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.
It happened a few times. I would hit my brakes, and they would be solid, I would not slow down, if I release them and hit them again, then thy would stop. By that time I would be half through the intersection. I called Chrysler, but they seem to care.
Brake problems which I believe are related to ABS system on 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab with factory installed towing package. I am running the third set of disc brake rotors on the front and second set of drums on the rear with just over 97,000 original miles on this truck. I bought the vehicle new and there have been no accidents or damage to this vehicle.
- the contact owns a 2002 Dodge durango. When the contact engaged the brakes and the ABS took over. The brakes squeaked and did not immediately stop the vehicle unless the contact took foot off the pedal and applied the brake again. The contact removed the ABS fuse and the brakes worked normally. However, the speedometer was also connected to that fuse so the speed was not registering correctly without the fuse. The contact was driving 45mp at the time of the failure.
- the contact stated that while driving his 2002 Dodge Dakota on approximately December 15, 2006; while traveling at 40 mph, the brakes failed and to avoid hitting another vehicle he struck a curb. The contact stated that the ABS does not engage properly. The contact stated that the brakes do not stop the vehicle during sudden stops. The dealer test drove the vehicle and stated it is operating as expected. The contact stated there have been no warning indicator lights. The vehicle has approximately 91,000 miles.
ABS system causing steering wheel oscillation; brake rotors and pads replaced, no change. Rear ABS pulsating causing rear axle to vibrate enough to momentarily lift rear tires off pavement. Neither problem extant during rain conditions. Problem intermittent: Approx 30% of the time for front only; approx 60% for rear only; both conditions simultaneously, mixed.
- St. Augustine, FL, USA
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While applying the brakes at no particular speed there was abnormal operation of the windshield wipers, horn, and lighting system. All of them came on and off all by themselves. The consumer has not taken vehicle to a dealer but planned to do so. The consumer was referred to an independent mechanic, and he could not determine the cause of the problem. No corrections or repairs have been made. No explanation as to why this occurred. This only happened when brake pressure was applied. NHTSA recall 03V389000 was issued but it was for the manual transmission vehicles only-the consumer has an automatic transmission.
I love this vehicle, however will join the masses reporting a failed upper ball joint at 55,000 miles, 3 sets of warped front brake discs and lack of proper braking for the ABS system.
This is my second posting. My 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab is still dangerous to drive because the four wheel ABS system will not stop the vehicle in a panic situation. When the brakes are applied hard, the ABS kicks in and releases the wheels but if I let off when that happens and reapply the brakes, there is almost no braking. The pedal seems to hit a block and the truck continues to roll almost freely. The problem is really exacerbated over rough surfaces or on wet pavement. I've learned to give myself about five times the normal safe following distance but that just results in people pulling in front of me to take advantage of the gap and thereby taking away the safety margin I need with this vehicle. There are many posts and complaints about this exact problem. Is anyone there listening" the dealers can duplicate the problem but are told by Chrysler that the system is functioning normally. Please do something. Does someone have to die in a accident before you investigate and provide some answers"
ABS system does not work properly. Rear wheels lock up at low speeds when road is wet then release brakes causing the vehicle to accelerate. Does same if rear wheel hit a bump or pot hole during braking. Brakes release during mild stops. This condition has caused several close accidents. Took to dealer and they replaced the ignition switch. This did not resolve the problem.
With around 15,000 miles on 02 Dodge Dakota was told front rotors had to be replaced and subsequently were at 20,000 miles. Less then year later with 30,000 miles rotors must be replaced again at cost of $390. New truck twice in a year, with known problem dealer sticks head in sand and ignores.
ABS brakes continue not work properly under wet road conditions and at 40 mph, during emergency stop, wheels initially lock up and then release all together. Reoccurrance of similar event documented in ODI #10049545. Avoided rear end collision by driving off road into ditch. These brakes have a serious problem and need to be investigated. Dealer continues to state that they are working as designed for a two wheel ABS system.
Upon applying the brakes, the front of the vehicle dips with the rear of the vehicle lifting. As a result, the rear wheels lock up very easily, causing the ABS system to kick in. When the ABS system kicks in, the vehicle feels like the accelerator was pressed. I have driven many other types of trucks and never encountered a truck with such poor braking. The truck should be designed to limit the rear from lifting while braking.
Consumer complained that ABS locked up when applying the brakes on wet road surface. Vehicle was inspected by an repair shop, and they could not locate the problem.
Traveling approx 25 mph on wet roads. Applied brakes nothing happened. Truck didn't slow down with brake to floor. Collision occurred (rear-ended another vehicle) and front airbags did not deploy. Wearing seat belt.
When the brake pedal was depressed to slow down the vehicle when approaching an intersection at 20 - 25 mph it failed to do so. As a result, consumer applied more force to the brake pedal. Then, tabs locked up and the vehicle skidded. Vehicle stopped when it smashed into another vehicle. Upon impact, none of the frontal air bags deployed. This incident occurred while driving on a wet road. Prior to the accident, brake pedal vibrated when depressed.
For a vehicle supposedly with an ABS brake system, this Dakota's wheels lock up at the slightest presence of water. This caused me to slide into the rear of another vehicle during a rainstorm at something less than 20 mph. I sustained $5,000 damage to my truck, and the airbags did not deploy. This is the only accident I have ever had in over 40 yrs of driving. Testing stopping distances on wet pavement are at best, scary. This thing locks wheels too easily in my opinion, causing uncontrollable skids that I have never experienced in my 1990 Dodge Caravan, or any other car I have ever owned.
At 35,500 I was told that my front brakes and rotors had to be replaced because the rotors were pitted and brakes were worn. I could understand brakes pads need replacing (although I do most driving on a highway therefore not using brakes much) but rotors need replacing because of pitting; something is wrong here. In addition, ever since I've had this truck (rear anti-lock brakes) I notice that when the anti-lock kicks in it seems as though I've lost alot of braking power. I've found myself in the middle of an intersection at times because the truck wouldn't stop and I was not going that fast. I had a truck cut in front of me one day on the highway (someone in front of him had stopped) and the only way I advoided hitting him was to drive off on the shoulder of the road; the brakes quit working. I have a '92 Dakota with rear anti-lock brakes and it stops with out problems.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Canton, OH, USA