The brakes on my truck started pulsating at around 13000 miles. I called the dealership to ask about this problem and they said the brakes need a checkup but are out of warranty so they'll have to charge me for everything. This shouldn't be happening on a brand new vehicle. The truck starts to vibrate and shake almost violently when light braking pressure is applied. I'm in the process of getting my brakes/rotor replaced.
2002 Dodge Dakota brakes complaints
Page 7 of 8: complaints 161 to 190 of 213, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have had to turn my front rotors on my 2002 dodge dakota 4.7l, 4wd quad cab 4 times in 40,000 miles. The dealership blames it on rain cooling the rotors too fast. I do strictly highway driving, and the vibration that occurs is nerve racking. I have seen many complaints on consumer sites regarding this. Please consider this for a recall.
At 35,500 I was told that my front brakes and rotors had to be replaced because the rotors were pitted and brakes were worn. I could understand brakes pads need replacing (although I do most driving on a highway therefore not using brakes much) but rotors need replacing because of pitting; something is wrong here. In addition, ever since I've had this truck (rear anti-lock brakes) I notice that when the anti-lock kicks in it seems as though I've lost alot of braking power. I've found myself in the middle of an intersection at times because the truck wouldn't stop and I was not going that fast. I had a truck cut in front of me one day on the highway (someone in front of him had stopped) and the only way I advoided hitting him was to drive off on the shoulder of the road; the brakes quit working. I have a '92 dakota with rear anti-lock brakes and it stops with out problems.
Vehicle does not brake adequately during "panic" stopping. Rear wheel ABS does not appear to be working properly. Have had three occurrences when I needed to "panic" stop and in all cases had to swerve to avoid collision because brakes were not stopping vehicle. Rear wheel ABS engages but allows too much "free-wheeling" which allows vehicle too much travel. Regular braking (even "hard" braking without ABS involvement) seems to work correctly. Have had vehicle to dealer twice and first time rear drums were turned and second time ABS module was replaced, but has not fixed problem. Service advisor and mechanic say that the ABS system is working as designed for a rear wheel only ABS. I have not had any resolution to problem but now dealer won't look at it because they say they have done everything they can.
When driving brakes locked up, and vehicle was involved in a rear end collision. Then, vehicle caught on fire.
Premature failure of the upper ball joints on my 2002 dodge dakota club cab pick-up with 26,465 miles. Took the vehicle to dealer to diagnose a clanking noise in the front end when turning they did not find any problem on the first visit, I returned for a second visit and I identified the upper ball joints as the problem, they checked them and agreed. They were replaced under the warranty. After reading a large number of complaints on different web sites this seems to be a common problem with the dakotas and durangos. How about a recall! (premature front disc brake rotor failures is another common problem on both of these vehicles. Mine had to be replaced at 26,120 miles and was not covered under the warranty.)
Premature failure of the front disc brake rotors. Had a severe pulsation when braking at approximately. 26,000 miles. Dealer stated that the brakes were not covered on the 3year/36,000 bumper to bumper warranty, brakes were only covered for 1year/12,000. I took the vehicle to a meineke shop at 26,120 miles and they told me the rotors were too deeply pitted to be resurfaced and needed to be replaced. The pads still had plenty of life, almost like new. I had them replace the pads and rotors which cost me $275.35. I believe these rotors failed prematurely and caused extended braking distances and some loss of vehicle control.
Front brakes and rotors need replaced at 16,000 miles. This truck is not driven hard or a lot. Dealer refuses to replace under warranty, claims no knowledge of reported problems.
While driving 35 MPH consumer was approaching a red light while applying the brakes and brake pedal felt like a wet sponge. The vehicle never slowed down. Consumer applied the emergency brake, but a collision occurred. Consumer's vehicle collided with the rear end of the vehicle in front. The consumer was wearing a seat belt, but the drivers side air bag did not deploy. The manufacturer and the dealer were informed of the crash.
Experiencing pulsation and pull to the side under braking. Problem originated at approximately 25,000 miles and currently at 33,000 miles it now feels unsafe. Dealer states front rotors are warped and need machined to specifications and that rotors are a "wear" item and not covered under the 3 yrs./36,000 miles "bumper to bumper" warranty. I see that there are numerous complaints already on file regarding this issue, so being that I am no expert in braking systems or theory I will leave that debate to others, however I will say that my experience with other vehicles and manufacturers would lead me to believe that rotors should last at least 70,000 to 80,000 miles before needing to be machined. The other three vehicles my family has recently owned were all driven beyond 70,000 miles, all without ever needing the rotors turned.
When applying brakes unexpectedly brakes do not grab, causing extended stopping distance.
Regardless of how fast the vehicle is traveling, the ABS brake system does not stop the vehicle in a reasonable distance in an emergency. The vehicle has been to the dealer four times for the same problem. The manufacturer has been notified of the problem.
My 2002 dodge dakota 4x4 had a defect in the brakes/rotors which had to be replaced at 30000 miles. From checking chat sites this is apparently a very common problem with this truck. Dodge told me that they were not going to do anything for me that the truck was not under warranty.
2002 dakota 4x4 4.7l continuosly warping bake rotors, normal driving conditions.
I am having problems with the brakes, which causes a shudder under moderate braking. The front brake pads are dragging all of the time, causing the rotors to overheat and warp. The warped rotors are the only problem that the dealer acknowledges, but there is obviously some defect that is causing the rotors to warp after only 15,000 miles.
While driving and applying the brakes steering wheel shook, had some pulsation either to the right or left. Dealer has inspected vehicle several times, and could not duplicate or correct the problem.
I own a 2002 dodge dakota with 25000 miles just had to have front rotors and brake pads replaced.
Truck has 24000 miles and brakes are completely shot on vehicle, started having problems after 8500 miles on brand new truck
I am concerned about the front bake rotors on dodge dakotas. Mine were warped after less than 8000 miles of regular use, no towing or hauling with the vehicle. I have talked with and searched for others with similar problems and find that numerous other dakota owners have had the same problem. These rotors warp so badly that it becomes difficult/dangerous to stop the vehicle safely. When I took the vehicle in for service I was told that this is an uncommon problem and that it was most likely due to my use of the brakes. Now after a total of 17,000 miles the brakes are now warped again. I have owned several other vehicles, many weighing more than a dakota and have never encountered any brake problems. I wonder if there is a design flaw with the dakota's brakes that is causing repeated warping. This warping does make it difficult to saftely and effectively stop the veheicle, especially in emergency situations.
Front brake rotors had to be turned/replaced at approx. 17000 miles. Dealership said they would not replace as brakes only have 1yr/12000 mile warranty. Repair facility only replaces with oem parts, so they will probably have to be replaced again in another 15-20000 miles. This is unacceptable.*ak also appears I will now have to replace ball joints at approx. 18500 miles. These parts should last much longer than this. Vehicle is 2002 dodge dakota cc 4x4 4.7l engine.
Consumer states front brakes are warped. Dealer notified.
Transmission not shifting properly for several blocks brakes are pulsating when makeing normal start, has 13500 miles.
With no advance warning my 2002 dodge dakota began experiencing severe steering wheel vibration whenever the brakes were activated. I immediately brought the vechicle into the dealership and was charged $148 dollars to machine the front rotors of my truck. The truck (used as transportation to my desk job) has 24,000 miles on it, is a manual transmission, and is highway driven so the brakes do not see alot of activity. A check of the dakota.com site indicates many rotor problems with low mileage dakota series trucks. I believe either the brake rotors are not designed properly or are being made of material that cannot support safe performance within a 25,000 mile lifecycle. I have never had to have any brake maintenance performed on any of my other vehicles (other than inspection) before 75,000 miles and I am concerned that the problem will reoccur without warning.
My 2002 dodge dakota sport 4x4 antilock brakes don't provide adequate braking. On several occasions, I have had to stop quickly and even at slow speeds the antilock feature releases the brakes long before it should. I took the truck to the local dealer and they said the proportioning valve in the master cylinder was defective and they replaced it. The problem still exists. I don't think the rear brakes are engaging as they should. I've seen similar complaints on your site and feel dodge needs to take a look at these problems because there are too many to ignore. I have had three near misses where the antilock feature of the brakes caused the brakes to release prematurely when I have had plenty of time and distance to stop safely. I have had antilock brakes on several of my previous vehicles but this truck has the weakest brakes I've ever experienced on any car or truck I've owned.
Defective brakes and rotors. There are many, many others just like myself going through the same problem. Either it is a portioning problem which the causes the majority of the braking weight to be absorbed by the front brakes which causes rotors to warp due to the self adjusting back brakes, which do not function properly. Or the fact that the front rotors are not sufficient to carry the weight of the v8 quads. Either way, there are too many postings to list from other dodge truck owners at www.dodgetalk.com and www.dodgedakotas.com forums that list the same problem. The fix is unfortunate for owners as it can range anywhere from 600.00 - 1500.00. When you purchase a truck that costs 25,000.00 - 35,000.00 you are putting your money into something that should be durable beyond the standard 12,000 warranties on this particular item. I've read postings whereas people have had this problem start at the low mileage of 5,000 up to 25,000 miles. This is unacceptable!! I've contacted chrysler and received an "oh well, it's your problem not ours" attitude. This problem started at approx 20,800 miles for me under normal highway driving conditions. This is my 2nd complaint on your website!! Please help us!!!! Everyone who has contacted chrysler has gotten the same response. I've read where some of the owners received warranty repair within the 12,000 mileage range only to have it happen again after the warranty limitations without help from chrysler beyond the 12,000 even though it was an issue that was on going prior to the expiration. With the cost of vehicles these days and the outrageous monthly payments, this should not be happening. Chrysler is not responding to any of us. Help!!! To say that brakes are not a safety issue is ludicrous!!!
Only 27689 miles safety front end components failed power steering rack seal leaking fluid.sway bar bushings were replaced.seat right rear coming apart pass side plastic recliner handle broke my 2002 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 sport has had suspension problems, and brake problems. The upper and lower control arms and ball joints make a popping sound when step on brakes or make a sharp left turn. I now have 29900 miles and the pounding and noise have not stopped. Vehicle feels like you will loose control when going over bumps in the highway.
Bad vibrations in front brakes. Rotors were visibly worn and had pits in them. This was only after 16,000 mi. All highway driving, no towing or off road driving. Was out of warrenty and had to have the rotors turned. I have since found out many have this issue. Could prove to be a serious issue if not taken care of.
Front rotor on 2002 dakota warping for second time. Had them turned about 10,000 miles ago and are already starting to warp again. Dealer offering non-warranty solution. Dealer admits it is common with the dakotas and durangos but there is no recall notice on them so there is nothing they can do.
My rotors on my dodge dakota 4x4 (2002) began to warp at 15,000 miles. I am now at 40,000 miles and the vibration has become so bad that I will be replacing them. This problem is so bad that it is a very bad safety issue. I have heard many other people having the same problem. I have never had to replace rotors before 80,000 miles. In my opinion a recall should be issued for this safety defect in this vehicle.
Front brake rotors are warped/pulsate/out of round. Pads are still ok, have torques lug nuts everytime to 95 ft/lbs with a hand torque wrench. Rear brakes drums are constantly adjusted.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2002 Dodge Dakota?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history