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Dodge Durango brake failure problems

113 of the 13,795 owner complaints about the Dodge Durango describe brake failure, most of them for the 1999 model year.

owner complaints
113
worst model year
1999
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
59,000
Is there a fix? There are 9 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Brakes · IL

My 2014 Dodge Durango’s VIN is not listed as impacted by Safety Recall P14/the federal safety agency 14V‑154. However, my vehicle is showing symptoms that match the problem described for that recall. I am requesting an investigation to determine if more VINs than originally impacted are affected by the problem described under the recall. System message code C0021-02 brake booster general failure has been displaying on my vehicle when the outside temperature is below freezing because water has seeped into the booster and is freezing which is compromising boost enough to cause the sensor to set the warning message. Given the risk of brake failure I have no choice but to arrange for the repair immediately. I will keep the replaced brake booster in case the investigation resulted in opening up the recall to more VINs. Please advise of any other measures I should take.

Filed Apr 19, 2025 · Brakes · SC · crash

Complete brake failure when stopping for a red light. This caused the vehicle to rear end a Jeep stopped at the light. Brake pedal went completely to the floor. This was verified by the investigating State Trooper, who started the Durango and checked the brakes, they went all the way to the floor as indicated in his report.

Filed Aug 18, 2024 · Brakes · NY

When driving the vehicle and pressing the brakes to stop, the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor. It takes several attempts of releasing and pressing the pedal before the brakes start to work again. The vehicle was taken to the Dodge dealer service, where they installed a computer to diagnose the issue. During their test drive, the same problem occurred, with the brakes not working. However, nothing registered on the computer. They bled the brakes, replaced the rear rotors, and returned the vehicle. Unfortunately, the same issue happened again. The vehicle was then taken to a private shop, where they changed the front brakes, bled the lines, and returned the vehicle. But the problem persisted, with the pedal still going straight to the floor. This issue has occured several times since purchasing the vehicle.

Filed Nov 10, 2022 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA

vehicle keeps staling on road while operating, AND has THE BRAKES SYTEM failure. No brakes, brake booster had failed and also has recall part for brake booster.. the safety of my entire family was put at risk, I almost crashed into traffic. vehicle was taken to local dealership, was told FUEL PUMP relay has recall. no parts available, ONE YEAR LATER, STILL WAITING AND STILL NO PARTS AVAILABLE. VEHICLE HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. ITS APPEAR AFTER BRAKES SYSTEM GAVE OUT.

Filed Jun 5, 2022 · Electrical · ME

Chrysler Customer Care PO Box 21-8004 Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004 June 3, 2022 Dear Customer Care, I own a 2019 Chrysler Dodge Durango Pursuit. I purchased it used last year from a Chrysler dealer in Newcastle, Maine. Today, as I was driving along the road my car completely shut off. It was totally without any power at, thankfully, only 35-40 mph. I had no brakes, no power steering, no lights, including flashers, NOTHING. I was able to get partially off the road but was in a very precarious place and had to call 911 to get a police car to come to keep from being hit by traffic. When the tow truck got there, I knew that the Neutral Engagement button needed to be pushed in to pull the car onto the flatbed and advised the driver. He proceeded to push the release button, but nothing happened until he wiggled the shift level. When he did that, the electrical came back on and the car asked for the key fob to start the car. It then started to all our amazement. There is no apparent reason for this vehicle to have lost all power and electrical when it did. This is a very, very unsafe situation. If I had been in heavy traffic and going much faster the story might have been very tragic. There is no way I would have been able to get off the highway, especially if I had to cross a lane or two. I had all I could do to steer it at 35. I am sending a copy of this letter to Consumer Reports, the federal safety agency, and a local Chrysler dealer. I am hoping the dealer might have some idea of what may be happening so that I can make sure it doesn’t happen again. I think you need to find out and see what you can come up with as well. This is a serious safety problem that needs your immediate attention. Please get back to me with your findings asap. Thank you. Sincerely, [XXX] cc. Consumer Reports, the federal safety agency, Bodwell’s Chrysler of Brunswick, ME INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed May 4, 2021 · Engine · 135,000 miles · NC

There was a recall on the 2013 dodge durango for the SUV to suddenly shut off while driving. The recall was said to be fixed but since then I have had it shut off at least 4 times while driving. You lose complete control of the car; no brakes, no steering...nothing! This has helped on a flat surface and on a hill.

Filed Oct 22, 2018 · Brakes · 117,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorbaord. In addition, both rear wheels seized. The contact waited a while and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brakes failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000. *dt updated 12/06/18

Filed Oct 10, 2018 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · TX

While driving my 2011 dodge durango about 45 MPH, my battery lite came on, within a matter of approx 2 minutes, all of the dash lights came on and were blinking and alarming, my windshield wipers came on, my AC turned off, my fasten seaght belt lights came on and alarmed and then suddenly the car lost power and power steering went out and I quickly tried to hanover the car to the side of the road onto incoming traffic. At the same time the brakes went out then the entire dash/panel went out as well as my headlights. This was 6 am and it was dark outside. I got over the intersection and was able to turn the vehicle and was able to drive down the road and get off the busy street. I then had to wait till the car stopped on its own as the brakes did not work. Also no headlights. I tried to turn on emergency flashers and the would not go on. I put the car in park and got out as I could smell burning of what I thought was electrical wires. I had to have it towed to the dealer. I could not even lock the car as the key fob did not work. It is at the dealer now and I am waiting for a diagnosis. The incident was very disturbing and unsafe as I had no control over the car. Luckily due to the time of day, there was little oncoming traffic and I had not entered the freeway yet.

Filed Oct 2, 2018 · Electrical · 97,500 miles · VA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge durango. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the cabin of the vehicle filled with smoke and the contact smelled a burnt electrical odor. All of the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The brakes failed and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a nearby parking lot. The contact exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and noticed that the alternator was surrounded by flames. Upon a second examination of the vehicle, the contact removed the battery cover underneath the front passenger seat to ensure that the fire was contained within the alternator and had not spread elsewhere. The contact stated that the fire extinguished itself (fizzled out). A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to crossroads chrysler jeep dodge ram (4510 whitehill blvd, prince george, virginia 23875, (877) 360-5755) and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with reference number: 352-462-90. The contact was informed that the vehicle was subject to the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v435000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.

Filed Aug 31, 2017 · Acceleration, Brakes · 152,845 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge durango. While at a stop, the brakes failed to work, the engine revved, and the vehicle accelerated without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 152,845.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported November 7, 2024 · 206,502 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk
A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V‑426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V‑426 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall number 24V838000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/moduleReported June 6, 2024 · 211,581 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Durango and Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the ABS control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 55B.

Recall number 24V415000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported June 9, 2022 · 206,502 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk
A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
Remedy
This recall is replaced by the federal safety agency recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.

Recall number 22V426000 · Recall details

Service brakesReported September 18, 2017 · 646,394 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
Risk
If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.

Recall number 17V572000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported March 23, 2016 · 21,183 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
Risk
A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.

Recall number 16V168000 · Recall details

Service brakesReported April 1, 2014 · 646,498 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
Risk
The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.

Recall number 14V154000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported March 4, 2014 · 18,780 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
Risk
If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.

Recall number 14V104000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported December 8, 2005 · 16,317 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles with anti-lock brake system (ABS), the ABS control module software program may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
Risk
This could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash could occur without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the ABS control module. The recall is expected to begin on december 12, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 05V554000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 2, 1999 · 96,892 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The rear brake tube can contact an underbody crossmember eventually wearing a hole in the tube.
Risk
If the tube were perforated, there would be a reduction in braking from the rear wheels, increasing stopping distances.
Remedy
Dealers will install a rubber isolator on all vehicles that do not indicate tube contact. Vehicles that show contact and have less than 45,000 miles and no signs of red rust will have the rubber isolator installed with silicone to protect the tube where the coating has worn off. Vehicles that exhibit contact, and have more than 45,000 miles or show signs of red rust, will have the brake tube replaced with the production tube and isolator.

Recall number 99V341000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Durango brake failure

Which Dodge Durango years have brake failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1999 (29 complaints), 2000 (13 complaints) and 1998 (12 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Dodge Durango?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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