2004 Dodge Dakota brakes problems

Filed Apr 19, 2014 · Brakes · 9,580 miles · OR

At various times the brakes seem to lock up when coming to a stop quickly. This never happens when braking normally, only when needing to brake quickly and hard. Also happens at times during normal braking, but then needing to accelerate, then braking again quickly. This is dangerous in wet weather as the brakes lock momentarily and the tires hydroplane, it appears to be the rear brakes doing this, they release quickly but the momentary lock-up is dangerous. I took it to a mechanic who didn't find a cause for this, but said maybe the ABS was periodical failing, as it only happens sporadically; but usually when needing to brake hard as in an emergency. I've never received any recall orders on my vehicle and have lived at same address since purchase of vehicle.

Filed Sep 21, 2009 · Brakes, Steering · 71,000 miles · IN

I own a 2004 dakota quad 4x4 with 78k miles on it. I bought the truck new and have taken care of it. Most of the miles are highway and it has not been driven off road. Since its no longer under warranty I got online to research a diy solution. I found that many of the problems I have had and are having are not just being experienced by myself but other dakota owners. 1) steering issues the steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn at times both going into and coming out of a turn. This started happening in feb 2009 with 71k on it. It is much more prevalent in cold weather. I was unable to drive the truck until the weather warmed up. (I have not had this fixed yet.) 2) brake issues 27k I had to have the front rotors and the rear drums turned and new pads and shoes installed and had the brake fluid changed. 46k I had to have new front rotors and pads along with the brake fluid changed 77k rear brakes began making noise. The parking brake pad had fallen off. I now need new rear drums and shoes and parking brake shoe. ( I have not had this fixed yet) 3)suspension 77k I need a front upper ball joint probably due to excess strain from the defective steering. ( I have not had this fixed yet).

Filed Sep 9, 2009 · Brakes, Suspension · 103,000 miles · NY

While driving, heard clunking noise that seemed to come from under the vehicle. The outside of the vehicle appeared normal, including the wheels. I checked under hood and under front end and found nothing broken, missing or leaking and continued driving. The left front wheel later fell off with all studs sheared off. Also, one lug nut on the right front wheel was missing and several others were found to be loose, with several studs cracked. Both wheels had been properly installed and tighten some months earlier. To correct, the left front wheel was replaced. All studs on both front wheels and all lug nuts were replaced. Also, the front brake rotors and pads were replaced because the vehicle fell onto the left front rotor.

Filed Sep 17, 2008 · Brakes, Steering · 240,000 miles · IL

From the very beginning I kept hearing noises from the brakes and front end. This was going into the 2nd year of ownership. My dodge dakota has been in the shop at least 15 times for the same thing. They have replaced the steering parts, sway bar, brakes rotors, caliber and still make a a moaning groaning noise when ever I turn or go over bumps.

Filed Oct 31, 2007 · Brakes · CA

At 20k my 2004 dakota truck needs new brakes and rotors. Dealership said they are blue from getting too hot. My 1999 dakota just had new brakes and rotors and still had plenty of pad on them at 84k.

Filed Mar 23, 2007 · Brakes · NJ

2004/dodge truck/dakota, rear calipers failed by seizing. Had to replace both of them before even replacing the brake pads. Total mileage on the truck was 45,518.

Filed Jan 10, 2007 · Brakes · FL

Tl* - the contact stated in november 2005 while towing a boat on a bridge the brakes failed. He was able to stop the vehicle by using the emergency brakes. The contact took the vehicle to a dodge dealer, and they replaced the brake line and caliper. The vehicle appeared to be fine until december 2006 when he heard a scraping noise. The contact took the vehicle to a firestone dealer, and was told it had two different calipers on it, one which belonged to a dodge ram 1500. The vehicle was towed to the dodge dealer. The contact believed the dodge dealer replaced the caliper with an incorrect caliper during the brake line replacement. The contact stated the dodge dealer would not verify this. The contact had new calipers and a rotor placed on the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle had under 36,000 miles on it at the time of failure because it was covered under the warranty. The contact has the old parts, pictures and repair invoices. *ak updated 02/06/07.

Filed Jun 29, 2006 · Brakes · 28,000 miles · MA

Rotors warped / damaged. Brake rotors are severely warped. Brake pads have more than 35% life and the dealership cannot give any explanation why the rotors are damaged. I called dodge corporation customer service and they will not help. Vehicle maintained only at dodge dealerships and all service has been performed according to dodge recommendation since purchased new.

Filed Apr 4, 2006 · Brakes · OH

Warping of front brake rotors on dodge dakota quad cab with 16,000 miles.

Filed Dec 7, 2005 · Body, Brakes · FL

I am looking for all people that are willing to speak to my attorney about problems they are having with their 04 dakota's. I have had clunking noise coming from front end, whirling noise at idling gets louder when blinker on, windows make clunking noise while rolling up or down, sever e shaking while braking ( warped rotors), transmission leaking, and the list goes on. I am in the middle of lemon law and it took me a long time to be able to find an attorney. This one is excellent.