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 contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 20 mph, the calipers seized on the passenger side rotors. The failure occurred several times and the contact replaced the calipers himself. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000. Updated 9/4/14
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed smoke rising near the front passenger side wheel and the vehicle began to veer to the right. The contact discovered that the front passenger side brake caliper failed. The failure occurred numerous times. The contact replaced the front passenger side caliper and rotor and remedied the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Continued problems with front brakes. Had to replace the rotors at 35,552 miles (see ODI #10200119), had to turn those rotors at 46,295 miles (see ODI #10200122), had to replace front brakes at 50, 230 miles (see ODI #10200127), had to replace front left calipers at 51,116 miles (see ODI #10200129). Two weeks after replacing the calipers, drove short distance (all highway miles). When I stopped the truck, strong brake smell coming from underneath the front end. I let the car sit for a while and continued on. Now it's intermittent. Calipers appear to be sticking again - intermittently. Vehicle pulls and brakes feel inconsistent like they are coming on way too hard but then pulsing.
Continued problems with front brakes. In July 06, rotors had to be replaced with only 35,552 miles on the truck (see ODI #10200119). In March 07, the new rotors had to be turned at 44,6295 miles (see od #10200122). In May 07, vibrations in the front end returned and there was a strange rattling noise coming from the front end. Dealer replaced the brakes at 50,230 miles (see ODI #10200127). I drove the vehicle about 17 miles (all highway miles). When I stopped, smoke was rolling out of the front left side and there was a strong brake odor. I took it to the dealer the next day. Technician indicated it was sticking calipers. Technician replaced front left caliper. Total cost $121. (note - dealer did not charge me for labor on caliper replacement.)
Brake failure. Brakes would not apply and consequently ran through a busy intersection at 50 mph barely avoiding crossing traffic and stopped traffic. Found missing caliper pad. Replaced all pads on front and turned the rotors. Also replaced the rear cylinder seals. 1 week later right front brake severely overheated and was red hot after a seven mile commute home with only seven stops at low speed (normal braking). Mechanic found evidence of burned outer edge of rotor. Pads actuated normally. Re-turned right rotor to verify no warping had occurred. No parts required. Brakes have lost some stopping power since before the first incident and my confidence has been effected. Cost of repairs $400+.
- Enon, OH, USA
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The front right brake calipers locked up on the vehicle causing the brakes to be applied without pressing on the brakes. After replacing the right calipers, rotor (warped from heat), and brake hose, 12 miles away, the left caliper locked up. This is a huge safety issues because the brakes are applied without the intention of the driver.
Under normal driving conditions in the northeast I have experienced two separate instances where the front brakes would not disengage or remained partially engaged while driving. First failure at approximately 30,000 miles, mechanic found calipers to operate normally but replaced all pads and rotors due to heat damage evident on "passenger side" front. Second failure at approximately 35,000 again found calipers operating normally but replaced front brake line, brake fluid, pads and machined rotors. Mechanic unable to determine why the brakes freeze when everything appears to operate as designed.
While driving at various speeds up to 55 mph the truck began pulling to the left and deceleration was much greater than normal. At this time I decided to pull off the road to investigate. Noticed lots of heat coming from drivers side disk break. When restarting and moving forward the truck stopped very quickly. The failure was, the caliper did not retract, causing the disc brake to overheat and it seized up. This failure could cause the truck to pull left into on coming traffic. A tragedy could come of this if this failure is not corrected. The truck dealer had no explanation but noticed other worn parts that should be replaced unrelated to the brake failure.
2002 Dodge Dakota brake calipers lock up, the date below is not the first time this happened to me. The first time was on April 20th 2005, the left caliper locked up. I had that caliper replaced. The second time the right caliper locked up on the right side on June 3rd 2005. Now the third time around and I have information that I am not the only one. On August 12th I paid for a tow charge and came close to a fire. One of the other people that informed me of the same problem had there caliper catch fire. I hope this information helps. I had no luck with the manufacturer. I will try and have them hold this caliper for you to look at. Thanks.
The front left brake caliper on my 2002 Dodge Dakota siezed up causing the left front wheel to overheat to the point of smoking.the brake fluid was ruined, the pads destroyed, the rotor damaged, and the wheel bearing grease broken down. Fair oaks Dodge of fairfax va had no explanation for this incident. They repaired the damage at my expense with only the calipers covered under warrenty. This is not the only instance of daimler Chrysler brakes failing in this manner. Please look into this matter. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Thought I would "buy american" and get the Dodge Dakota 4 dr crew. Love its style, comforts, more power than I need (4.7L V8) 2wd has no traction in snow or ice. Very easy to drive and comfortable 6ft.2 220lbs.(2 trips NJ to calif.) gas mileage stinks...13-18mpg, no loads. Brake rotors replaced 28K, left top ball joint worn (no recall yet)A/C needed charging, right front hub and bearings replaced 49K, rear leaf spring noisy, transmission hesitation occasionally. Great truck to drive and haul but reliability really in question with only 49K. Probably back to Nissan or Toyota.
The front brakes on my truck was diagnosed with defective rotors. I do mostly highway driving so I expected 40,000 to 50,000 miles on the front brakes. I had 15,000 miles on the truck for its 1st brake inspection and was told at that time that I still had approximately 80% of pads left. I brought the truck in at 31,000 and requested to have the brakes inspected again. I was taken by surprise when they told me that the rotors were shot and asked to see them before I would authorize a repair. The mechanic told me that there was over 50% of the brake pads left but somehow the brake rotors were scored so badly that they could not be cut down to repair them, they must be replaced, and I could also see that the rotors were that bad. Considering that there was a lot of brake pad left I opted not to spend the $565 at this time and get more life out of the brakes. They still stop the vehicle with no problems. I feel that this should be looked into.. defective metal in the rotors, ( not hard enough ), defective pads, ( hard steel embedded in them ) etc.
Brake caliper got stuck open while driving. The vehicle was impossible to control. No one was injured. Also there was no warning and we have done regular maintenance as suggested in the owners manual.
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- Myrtle Beach , SC, USA