2002 Dodge Dakota: brake failure

Filed Oct 29, 2018 · Brakes · 230,000 miles · VA

This is the second time one of the break lines has rusted thru. This time I hit the brakes hard to miss two dear and the pedal went to the floor. I only could stop the truck with the emergency break. The truck has not been used off road and has been driven in virginia is hole life. The first time my mechanic caught a leak in the line before any problem.

Filed Feb 9, 2017 · Airbags · 220,000 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

, I was in a car accident on december 15 because my brakes failed and was hurt across my chest. The impact was strong because for a moment I lost time, but the hospital didn't give any brain scans. My chest hurt severely for a month and I still feel pain when I lift or move a certain way. Anyway I and many other people wondered why my airbag did not go off. I was not able to get my car out of the pound for lack of money but the front was much damaged. Would this fall under the recall that going on with the takata corp.

Filed Jun 4, 2014 · Brakes · 202,400 miles · IA

16 year old son was driving my truck to a school function, stepped on the brakes to make the turn off the highway into the school and brake pedal went to the floor. I went to get the vehicle and the brake line that runs along the frame rail to the rear axle had corroded through in several places causing him to lose brake fluid. I've had a lot of cars much older than this truck (my family had a car dealership) and this is the first time I've ever seen a hard brake line go bad. Looking online for a replacement part it quickly became apparent that this is a very common problem with the dodge dakotas and they all corrode in the same place. Behind the fuel tank. Definitely a safety issue that chrysler should correct.

Filed Nov 28, 2012 · Brakes · 107,700 miles · KY

While stopped parking and taking vehicle out of gear, brakes failed and pedal went to the floor. This is a special order vehicle that included 4 wheel ABS. After brakes failed and fluid leaked out of rear brake lines neither the ABS or "brake" warning lights were indicated on the dash control panel. I am concerned that a brake line failed and no indication of failure showed on the control panel. With the failure not under any stopping function (vehicle was already stopped) and there was no report of failure with the control panel this is a very important safety issue if brakes fail while driving and first notice is complete loss of pedal will cause accident or at least loss of confidence and or control of vehicle. I am the original owner of this vehicle and have all records of repair over the history of the truck. I am very concerned that a brake line failure took place at all. I have owned dozens of vehicles over my driving life and have had vehicles with well over 200,000 miles with no brake line failures. If this is not a defect in design or workmanship, then the defect has to be in inferior material quality that should not be allowed in this important function required for operating a vehicle.

Filed Apr 24, 2011 · Brakes · 111,000 miles · NE

Rear brake line failed (leaked) due to rust and corrosion. The rusted part of line runs between fuel tank and inside frame. Luckily the line failed in my driveway. My wife and daughter were in the vehicle earlier and it could have been disastrous! I have been reading online of case after case of similar experiences by other dodge owners. The line should be stainless steel or change the routing so that it can't have a chance to corrode as quickly. There should also be switch/stop valve in-line to avoid total loss of braking (control). Should definitely be a recall item.

Filed Aug 17, 2010 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · WI

One front brake failed to release resulting in excessive heat and smoke, difficult steering and stopping. Will replace calipers, pads and rotors.

Filed Dec 16, 2008 · Brakes · FL

Bought truck new in 2002. Since then, the driver's side front caliper has seized up and locked that brake 4 times. The caliper squeezes the pad against the rotor causing the steering wheel to pull hard left, then the rotor overheats and smokes. I pull over before a fire starts. Have replaced calipers, pads, hoses, but symptoms still persist. I have to stop and wait until the brakes cool down (about an hour) before they function normally. Once I get to a repair shop, the brakes function normally and they tell me everything is fine. I looked online and found that I am not the only one this is happening to. On one site alone (http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/dakota/2002/brakes/brake_cylinder_lock-up.shtml) there are 15 others who are dealing with brake failure.

Filed Jan 23, 2008 · Brakes · 79,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. While driving 30 MPH, the brakes failed. The contact stated that the brake pedal extends to the floor when it is depressed, but does not stop the vehicle. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 81,000 and failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Mar 14, 2007 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · OH

Brake failure. Brakes would not apply and consequently ran through a busy intersection at 50 MPH barely avoiding crossing traffic and stopped traffic. Found missing caliper pad. Replaced all pads on front and turned the rotors. Also replaced the rear cylinder seals. 1 week later right front brake severely overheated and was red hot after a seven mile commute home with only seven stops at low speed (normal braking). Mechanic found evidence of burned outer edge of rotor. Pads actuated normally. Re-turned right rotor to verify no warping had occurred. No parts required. Brakes have lost some stopping power since before the first incident and my confidence has been effected. Cost of repairs $400+.

Filed Jan 12, 2007 · Brakes · 91,000 miles · VA

Tl* - the contact stated that while driving his 2002 dodge dakota on approximately december 15, 2006; while traveling at 40 MPH, the brakes failed and to avoid hitting another vehicle he struck a curb. The contact stated that the ABS does not engage properly. The contact stated that the brakes do not stop the vehicle during sudden stops. The dealer test drove the vehicle and stated it is operating as expected. The contact stated there have been no warning indicator lights. The vehicle has approximately 91,000 miles.

Filed Jan 26, 2006 · Brakes · 42,733 miles · FL

While driving at various speeds up to 55 MPH the truck began pulling to the left and deceleration was much greater than normal. At this time I decided to pull off the road to investigate. Noticed lots of heat coming from drivers side disk break. When restarting and moving forward the truck stopped very quickly. The failure was, the caliper did not retract, causing the disc brake to overheat and it seized up. This failure could cause the truck to pull left into on coming traffic. A tragedy could come of this if this failure is not corrected. The truck dealer had no explanation but noticed other worn parts that should be replaced unrelated to the brake failure.

Filed Feb 15, 2005 · Brakes · 39,000 miles · MI

Rusting and pitted brake rotors on 2002 dodge dakota. Vehicle has less than 40k miles and is garaged in winter months. Inspection showed brake pads were not worn out but rotors were pitted and had to be replaced. Manufacture defect. I paid $406 to have brake pads and rotors replaced. Could have had a brake failure. Chysler took my complaint and said it was past the warrenty mileage.