2002 Dodge Dakota: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Aug 7, 2015 · Brakes · 165,000 miles · KS · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. While driving various speeds, the front passenger side brakes seized without the brake pedal being depressed. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front passenger side where the brake was located. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the calipers or the brake lines needed to be replaced. The contact independently replaced the brake lines, brake calipers, and brake pads; however, the failure recurred and the contact noticed smoke and fire coming from the front passenger side where the brake was located. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 107,000 miles · IL

I was driving and the lights started flashing and then they went all the way out and the dome light and keyless entry isn't working. It finally wouldn't start and so we bought a new battery, and the lights came on and then the next day the lights were off again. The battery that was in the truck was too small and we told the dealer and they said that the lights weren't working because we put a bigger battery in it, we put the right size battery. The other day we came home and the cargo lights were on by themselves. I am afraid to drive it for it catching on fire. We only had the truck 2 and half months. We paid $6300 for it.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Brakes · 35,555 miles · IA

Right front brake caliper stuck, brake got hot, smoke came out of wheel well.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Brakes · 36,970 miles · IA

Right front brake caliper stuck, brake got hot, smoke came out of the wheel well. Had to have truck tower to dealer.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Brakes · 23,193 miles · IA

Right front brake stuck, brake got hot, smoke came out of wheel well.

Filed Aug 1, 2014 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · IL · fire

My truck only has 60k miles, don't drive a whole bunch, bought it brand new in 2002. 2 times I have had the front passenger wheel and breaks catch on fire due to the brakes/caliper locking up. One incident was only going about 25 MPH, the other incident on highway around 55 MPH. Between towing and replacing brakes, rotors, caliper, brake lines, around $500-$750 each time. I am on here because my brake line from front to back has eroded away near gas tank, same as everyone's I have read and because my passenger wheel has began to give signs that it will be locking up again. Have also had to replace the front drivers side brake line due to the line being cracked where the banjo bolt is. These seem to all be huge issues and very dangerous that need to be addressed. Thank you

Filed Sep 2, 2011 · Brakes, Suspension · 114,000 miles · AK · fire

Truck has been driving like something was grinding against my front right wheel for a week or so, I didn't think anything of it, it had just become an annoyance. Id look under the wheel and everything looked okay and in shape, no damage was being done. The other day I drove a short distance and heard a pop, like something had popped near the wheel, I pulled over and could see no damage. I continued to drive and noticed that the grinding had stopped and my wheel seemed to be functioning correctly. I arrived to my destination with no problem. When I left the destination to return home, I started feeling heavy pull to the right on my steering wheel, if I let go of the steering wheel I would have gone into a ditch or the woods or another car. I then started noticed smoke coming from my right wheel, I was a few blocks away from home and figured I could make it, I started noticing my brakes were not working too well, and anytime id push on the brakes more smoke would arise, I went the 3 stop signs to my house and pulled in, ran around and saw that behind my wheel had caught on fire, took about 5 minutes to put the fire out with water and some cat litter we had lying around. It was so hot that it wouldn't cool down for about 45 mins to an hour. We would throw water on it and it would sizzle. I quickly removed the tire to prevent any damage to it. I noticed it had started to melt the plastic boot cover on the suspension. When you looked at the wheel you could see it had snapped off on the bottom half, causing the whole wheel to tilt inward which then caused a full on grind of the wheel and the brakepads and whatever else is down there causing such friction that it caught on fire. I then did research online and found that their had been a recall for this exact issue... :(

Filed Dec 14, 2010 · Engine · 141,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. The contact was driving approximately 50 MPH when he noticed a burning odor. The contact then noticed smoke coming from under the dashboard area. The contact disconnected the blower from the resister. The dealer was notified of the failure who informed the contact to call the manufacturer. The manufacture was contacted who advised the contact that they would reimburse him for the parts needed to repair the failure but not for the labor costs. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Filed Aug 17, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 73,000 miles · PA · fire

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,.

Filed Jun 14, 2009 · Brakes · 42,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jul 28, 2008 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · KS

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.

Filed Jun 10, 2008 · Brakes · 25,250 miles · VA

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.