This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Consistent failure of brake rotors on Dakotas, severe and early warpage leads me to believe in substandard design/manufacture, request investigation of quality issues which I feel may affect safely of vehicle.
Have taken the truck in 3 times for bad jerky braking. Front rotors turned and now they want to replace the front rotors and machine the rear drums, but have not decided if they will cover under waranty. Currently at 18,000, miles. Symtoms started at approx 9,000 miles and have never been fixed with diagnosis and repair attempts thus far. My brothers year 2000 Dodge Dakota is experienceing the same problems. We are both afraid to take children in truck for fear the brakes will suddenly fail completely.
Transmission failed and replaced at 40000 miles and 1 1/2 years on the road. Just had transmission serviced 7000 miles ago. Dodge agreed to replace parts, but I still have to pay service which is over 1000. Dodge never told me why it failed, nor how. I asked them to check fluid level, never did. Brakes when applied cause vehicle to "wobble". brake repair said rotors were warped. They were fixed only to be occurring again. I shall never buy another Dodge.
Same story as the other 100 people who have taken the time to go through this pain in the ass system to get some government action to protect us!! 5 visits to dealer to resurface and replace rotors...finally lost control due to "pulsing" brakes, luckily, not hurt bad. Gonna be a big lawsuit when someone is killed and the laywers see all these posts out here about the Dakota terrible dangerous brakes! pay up Chrysler. NHTSA, do the right thing and force a recall before we get hurt!!
- Home, WI, USA
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I just had the rotors replaced 2 weeks ago and they are already getting grooves in these again. The Dodge rep told me the first time it was normal wear and tear 495 dollars later I have same problem and just 2 short weeks from the repair. Why has their not been a recall to fix this problem.
The front brake rotors are junk and Dodge will not admit that they have a problem with them. I personally have talked to several people that have had the same problems with the brakes on the Dakotas.
At 9,000 miles I noticed a shake whenever I used the brakes and it was getting worse. I went into lynnwood Dodge - they resurfaced the front brake rotors and the shaking stopped for a while. The shaking came back so at 16,000 miles they replaced the front rotors. Within a few thousand miles the shaking had begun again and at 26,000 miles (my next appt. With the dealer) they resurfaced the brakes again. Now at just above 27,000 miles I am trying to be super sensitive about it. I believe it is only a matter of time until it starts shaking ahead. The service guy at the dealer said this is a common problem with Dakotas and that the front rotors are undersized for the size of the truck. I was told I would be contacted by the service manager of lynnwood Dodge (where I had it serviced) but I have yet to hear from him as of yet. Additional information: Consumer states at 29,700 miles - rotors resurfaced again and also at 34,000. (mjj - hotline)
Front brake rotors were warping and causing serious bouncing/ vibration while traveling at high speeds and applying brakes. Dealership informed consumer that defect was a result of hard driving of vehicle. Consumer states vehicle showed signs of warping aat 12000 miles.
Every 7000 to 7500 miles brake rotors and drums have to be replaced due to warping and excessive wear. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Front roters and rear drums go out of round and warp after aprox 1K miles. This porblem has happened 5X. After 4th time roters were replaced with pads at owners cost. Problem still showing up after more then 3K of driving. Mostley interstate driving. No city stop and go in this part of nh.
Vehicle was taken to a repair shop. Mechanic put vehicle up on a lathe and pointed out how drum wobbled when it was rotated. It was about a 1/8 of an inch off center. Consumer contacted dealer, and they said brake system was only w arrantied for 12,000 miles. Vehicle has ben in several times for vibration when brakes were applied. Dealer said it was rotors overheating. Turned rotors smoothly and checked adjusted brakes. Consumer had 8,000 miles at the time, and thought it was too early to be turned.
When steering to left or to right a noise will occur. Dealer replaced steering shaft once, and steering column twice, but noise still occurs. Rear brake drums and front brake rotors failed.
Rotors heated up and warped at 9000 miles and vehicle had a bouncy ride. Dealership was aware of problem. Dealer replaced the rotors, the pads were left on because they didn't look warn.
When applying brakes vehicle bounces wildly and brake vibration transfers to brake pedal. During none braking brakes make a scrpeing/squealing noise. Had rotors turned at dealership problem temporaily got better but eventually went back to same problem but with noise. Vehicle was in warranty when first occurred and they tried to fix. Truck is now out of warrenty and they will not try and fix problem.
At 6000 miles I had a jerk when applying the brakes, I got much worse as time went on. At 14000 miles I finally had the dealership replace the rotors because braking was very dangerous. Now at 30000 I once again have problems. I have to replace the rotors very soon again and I have a feeling that the rear drums are also warped. I also have a awful squeel coming from all 4 brakes. I work with 3 people that have 97 or newer and they all have the same problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Butler, PA, USA