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.
Rotors and front brake pads wear out prematurly. Rotor wear indicates the problem seems to be with the caliper primarily applying preassure from the piston side while the oposing side seems to bind. Rear brakes are still original while front have been replaced 3 times.
I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota 2wd. There are defective ball joints on the front end. There was a recall on 4WD Dakotas, however, there has been no recall for the ball joints on the 2wd models. There was an "extended warranty" that was silently (as in I never knew there was an issue) on the ball joints on the 2wd models. I have had 6 years of continuous trouble with the front end of the vehicle (I bought it brand new 07/2000). As in I have replaced the rotors on the front end at least every 3 months for the first 18 months of owning it. I have had it aligned (front and rear alignments) over a half dozen times. All work done in the first 18 months was done at the dealer, who should have been, and probably was made aware of the issue. After 18 months of paying to fix the problem (out of my own pocket because Dodge's warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on) I conceded defeat (and took the word of the dealer) that nothing was wrong, and there was nothing to worry about but maintaining the rotors and purchasing new tires ever 12-16 months. When made aware of the problem, Dodge is unwilling to correct the defect. If no one has died, there is no problem. Let all buyers beware, safety is not always the most important issue.
Brakes, out of round or warped rotors and drums, prevents smooth stopping and locks-up individual wheels. Front rotors and rear drums replaced twice in 50K miles, and worn out again.
I have a '2000 Dodge Dakota, quad cab 4X4 that has reoccuring break warpage problems. I drive about 12000 miles a year, mostly highway, and need to replace my rotors atleast every 18 months. Durring normal breaking durring wet or icy conditions there is excessive pulsing that leads to individual tires locking up and skidding and activation of the antilock breaking system. Ive replaced the rotors with dealer puchased parts and equivilant aftermarket parts and both warp within 1-1.5 year.
Front brake rotors were replaced 3 times. Rotors warped between 10,000 to 20,000 miles. In the process of replacing them again only with high performance rotors, Dodge brake rotors are no good.
- Rochester, NY, USA
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Two months ago consumer experienced suspension problems. The front end jerked, especially while making turns. He took vehicle to dealer to get it serviced, and mechanic determined that the problem was caused by the rotors. They needed to be shaved.
Vehicle vibrated severely when braking from 5-65 mph. Vehicle was driven to the dealer for inspection, and dealer determined that front pads broke, and both front rotors were warped.
At approx. 8K miles, pulsing and shimmy started in front end. Had to resurface rotors. Had to do again later at about 35K. Not normal. At 15K reported front end creaks/groans dealer found no problem. At 35K more of the same, dealer replaced front stabilizer/sway bushing. At 38K miles, replaced lower steering column. Helped some but still creaking when steering at low speed. At 53K asked again about steering groan. Dealer says he could fix for about $1000 (of course out of warranty now! and I've been asking about this since 15K miles). Also at 53K, replaced lower ball joints left side and fuel pump. At 59K back in the shop today to replace right ball joints which cause vehicle steering to "wander" and have badly worn inside right tire. Quality of vehicle is lousy and they won't admit it or stand behind it. The rotor and front end problems could be very dangerous because they impair the drivers control of the vehicle.
When driving it feels like vehicle has a mind of its own. Driver will attempt to drive straight, yet it feels like vehicle is alternately pulling towards left and right. Dealer replaced front brake pads and rotors three times. This did not remedy the problem. Vehicle had been examined by dealer five times, and stated no problem could be found with the way vehicle performed.
The brake rotors on my 200 Dodge Dakota warp, causing inefficient braking and vibrations after only 15K miles. Dodge won't acknowledge the defect, in my opinion because they are making too much money on replacement parts. It's dangerous!!
When vehicle hit a bump a clicking sound came from the front wheels. A mechanic examined the vehicle and determined that upper ball joints were severely worn out. Also, rotors on both sides were warped to the point that they couldn't be turned safely.
I have needed to have the rotors on my 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab for the second time now and it only has 39K miles on it! the truck vibrate uncontrollably from highway to anything above 30mph when you try and stop. This problem has been persistant since about 12000 miles on the odometer. Ill Dodge ever stand behind this or make a good replacement part or do we all have to get into an accident??
Front brake rotors warp about every 10 to 11,000 miles. Have had then turned once at approximately 15,000 miles, and have lived with it since then. Cost $115 to turn the rotors the first time, and it's not worth it that often.
While traveling and when depressing the brakes vehicle vibrated until it came to a stop. About every 20K miles the rotors would warp and would need to be replaced. When the brakes were applied at 55 mph, the vehicle would shimmy in the front end, and the steering wheel would also shake when the brakes were applied as well.
I have a poping noise in the front end of the vehicle (2000 Dakota) this has happened since about 5000 miles, I have 50,000 on it now. I still have the problem with more frequency, it definitely sounds like the ball joint issue. We have to do something about this before some is killed, what if is was your son or daughter riding in these vehicles what would you want done. Also I have had the brake rotors turned once and replaced and now they are warped again.
I have been having brake problems with my Dodge Dakota 4X4 club cab truck since the first 6,000 miles. Warped rotors have been replaced at least 5 times and I have also complained about poor stopping power of back brakes. Dodge dealership "checked" them and found nothing wrong. Also having lots of problems with noises from front suspension and am suspecting ball joint problems now because of all the news coming out regarding this problem recently on cbs news.
Brakes on my 2000 Dodge dokota have been replaced three times. They continue to pulse when applied. The rotors have been turned or replaced three times. There seems to be no answer from the Dodge people.
2000 Dodge Dakota front disc brake rotors are rusting from the inside out. This failure caused severe shuttering when brakes were applied. Dealer stated rotors and pads had to be replaced. Consumer was informed that Dodge was aware of the failure but would replace the rotors/pads up to 12K miles or 1 year. Consumer has possession of the defective rotors.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- York, PA, USA