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.
The brake disc steel is faulty, and pits. This causes very jerky, difficult, and unreliable braking. As if one was braking on top of logs. Two years ago we had the disc(s) machined, and that fixed the problem temporarily. But it returned. Today we are having the discs replaced. I think Dodge should be made aware of this problem, and recall it.
Factory brake components not adequate for stopping this trucks. Everyone who owns a Dakota has a problem with frequent brake rotor warpage. This could be very dangerous Dodge refuses to do anything about it. Owners forced to buy expensive brake overhauls every few thousand miles. Check out the message boards at www.dodgedakotas.com you will see a lot of people with the same problem.
The rotors have continuely warp at about every 12000 miles. I have had them turned 4 times and installed new rotors at about 38000 miles. They are agained warped at 60,000 miles and need to be turned again. Vechile vibrates at 30 to 40 mph when brakes are applied. When rotors are turned the problem goes away for a while.
Dealer indicated that manufacterer is aware of design defect with no fix commited. The front brake rotors warp over time which degrades the braking system performance and confuses the anti-lock braking system in 55000 miles. Rotors have been already turned twice and are already warped again.
- Kirkland, WA, USA
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My rotors have warped 4 times in 38,530 miles. New Dodge parts have been installed. This most recent time I got a surprise. Dodge said aftermarket brake pads had been installed. I have only had brake service performed at marietta Dodge. The previous installation someone must have used after-market front brake pads. Also, this is an on-going problem with this truck. 4 sets of rotors warped in less than 10,000 miles. Not good. Weak brakes.
Rotors deteriorated and would not pass inspection on front wheels. Rotors and brake pads had to be replaced to make vehicle safe to operate. Mileage is 10991 at time of failure.
After about 13000 miles, application of brakes caused increasingly severe shuddering of front of truck accompanied by significant extension of braking distance (at least 30%). narrowly avoided what could have been a major collision. Suspected failure of ABS, took car to dealer who diagnosed it as warped rotors in the front. Dealer turned rotors and reported essentially zero wear on the brakepads. Dealer also replaced brake pads. Dealer surmised that there was a chronic material problem with the Dakota disk brake system. This problem appears to manifest itself again now, some 8000 miles later. When I recently contacted Chrysler by E-mail and explained the problem, their response was merely that there was currently no open problem (hence no action). What is hard to fathom is that NHTSA with some 100 user complaints about the very same safety-related problem does not appear to be pursuing this issue. Corrective action by Dodge in the form of a recall and replacement of the failure-prone disk system is clearly warranted in this situation. Please advise what, if any, action NHTSA is taking, or plans to take, to address this problem. This truly is a matter of "people saving people."
Even with light application of brakes, progressively severe shuddering of entire front end. Service dept. Determined warped brake discs and incorrect brake pad (oem). Disks were turned and brake pads replaced. Now, 5000 miles later, same problem (pulsating condition upon light brake application) manifests itself. What is NHTSA doing to get Dodge to take corrective action? this situation is a safety hazard and needs to be corrected!!! there are over 100 complaints in your database about the identical problem with the same vehicle. Have described the situation to Chrysler but doubt that they will respond with a constructive solution without some pressure from NHTSA. After all, this is all about "people saving people" so let's have some action before we have another Firestone-like disaster on our hands.
Brakes are making loud noises/pulsate when consumer applies them. Also, there is extended stopping distance. Contacted dealer, and dealer is not willing to do anything.
While driving at normal speed and when depressing brake pedal to make a gradual stop brakes failed to respond, causing extended stopping distance. Also, vehicle vibrated upon braking.
While driving and when attempting to make a sudden stop by depressing brake pedal, brakes locked up and failed to respond, causing extended stopping distance. Also, there was sudden vibration. Consumer has contacted dealer.
Vehicle shudders on braking (violently on hard braking), dealer says both rotors needed to be replaced although the original brake pads are still in good condition.
Vehicle pulses while braking, and stoping distance has increased. Dealer has turned the front discs once, at app. 11000 miles, but the problem has since returned at app. 17000 miles. Something must be done to fix this annoying problem. There are too many complaints, of the same problem, by so many owners.
Brakes keep failing on this vehicle -lost control of vehicle slowing down for exit ramp. Left road and slid on grass to a stop. Do you need fatalities to make this an issue? with more then 50 documented complaints on file with NHTSA it wonT be long now.
Pulsation in front braking system at 26000 miles. Brought into dealer and said rotors were warped. Had rotors turned and now 8000 miles later they are warped again. I'm now in the position of replacing rotors on a vehicle that is only 2 years old.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bedford, MA, USA