Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. While driving approximately between 40-50 MPH, the brakes began to lock without warning when pressure was applied. The contact drove onto the emergency lane for a few minutes and was able to continue driving in spite of the brake malfunction. The failure occurred on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice. The front brakes, brake pads and brake hose were replaced at different times. The failure persisted after the vehicle was repaired. The recent vehicle failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,200.
2002 Dodge Dakota brakes complaints
Page 3 of 8: complaints 41 to 70 of 213, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in hot weather, he noticed that the brakes would smoke when they were not applied. The contact had to coast to the side of the road and wait for the brakes to cool down in order for the smoke to go disappear. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised them that they had not heard of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was approximately 72,000. Updated 07/21/11 *bf updated 08/05/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the front driver side brake abnormally locked while driving 50 MPH. The vehicle began to smoke and was left parked for several hours. The vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current and failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the driver side front brake locked up and began smoking. The vehicle pulled over until it cooled off and then it released itself. He was able to continue driving. He changed the front brake pads and rotors himself. The failure continued intermittently. At 50,000 miles, he changed the front brake pads, rotors and calipers. The failure occurred again so he changed the front brake pads, rotors and calipers again. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified. The current mileage was approximately 60,000. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Front brakes lock up. Truck currently has 23000 miles because I do not want to drive a truck that the brakes lock up to the point that I am pulled into the opposing lanes or onto the median. Has been happening since 2002 and happens about once every 5 or 6 times I use the truck. There doesn't seem to be any time or reason for this and it is very unpredictable.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota quad cab. The contact stated that the front brakes continued to lock, grab when trying to stop and the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times for diagnostic testing but the dealer informed him that there were no failures. The vehicle was also taken to a midas mechanic center where the brake rotors, calipers, and brake pads were replaced a couple of times and still the problems exist. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the front calipers locked up when the brakes were applied; as a result, the calipers began to smoke and the brake pad cracked. There were no warning lights prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop several times where brake pads, calipers and rotors were replaced three times. On october 11, 2010, while in reverse driving less than 50 MPH, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard when depressed and the contact had to engage the brakes several times in order to stop the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer (details of what was discussed was unavailable). The failure mileage was 300 and the current mileage was approximately 111,000.
One front brake failed to release resulting in excessive heat and smoke, difficult steering and stopping. Will replace calipers, pads and rotors.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota quadcab. While driving at approximately 10 MPH, the front brakes locked and the vehicle would only accelerate at a very low speed. The contact stated there was an extremely strong burning rubber smell. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnosis and was not repaired. The failure occurred once before and was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The failure and current mileages were 73,000. Updated 11/19/10 *cn the consumer stated the front brakes locked up. Updated 11/23/10. *jb updated evoq 12/22/10*jb the consumer stated the brakes locked up again on july 18,2011. The consumer also stated while under the 30 day warranty, the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. Updated 08/31/11 updated 10/20/11,.
Driving at interstate speed, vehicle started abruptly pulling hard to the left. I stopped the vehicle, the brakes were hot, and I needed to accelerate greater than normal to get the car to move. Let the truck sit until brakes cooled off, and the problem didn't re-occur even after taking it to the dodge dealer. They could not replicate the problem. Said they could start replacing brake parts in hopes of fixing it. The first incident was at 37,000miles, and just out of warranty. (sept. Of 2005 was first time) the problem has happened about 8 times in the 54,000 miles I have on it now. No mechanic can tell me what's wrong, and it occurs intermittently out of the blue. I'm finding out that many, many other owners of the same make/model of vehicle have had similar incidents.
Front brake calipers,brake lines,brake pads,and rotors had to be replaced. Brakes were binding up and would not let the brake pads to release.
At low speeds or when panic stopping at higher speeds rear wheels ABS will lock up. At 40mph approaching an intersection light turned yellow and I hit the brakes and rear locked up, I let off and applied/lockup/skid, let off applied/lockup/skid, let off applied/lockup/skid then stop, lucky I had sufficient room to stop. Simply trying to park has become an adventure. Took it to a dealer before above incident and was told that the brakes are fine but that rear were out of adjustment, and they swapped drums left to right and adjusted the brakes and it made it better for maybe a week or two.
2002 dodge dakota front brake calipers sticking. Left, right or both calipers will not fully release after multiple brake applications resulting in heat build up in rotors, pads & calipers. This can be reduced by using the brakes less or expedited by using them more. The failure occurs consistently with multiple brake applications. The result is hot brakes and wheels with speeds <40mph or very hot, once igniited brakes at highway speeds. Pad rotors, and brake fluid have been changed & sliders greased, zero change. First incident occured at approximate incident date, then exponentially more frequently after.
Front brakes locked up while driving. Occurred once, was able to pull to side of road without causing an accident. Had to replace front l&r, rotors, calipers, pads, hoses and fluid.
While driving the vehicle, the front brakes lock on. This has happened at least 3 times. The most recent time, I was driving 60 MPH on the highway then I noticed a burning smell. The only solution is to park the vehicle and allow the brakes to cool down. At 60 degrees outdoor temperature, this took about an hour.
Left front brake overheated, vehicle pulls hard to the left and very poor braking. Nearly had a bad accident at an intersection. Looked on the internet and found several other people had same problem. Will do my own maintenance when I found out the true fix.
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.
Http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/dakota/2002/brakes/brake_cylinder_lock-up.shtml just view the web site above. The brakes on the passenger side of my 2002 dodge dakota lock-up and a significant amount of smoke came out of the wheel well. I was surprised to find out that this is occurring on many other dakotas. Do a search online for dodge dakota smoking brakes and you will be amazed at the number of complaints out there. I truly think this is a safety issue that should be addressed.
Going down a slight grade and front left brake locked up slightly pulling me to the left, with nowhere to pull off I had to go a mile or more to get stopped, the rotor was very hot and had to wait close to an hour before they broke off, changed brakes sanded rotors at angle and almost did it again. Apparently on auto beef, there are 15 other complaints on this same thing. I know it sucks but dodge needs to suck this one up and not lose their loyalty to their customers. Thank you.
Truck operating normal until braking at intersection. Truck then pulled violently to the right upon braking. Smelled and noticed smoke coming from front of truck. Upon stopping had smoke coming from passenger-side front wheel/rotor. Got to the point where I was concerned that a fire was imminent due to the excessive heat. The tire/wheel on the front passenger-side was extremely hot. Next morning, the truck drove normal, no sign that the brake/rotor was damaged. Plan on taking in for thorough inspection. Noticed fifteen (15) similar complaints for 2002 dodge dakota with unexplained master cylinder lock-up. Http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/dakota/2002/brakes/brake_cylinder_lock-up.shtml.
.. Front passenger brake seized. Occurred during high traffic time with along with pull to right/could cause accident..came clear the next morning/ occurred again 1 mo. Later.. I replaced brake hose ,caliper ,rotor and brake pad, only been about 3 days since replacing.
Front wheels (brakes) locked up on my 2002 dodge dakota for no apparent reason.
It happened a few times. I would hit my brakes, and they would be solid, I would not slow down,if I release them and hit them again,then thy would stop. By that time I would be half through the intersection. I called chrysler, but they seem to care.
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.
Brake problems which I believe are related to ABS system on 2002 dodge dakota quad cab with factory installed towing package. I am running the third set of disc brake rotors on the front and second set of drums on the rear with just over 97,000 original miles on this truck. I bought the vehicle new and there have been no accidents or damage to this vehicle.
After only 5 years and less than 22,000 miles, the front hydraulic brake lines from the frame to the caliper failed from intense rusting while the vehicle was on the road. Avoidance of a serious accident was only a matter of luck. The intense rust rate in the forward wheel well also caused brake pad release failures which caused increasing continuous drag and overheating of the brake and wheel assembly. No observation of the problem by dealer during ball joint recall work just 9 months prior to failure. Owner replaced hydraulic lines on both sides. Owner is now concerned with possible failure of front suspension components due to unusual rust rates.
Driver side brakes froze while driving. This is the second time this has happened on a vehicle that only has 24,460 miles on it
Continued problems with front brakes. Had to replace the rotors at 35,552 miles (see odi #10200119), had to turn those rotors at 46,295 miles (see odi #10200122), had to replace front brakes at 50, 230 miles (see odi #10200127), had to replace front left calipers at 51,116 miles (see odi #10200129). Two weeks after replacing the calipers, drove short distance (all highway miles). When I stopped the truck, strong brake smell coming from underneath the front end. I let the car sit for a while and continued on. Now it's intermittent. Calipers appear to be sticking again - intermittently. Vehicle pulls and brakes feel inconsistent like they are coming on way too hard but then pulsing.
Continued problems with front brakes. In july 06, rotors had to be replaced with only 35,552 miles on the truck (see odi #10200119). In march 07, the new rotors had to be turned at 44,6295 miles (see od #10200122). In may 07, vibrations in the front end returned and there was a strange rattling noise coming from the front end. Dealer replaced the brakes at 50,230 miles (see odi #10200127). I drove the vehicle about 17 miles (all highway miles). When I stopped, smoke was rolling out of the front left side and there was a strong brake odor. I took it to the dealer the next day. Technician indicated it was sticking calipers. Technician replaced front left caliper. Total cost $121. (note - dealer did not charge me for labor on caliper replacement.)
Rattling noise heard in the front end and pulsing brakes when stopping. Took vehicle to dealer. Technician indicated the front brakes were making the noise. Replaced the front brakes. I've had problems with the front brakes on this vehicle over and over again. In july 06, the rotors had to be replaced (see odi #10200119) with only 35,552 k on the truck. The new rotors had to be turned in march 07 (see odi #10200122) wiith ony 46,295 on the truck. At that time the person writing up the ticket asked me when I had the front brakes replaced because, in her words "they look brand new". Strangely, only 2 months later at 50,230 miles, the technician indicated the brakes had to be replaced. These were the original brakes. Total cost was $146.
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