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.
I have a 2001 Dakota quad cab 4X4 purchased new and the inside of the front rotors wear out extremely fast. They become damaged on the inside of the rotor appearing extremely rusted and as if maybe they overheated on the inside. 64,000 and this has happened 2 times. Dealers deny this is common, my brother has a 2002 (purchased new) and has had the same problem. Ball joints failed on both trucks, steering rack and rear differential leaks on both.
: the contact stated while having the vehicle serviced, the dealer noticed the brake pads and rotors were worn and needed to be replaced. Also, upon starting the vehicle, the key would not turn the ignition switch. The dealer determined the switch needed to be replaced. The contact removed the switch and cleaned it with no further problems. Updated 11/30/2006 - the check engine light was illuminated constantly. The dealer determined there was a vacuum leak. The wheel cylinder locked up.
Front rotors become hot and warped. It was under warranty and rotors were rotated and put back on. Received the vehicle back and it still felt like rotors were still warped... a lot of shaking in the steering wheel and brake pedal.
At 32,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Corrected by 'turning' rotors (resurfacing). At 58,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Corrected by 'turning' rotors. At 70,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Corrected by replacing rotors. At 90,000 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Corrected by 'turning' rotors. At 100,200 miles front end vibration when breaking. Problem-warped rotors. Dealer suggests replacing rotors. This seems to be a recurring problem. The same thing occurred on my 1997 Dakota. The dealer told me then that the rotors warp when they are hot(from use) and then get wet. (so I guess I shouldn't use the brakes in wet/rainy conditions) the warped rotors are caused by a design flaw, either the brake system is not 'sized' properly (ie insufficient stopping power causing excessive heat build-up) or the rotors are inferior(metal grade). I believe most owners do not complain about this problem because the Dodge dealers convince them that this is routine maintenance. The truck is great otherwise.
Front brake rotors have been replaced 3 times on my vehicle with mopar parts. I have owned the vehicle for 2 years and have put 40,000 miles on it. The rotors are only lasting in the area of 10 - 15000 miles. I spoke with my local mechanic and he has told me this is a known issue with the Dodge Dakota and I better get use to replacing them or get use to driving with warped rotors.
- Gray, ME, USA
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I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota with a bad brake system. I feel the braking system is inadequate for the weight of a Dakota. I'm the second owner purchased at 29,000 miles. The first owner had the front rotors replaced under warrenty. I now have 70,000 miles and had 4 front brake jobs. 1st time turned rotors replaced pads, that lasted about 10,000 miles. 2nd time replaced rotors with factory ones, again lasted about 10,000 miles,3rd time replaced rotors with aftermarket vented, to help cooling, again lasted around 10,000 miles,4th time was today I turned the rotors. I have talked to the dealer an they give me the run a round saying driver habbit.
My 2001 Dodge Dakota is now experiencing its third occurance of warped rotors. The truck only has 37,000 miles on it. The problem reappears about every 12,000 miles. He dealer says there is no defect with the rotors. I don't believe them. After looking at the Dakota web site, I find there are many other owners that have experienced the same problem on almost the same recurring time schedule. The pulsating caused by the warped rotor could affect the ABS system during hard braking. It is time for the manufacturer to deal with the problem.
Brake rotors very rusted and disintegrating with metal flaking off and had to be replaced with less than 30,000 miles. I did not experience any warping of the rotors or shaking of vehicle when braking as others have. The badly deteriorated rotors were discovered when I took the vehicle in for routine maintenance for a cross country trip. After reading other similar reports regarding the brake rotors on 2001 Dodge Dakotas, it appears that daimler-Chrysler has a problem with these brake parts and has not addressed the problem.
Brake pedal pulsated when applying brakes at various speeds. Vehicle had been to the dealer on three separate occasions to have the rotors turned. However, the problem recurred. Consumer was concerned that the front rotors were wearing out prematurely.
Factory rotors are defective. Rotors warp at low mileage causing partial brake failure. Daimler Chrysler is aware of defect and chooses not to address.
I would like to know why Dodge has not recalled the Dodge Dakotas for defective ball joints and disc rotors. I have scanned the internet and found a large number of people who have had the same problem as I. my 2001 Dakota was purchased in December. Of 01 and has 44,000 miles. I am 54 years old and this was my first new vehicle. Unfortunately it was a Dodge. I will never own another Dodge product, and if asked my opinion will not recommend Dodge to anyone !!!!!!!!! please send this to the Dodge Corp.
The brakes on my Dakota have been causing problems since there was approximately 7,000 miles on the truck. The truck now has about 20,000 miles and the rotors need turned down and new brakes. There seems to be something wrong with the brake system that would cause them to go bad so quickly.
I own a Dodge Dakota quad cab 2001 5.9 V8 the brakes have always sucked. The front rotors warped over and over again I'm forced in buying a bigger kit that will cost me $3,000. The rear end leaks and the dealer says its natural. These two problems have been with me for 6 months after purchase. I will not buy another Dodge again. I think the transmission is going now and the steering pump is going too. The truck has 66,000 miles now. It looks nice but hp, brakes and over all performance sucks. If I was in the creative end working for Dodge I could improve their vehicles greatly.
I own a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4 sle that we purchased new. In the last 6 months, and with only 49000 miles on the truck currently, the following failures have occurred: (1) (from February 2004 to present) the factory-installed external wiring harness (for towing a trailer) melted from the inside out, shorting out the electrical system. (2) brakes would pulsate anytime brakes were applied. Dealer attributed this to warping of rotors and replaced pads and turned the rotors. Dealer noted a spring on driver-side caliper was missing and replaced it as well. (3) the heater/ac controls failed. (4) went for state inspection and inspector failed truck due to failure of upper ball joints and brakes. The same brakes I just had fixed in February. Premature failure of ball joints attributed to "typical problem for Dakotas/durangos". well if it's typical, why isn't there a recall?? the dealer had no answers. Failure was a result of calipers not releasing properly causing the rotors and brake pads to "glaze". dealer opted to pick up the tab for the new rotors and the new pads, only at my request. The new calipers and brake lines still cost me $800. Again I'm wondering why I'm paying for so much on a truck that is only 3 years old with only 49000 miles. (5) unknown problem at startup when engine is cold. Pressing the accelerator causes the engine to sputter. Problem exists until engine is warm then goes away. Two Dodge dealerships and neither can figure out the problem as there is no computer error code coming up. All items mentioned were paid for by me unless otherwise specified. Had any of these issues been a result of negligence, or lots of mileage, or had the Dodge dealership(s) opted to pay for items that were the obvious result of poor craftsmanship, I wouldn't complain. But, the failures relating to the brakes could quite possibly have resulted in an accident which risks my life and that of my wife, and Dodge doesn't seem to care.
PE 03-032, front susp. Upper ball joint:the vehicle was taken in for an oil change and the consumer found that the upper ball joints were worn. The vehicle's rotors were also warped.
While applying the brakes, the vehicle jerked uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and took it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion. Two weeks before talking to the dealer, the consumer was informed that the front rotors were coming apart and could not be turned. (defective steel, big chunks of metal missing, laminated steel) the dealer stated that it seemed like pockets were in the rotors.
Dodge Dakota rotor warps. I have less than 16,000 miles and the car began shaking upon applying brakes. Increase stopping distance. Took vehicle to dealer and was told my rotors were warped. Offered to turn at my expense. No other solutions offered. Researched problem and found to be widespread. Taking vehicle back to dealer. Also liftgate improperly latches unless slammed hard. A/C blower motor went out in winter and was unable to clear windows.
Consumer complained about a brake problem. While driving at any speed brakes locked up. Vehicle had been to dealer on 4 separate occasions. Dealer replaced rotors, booster power unit, calipers, master cylinder and pads. Vehicle was still having the same problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Waynesboro, VA, USA