of repairing the brakes every 5,000 miles is roughly $200 to $400 dollars depending on what I find upon inspection. I am an industrial mechanic so I do this work myself. I purchased copies of daimler chrysler master tech videos to makes sure that I am not missing something. I have purchased several manuals for my vehicle , some from dodge and some aftermarket in my search for a more permanent solution to this problem. This problem is very dangerous, to me and to others around me when driving. I am currently at 90,000 miles and have decided that this problem needs to be addressed by someone... I hope you can help.
Front brake rotors have been replaced 3 times on my vehicle with mopar parts. I have owned the vehicle for 2 years and have put 40,000 miles on it. The rotors are only lasting in the area of 10 - 15000 miles. I spoke with my local mechanic and he has told me this is a known issue with the dodge dakota and I better get use to replacing them or get use to driving with warped rotors.
Traffic was moving in front of grace covenant church, there was an officer directing traffic. My husband put on the brakes at the moment he realized traffic was not moving any longer. The brakes locked up. When you look at the tire marks on the road, it is apparent the right side tire locked first (the tire mark is much longer) then the left side tire locked (tire mark on road much shorter). He was unable to stop the vehicle before it struck the vehicle in front. The airbag did not deploy in this accident. The concern is that this truck is believed to have ABS which means it was malfunctioning since the tires locked up. The concern is this may have contributed to the accident in that he was not able to get the vehicle stopped in time. It was a hard impact which it appears will cause the vehicle to be totaled.
Had a sudden stop in 100 degree weather, when pulled off, the truck felt as if it were pulling a load and a strong burning rubber smell was coming from the front end. Ended up having it towed to the dealership where it was found that the front calipers had seized up. Dealership was not certain as to what caused the problem. Truck only has 52,000 miles on it. Ended up putting all new braking system on the front end. A year ago had the same problem, brought into the dealership and they told me it was a sensor that controlled the ABS. Can't figure that one out, only have ABS on the rearend, not on the front. It is a scary thing when you are on the highway and you have that burning smell and smoke is bellowing from the front wheels. Dealership claims no fire would've occurred. Tained.
At any speed during braking, hard or soft, there seems to be a wash board effect. Truck seems to buck. From reading other reports, it seems to be a manufacturer defect that is being ignored by the manufacturer. I purchased the truck with 62000 miles and at the time, there was smooth braking. Now at 73000 I have the above described problem. I will not take it to a dealer, rather I will take it to a reputable brake shop to have the problem fixed.
Front brakes rubbing on rotors causing brake pads to smoke. This caused the warping of the brake rotors. Replaced brake pads and rotors. This fixed the problem for about 1 (one) month. This time after smelling the brakes and seeing smoke, I tried to pull off the road but the truck would barely move. This is not the first problems with the brakes. I had found the front left caliper mounting bolt had become loose and stripped the bolt hole. I heli-coiled the hole and loctited the bolt in place.
I ben having a problem with a number of front suspension and especially front brake problems which began about four months after purchase of the vehicle. The dealership absolutely refuses to investigate my problems. I nearly lost control of my vehicle at high speed on two different occasions. If there had been heavy traffic it would have resulted in a crash. I am about o replace my third set of front brake pads as they are unevenly wearing on the rotors. I have vibration in the front end constantly, and at 30 MPH and above heavy sound of "clunking."
Consumer states: that ABS light, engine light, and brake lights came on at the same time. The clutch packed in the rear differential is half inch long , and its job is to hold the clutches and lemon slipped differential, and it failed. It came out and shredded speed sensor in rear differential.
When braking any speed, the rear driver side tire locked up. This caused the consumer to rear end a vehicle. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determine. Please provide more information. *nm the first incident the consumer pulled into the driveway and hit own vehicle.
I have a 2001 dodge dakota with a bad brake system. I feel the braking system is inadequate for the weight of a dakota. I'm the second owner purchased at 29,000 miles. The first owner had the front rotors replaced under warrenty. I now have 70,000 miles and had 4 front brake jobs. 1st time turned rotors replaced pads,that lasted about 10,000 miles. 2nd time replaced rotors with factory ones,again lasted about 10,000 miles,3rd time replaced rotors with aftermarket vented ,to help cooling, again lasted around 10,000 miles,4th time was today I turned the rotors. I have talked to the dealer an they give me the run a round saying driver habbit.
My 2001 dodge dakota is now experiencing its third occurance of warped rotors. The truck only has 37,000 miles on it. The problem reappears about every 12,000 miles. He dealer says there is no defect with the rotors. I don't believe them.*ak after looking at the dakota web site, I find there are many other owners that have experienced the same problem on almost the same recurring time schedule. The pulsating caused by the warped rotor could affect the ABS system during hard braking. It is time for the manufacturer to deal with the problem.
Brake rotors very rusted and disintegrating with metal flaking off and had to be replaced with less than 30,000 miles. I did not experience any warping of the rotors or shaking of vehicle when braking as others have. The badly deteriorated rotors were discovered when I took the vehicle in for routine maintenance for a cross country trip. After reading other similar reports regarding the brake rotors on 2001 dodge dakotas, it appears that daimler-chrysler has a problem with these brake parts and has not addressed the problem.
Dodge dakota, quad-cab, 2001 ? After heavy usage (I.e. Commuter traffic) front brakes seize and lock up; leaving brakes engaged while driving. Suspect rotor warp from the heat of the brake pads thus rendering the front brakes fully engaged until the rotor cools. Dealer inspected brakes / rotor after each incident (3) to find no obvious direct cause and only made the suggestion to bring in for service when incident occurred again.
I purchased the vehicle used but it had new brakes. I had it for a month and drove approx. 1000 miles and the brake rotors became warped. I had them turned and they were fine. I drove the vehicle for approx. 5 more months and 6000 miles and the rotors became warped again. The vibrations occur very badly when braking from 50 MPH-40 MPH. When braking from a higher or lower speed than 40-50 there are only minor vibrations. I also have noise coming from the front drivers side suspension when turning at slow speeds and going over a bump/curb(such as to enter/leave a driveway).
When needing to brake quickly, the brakes do not function. I assume it is an anti-lock brake malfunction, and have seen many complaints. This has happened numerous times, mostly during the need to brake quickly. I have always had a way to maneuver around the obstacle (car, pedestrian, etc..), but what will happen when the day comes that I don't have anywhere to go and a person gets hit, because of deimler-chrysler's lack of morals to make right what they did wrong, and not recall this poor design. It does not feel good knowing that you put on your brakes, and you can't stop...very helpless, and nervous. We need to do something about this now, to save a life. Hopefully this complaint along with the numerous others will raise a red flag, and something will be done.
Rotors are warping and being severely scored. My caplipers were badly rusted with in a year which did not let it slide properly and cause uneven pressure on the pads. This cause a pad to disintegrate while braking. I have since replaced my brake pads with performance ferro carbon pads and cross drilled vented rotors. The rotors no long warp but they are still being badly scored. And I have to keep a constant eye on pad wear.
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