2003 Dodge Dakota: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Sep 10, 2007 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · IN

Brake vibration at 40,000 miles brake rotors rusted through to friction surface causing large pits and raised areas. Rotors replaced.

Filed Mar 6, 2007 · Brakes, Steering · FL

To whom it may concern, I own a 2003 dodge dakota quad cab slt. And I have run into a lot of problems with this truck that people I know say they had very similar problems with the same make of vehicle. To start with my truck only has about 62,184 miles on it, for a 2003 model truck, that is considered low mileage. The problems I have run into is as follows: both front wheel hub bearing sets have prematurely failed, in particular, the right front hub tried to lock up on me and almost caused me to loose control of the truck, I have since replaced that hub but still need to replace the left front before it locks up:second is that the steering and suspension system has no provisions for preventative maintenance, I.e. No grease zircs for the ball joints, tie rods,upper and lower control arm bushings, wheel bearings, etc...causing rapid wear and failure:third big issue, I have already replaced all four brake rotors due to warpage. The brake calipers were built with some type of composite plastic pistons that distort due to excessive heat build up in the brakes. Which in turn causes uneven pad contact, that then causes excessive heat, accelerated pad wear, brake fade, rotor warpage, and an awful "squeal" when the brakes are applied. I have noticed that my brand new brake pads are actually cracked now because of a combination of the calipers and the hubs going bad: fourth issue is that the transmission causes the engine to over "rev" in the highway passing gear especially with the over drive and cruise control on. When you're driving down the highway and you give it a little more gas to get around somebody, the engine RPM's shouldn't go up to sometimes around 7000, that in turn could cause premature engine or transmission failure. I have been in contact with daimler-chrysler about these concerns but they just keep giving me the run around and not answering my questions. I still have the old parts also.

Filed Dec 6, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 30,000 miles · TX

My 2003 dodge dakota quad cab has had the brake rotors warped at less than 20,000 miles with no severe use. And also the ball joints are worn out at 35,000 miles. These parts should last a lot longer on a ligh use vehicle.

Filed Nov 23, 2004 · Brakes · FL

No events leading to failure just regular driving.unusual rotor warpping on my 2003 dodge dakota so far has cost me over $800 dollars in repairs my complaint is on the poor engineering of the brake system.worst vehicle I ever owned should of stayed with toyota!

Filed Sep 8, 2004 · Brakes · 6,000 miles · TX

Brake rotors warped after 6000 miles, brake pads squeal after less than 100 miles. Waited until 22,000 miles to have inspected, and told the warranty on product is only 12,000 miles 12 months. Refused to replace warped rotors with less than 25,000 miles on vehicle, and pads still in good condition despite squeaking.

Filed May 25, 2004 · Brakes · 18,000 miles · MI

Normal wear and tear on vehicle, operated under optimal driving conditions. Front rotors warped beyond repair after 18000 miles on the vehicle. Dealer refuses to replace due to warranty expiration. Rotors should not have warped after only 18000 miles.

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Suspension · 11,000 miles · MA

While driving at a low speed, the consumer heard a loud metal banging coming from the front end of vehicle. The dealership serviced the vehicle, but could not resolve the problem. *ak the front upper ball joints were prematurely worn out and had to be replaced. Dodge suggested that nothing was wrong with the vehicle.

Filed Jan 5, 2004 · Suspension · 35,000 miles · NJ

Vehicle vibrated when it exceeded speeds of 45 MPH. This was due to premature wear of the upper ball joints. This was a common problem, per the dealership.

Filed Jul 24, 2003 · Brakes · MA

I have a 2000 dakota -- rotors warped @11,000 dealer replaced -- rotors warped again 8 mounths later @24,000 dealer wouldnt replace, over 12k since they installed them,so I turned and new pads -- @38,000 warped again replaced roters and pads --@53,000 warped again turned and new pads --warrped again @71,000 but havent replced rotors till this weekend @76,000 .