Problems with 1999 Dodge Dakota SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Brake line failure, rear brakes seized. replaced rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders 6,500 miles ago (approximately 1 1/2 years ago). several weeks ago 9/23/2011 my truck suffered rear brake line failure - steel line that runs from front to back - failure adjacent left rear tire within frame housing. i discovered the line wall failure within an area of extreme corrosion of the line - approximately six inches of the brake line with remaining nine plus feet of the line in like new condition. further review discovered the left rear brake assembly to be severely corroded, ie shoes, springs, adjusters, etc. as well as the left front rotor assembly. review of the physical body of the truck found the left front cab body mount to be "gone" (rusted away!) as well as several areas of the left side of the body proper also exhibiting oxidation (two years ago this was not the case at all). the remainder of the truck, center section as well as the right side (brakes included) to be in like new condition exhibiting normal wear and tear, with no corrosion. my conclusion, as well as a number of other "gear head friends", is that the new ice inhibitor being added to the center section of our connecticut roads during the winter months is promoting extreme premature corrosion resulting in ultimate failure of brake, and possibly fuel line components, of our vehicles. *tr

I was coming to a stop when suddenly the brake pedal sank all the way to the floor. a hole was later noticed in the hard brake line just below the driver's side door. the entire line is completely rusted as are the lines leading to the other brakes. luckily, nobody was injured. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge dakota. the contact stated that the front brakes would not release, causing the rotors to become extremely hot. the contact replaced all of the front brake components; however, the failure continued to occur. the contact had not spoken with the manufacturer when the complaint was filed. the vehicle was not repaired. the current mileage was approximately 71,000. the failure mileage was approximately 71,900.

Power steering fluid leaking with no visible reason. national transportation safety administration lists a recall for 1999 dodge dakota for inadequate clearance between left front brake tube and power steering hose. called chrysler to see if we could still act on this recall and they told me no such recall exists. is your system accurate in reporting this recall and can we still have this vehicle checked out? it was just bought by my son in september 2009 so he would not have been notified with the original recall. recall no. 00v193000. *tr

1999 dodge dakota had ball joints and tie rod ends replaced. now the consumer has a problem with the brake line and wants to know about any recall information for this vehicle. *nj the consumer was informed the brake line looked a little worn. within a week after the ball joints and tie rods were replaced the brakes went out. the consumer returned to his mechanic and had the brake line replaced. *jb

Caliper bolts separating from spindle causing caliper to fall on to brake rotor. loss of braking to wheel, difficulty steering vehicle. spindle (steering knuckle) had to be drilled out and re tapped and threaded. heli coils (9m) installed to hold caliper bolts. new calipers and rotors installed. further inspection determined that upper ball joint failed. all ball joints will be replaced since the upper ones are not serviceable and i do not trust the lower ones. there has been no recalls for model year 1999 dakota however there are several tsb's #050399, 0200600 and several thousand complaints on the internet. why hasn't this safety issue been addressed by the nhtsa? *tr

After applying the brake to shift gears, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor with very little resistance. the brake light came on the dashboard. when i got out of car, there was a large pool of brake fluid under the driver side door. upon further inspection, i noticed the brake fluid leaking from the rusted brake line. *tr

This is in regards to a 1999 dodge dakota sport with a club cab. it only gets driven a few months out of the year and only has 53,000 mile on it. i drove my truck to the city transfer station on sunday. while backing up to the dumpster my brakes let go. the abs and brake light came on and i was barley able to stop before the truck rolled into the dumpster. upon inspection of the brake system one of the brake lines had rotted and gave way. that following monday i took it to the repair shop. my tech showed me that every brake line under the truck was rotten and had to be replaced costing $900 plus. *tr

Ball joints failed on all four wheels. left front ball joint broke and burned out the brakes. brakes failed. *tr

Around 03/04/2008 i was driving through a credit union parking lot and hit a sheet of ice i engaged my brakes to slow down, but my anti-lock brakes did not work and i slid 25' into an suv causing some costly damage to both vehicles. both vehicles were disabled and had to be towed. also,the airbags on my vehicle did not engage and fortunately i only sustained a minor head injury. *tr

Brake line failed on a 1999 dodge dakota. the main brake line leading to the rear wheels failed. the service tech (mooresville tire in mooresville, in stated that the brake line had not been damaged, it just failed. i don't think that a brake line should fail in a vehicle that is 8 years old. this is a safety hazard. *tr. updated 01/11/08. *lj updated *jb

Aug. 24, 2007 abs @ brake warning lamps light, brake pedal went to the floor. made appointment at a dealership. aug. 25, 2007 1) i found master cycl. was empty (no brake fluid.) 2) found hole in rusted brake line under drivers side door.3) found all brake lines were rusted underneath side of truck. aug. 28, 2007 had truck towed to dealership. aug. 30, 2007 called customer assistance center to check on recall for rusted brake lines. no recalls. given case # 16686272. 1st estimate for repairs $350.00 to 400.00. 2nd estimate for repairs $500.00 to 600.00. 3rd estimate for repairs $700.00 to 800.00. sept. 11, 2007 repairs completed. all brake lines underneath truck were replaced with original parts. total 8 lines. total bill was $865.24 minus a 10% coupon i had total now $781.92. service manager comments: he has a similar truck, after seeing my rusted brake lines, he is going to have all his brake lines replaced on his truck. sept. 14, 2007 called customer assistance center for the 2nd time. gave them updated repair information & told them this is a very serious safety issue & are lucky that i was driving not my wife or one of my children when the brakes went out. asked for refund for repairs, turned down. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge dakota. the contact stated that the brake line is rubbing on the frame of the vehicle. if this continues to occur, it could damage the brake line and cause the brakes to fail. she has not yet notified the dealer or the manufacturer. the powertrain was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 45,000.

1999 dodge dakota applied brake and vehicle pulled to the left**cw** 2nd car from document number 10195900 the consumer stated when the brakes are applied, the brake pads wear, and pressure was being placed on the lugs/slide bars. the consumer also stated that it was also quite possible the brakes could be delayed from engaging because the backing plates are not able to ride up and over the wear spot. the consumer stated when he attempted to apply the brakes a delay in braking occurred, followed by a slight shudder, then the wheel locked up. the vehicle didn't stop and consequently he rear ened another vehicle. *jb

Tl*- the contact owns a 1999 dodge dakota. while driving the contact heard a squealing noise and felt a vibration while depressing the brake. the mechanic stated that the front spindles on his vehicle were defective. the mechanic inserted a bolt that was supposed to keep the caliper attached to the spindle. approximately a month later he heard a loud squealing. the contact checked the brake pads and notice that the pads on the driver's side were worn. the contact replaced front rotors, calipers, brake pads and bolts. there has not been any other occurrences since the replacement. the vehicle current and failure mileage were both 123,000 miles.

My son escaped danger when the transmission/torque converter of his 1999 dodge dakota went out on an interstate highway. after replacing that and heading back home, his u joints and wheel bearings went out almost causing another wreck. these were all repaired. so far $3000 in repairs in a month. then the oil pressure dropped to zero as he was driving. now the oil pump needs replaced. along with the tie end rods, the timing chain, and the serpentine. he'd already had the total brake system replaced this summer. having all the receipts showing regular oil changes, the warranty company refuses to pay for the oil pump because of some sludge in the pump. now i find from researching on the computer that this is a very common problem in durangos and dakotas. we've put $5000 in this truck in less than one month. the manufacturer needs to admit the flaws in this vehicle. they have some responsibility here. we are just glad he was not injured or killed. but we've put over $5000 in a '99 vehicle - which is unfair when the problems are related to the design and manufacture of the vehicle. *nm

The abs light and brake light in my 1999 dodge dakota started staying on after startup intermittently. the lights stayed on more often as time went by. shop couldn't find a problem. eventually both lights were on all the time. vehicle started stalling at stop signs and when going around corners. speedometer wouldn't work at low speeds--came on about the time doors automatically locked (20-25 mph). shop replaced speed sensor. vehicle ran fine for 30 days or less. same symptoms are back. *nm

Dt: contact stated that the brake line rusted through below the driver's side door where it was attached to the frame. the consumer is going to take the vehicle to the service dealer. *ak *nm

Brakes. the steel brake lines are mounted to the top of the frame with a bracket directly under the master cylinder and to the rear of the fender well. the lines have rusted through and burst whlile i was approaching an intersection. fortunately no cars were in front of me and i was able to stop safely. i was amazed as to how rusty the are and left to be that subject to the elements.

My brake rotors constantly pulse very heavily when the brakes are applied. steering is effected and the truck is hard to control when stopping. the abs light is constantly light up. i took the vehicle to a garage to check the abs brakes and they said the brakes were fine but they can not remove the light abs light. this will be my second time replacing my rotors since i bought the truck new. it has 85,103 miles today. i have had numerous problems with the brakes but not the rotors. *ak

Dodge dakota 1999 consumer states vehicle front end wobble, brake vibration and upper/lower ball joint problem. *bf the shock absorbers and transfer case was defective. the power steering pump leaked and there was extra play in the steering. a piece of the exhaust fell off the vehicle. *jb

Dodge dakota 1999 numerous problems with vehicle ball joint and steering mechanisms. *bf there were also problems with the rear end, transmission, engine malfunction lights, poor engine performance which consisted of hesitation and loss of power especially when under a load-going up and hill and seemed to get worse as the gas level in the tank lowered, hard abrupt shifting when in reverse and park to reverse, loud rubbing which was intermittent when making left turns and when stopping, the front would shake, the four wheel drive light was not visible on the dash when activated and would only show when the all wheel drive was activated, and there was a wobble, flexing and or vibration that would be present when braking along with a loose feeling or wobble when turning the front wheels. *sc *jb

To date, i have replaced the following: 1) upper ball joints - both sides 2) lower ball joints - both sides 3) calipers - both sides (front) 4) water pump 5) wheel hubs - both sides (front) 6) catalytic converter 7) headlamp switch. *jb now, i have the following problems: 1) headlamp switch (again) 2) transmission will not shift between gears 3) upper control arm bushings. *jb

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning upper ball joints. consumer brought vehicle to dealer for brake work and discovered the upper ball joints were defective. this vehicle is not included in the upp ball joint recall due to vin. *ak

Prior to the part replacement, i experienced the following with my 1999 dodge dakota pickup (manual transmission). the engine stalled, the speedometer acted erratically and dropped to zero, and the check engine and abs warning lights came on. this occurred while i was still in gear and moving at speeds of 50 mph, 35 mph, 25 mph, and when just starting out after backing out of a parking space. those times when i had sufficient speed, the engine would restart within 10 seconds - if i left the vehicle in gear. at other speeds, the truck stopped dead in the roadway - with traffic behind me having to slam on their brakes. the internet is littered with stories of the failure of the abs/rear wheel speed sensor in dodge vehicles. (for examples, see www.dodgedakotas.com). there are, however, no indications of related accidents. i suspect it is only a matter of time. i researched the problem via the internet and took my vehicle to my local dealer and had them replace the part (at a cost of $85 +$36.10). the vehicle has not exhibited any of the above symptoms since replacing the sensor. i retained the failed part. the issue here is that this sensor should not cause the engine to stall. there are no diagnostic codes associated with this failure. my belief is that the firmware for the onboard computer must be flashed for all models (and the issue corrected for any future models) so that the engine is not told to shut down. i would add that, since this sensor is associated with emissions, the replacement and labor should be covered under the warranty. thank you for letting me vent! *jb

Numerous front end/engine, exhaust, brake and electrical mafunctions/mechanical problems including increasing severity front end wobbling/vibration/flexing when turning wheels, going down a hill and when applying brakes. no accident has occurred yet but owner is very concerned with safety of vehicle and operation. i have contacted,compained, called.e-mailed and faxed the dealer where i purchased this 1999 dodge dakota with suppossedly only 44951 miles -mitchell pre-owned certified on queen street in southington, ct and also the mitchell conglomerate owner steve mitchell as well as mitchell dodge in simsbury, ct who provided this suppossedly inspected, certified safe vehicle to mitchell in southington, ct for sale to the public. *ak

While driving, a loud noise was heard coming from the front end of the vehicle. upon having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic determined that the ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak the ball joint were worn. the upper and lower joints were loose and noisy, and the front brakes had rusted. *sc *jb

During inspection the lower ball joints were found to be defective. the brakes pulsated and the vehicle was hard to stop.*ak

Warped rotors. third set of roters in 46,000 miles. they are too small for this truck. causes pulsating . *ak

When driving the vehicle at an undetermined speed and when braking vehicle vibrated from the front end. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that both front rotors failed. the consumer stated that the front rotors were already replaced. *ak

Brake pedal broke when the suv applied his brake hard to stop for the pickup in front of him. i was behind him about 4 to 5 car lengths going between 40 to 45 mph, i hit the brakes they worked for a split second and the pedal went to the floor. i rear ended the suv. the accident caused about $3500 damage to the suv, $2500. to the pickup in front of it and $6500 to $7000. damage to my 19999 dodge dakota. the point that the brake linkage connects to the brake pedal broke off the brake pedal. *cb

I have experienced clanking and front end jumping when making turns in the front end of my 1999 dodge dakota. this was presented, which was adressed by rotating and balancing the front and back tires come to find out it was my upper ball joints in my suspension !!!!!!!! due to the milage put on my front tires, abnormal wear has occured due to the suspension. i must also replace the damaged tires caused by a dodge defect!!!!!!! i am also suspecting excessive brake wear in the front end due to this.

Every time i used the lighter the fuse would blow, my radio would fail and i would have troubles with my wipers. i checked all fuses and didn't find a problem. all of a sudden my headlights will go out and once in a while if i click my high beams on and off the driving headlights will eventually come back on. i was in northern maine and i lost my power steering. i had to walk through the woods to a cabin i could see had its house light on and knock on the door for help. once my truck was freed from being stuck i had to drive 3 miles back to the mountain w/no power steering. when i brought it to the local dealer they showed me that there was some long silver rod like thing, which had just broken in half!! i didn't think anything of it because it was still covered under warranty. a while later, my brake system had to be replaced at a cost of $800. i said i just didn't have the money at that time. lee dodge of westbrook maine called and said they could fix the problem for $150! i had an accident about january 2001 and my airbag did not go off. i was run off the road in a snowstorm and hit a tree. this past june my truck went in to be inspected and i was told my upper control arms and ball joints needed to be replaced!! even i knew that at 44k or so miles it was far too soon for me to need those parts replaced. i live on a fixed income because i am disabled. when i went to pick up my truck my passenger side door would no longer close correctly, my hood would no longer open and the headlight problem became much worse. before i had the chance to have the car looked at, i had an accident. i had pulled out of my drive and my boyfriend pulled out after me in my brother?s car. when he pulled out of a drive, i went to pull up along side him, my tires were spinning on piles of wet leaves, my wheel would not respond, my gas and my brake would not respond. i had both feet on the floor not either gas or brake... ...

Consumer stated while driving on the highway, the power steering failed, which almost caused an accident . after the power steering malfunctioned, the vehicle was hard to steer. also, the consumer found out that gear box had a hole in it. there was a 2 inch piece of a bolt that was knocked out with forced pressure. the dealer did not want to help the consumer.*ak the steering box leaked and contained excessive play. the rotors and windshield wipes needed to be replaced. *jb *nm

Front rotors need frequent turning, they pulse, i have had them turned three times and they need it again. i have a 1999 dakota, v6, auto 2-wheel drive with 45,000 on it. *jb

It seems that by reading numerous online bbs about dodge dakota's, the problems with the braking problems are very prevalent. i have had problems with my front rotors warping since almost day one with no satisfactory accommodations by the manufacturer or dealer where i bought my new truck. there needs to be a recall because this is certainly a widespread safety problem with this particular make and model. please help the consumer. *nlm

Seems like that the problem with the dakota's and brake rotors is a never ending battle. i replaced my myself back in march after the dealer didn't want to admit that their is a problem with the front disc rotors on the dakota's. i also had the rotors turned 6 months prior before i replaced them. even the guy that turned the rotors told me that the stock rotors on the dakota's were junk.now 4 months after replacing them they are acting like thet are warped again. someone needs to get chrysler (dodge) to own up that their is a problem with the dodge rotors on their dakota's. also after reading some other forums i find that i'm not the only person that has had this problem.*ak

1999 dodge dakota r/t pickup rear brakes are defective. they do not hold adequately. when the truck is jacked up off the ground and put in gear the rear brakes will fail to hold the wheels stopped once the engine reaches approximately 1000 rpm. they should hold the wheels up to 2600 rpm. this causes unsafe braking, excess wear and warping of the front rotors. i am aware of other r/t owners having the same problem and at least one has had their truck bought back by dodge rather than deal with fixing the problem. my local dealer refuses to do anything.

Brake have service twice and rotors have been turned twice. now going on the third time. brake make to much noise and vibrate. *nlm

Pulsating, shaking in brake. i have had to replace the rotors and pads numerous times. pads and rotors never seem to last as long as they should. i have replaced my stock rotors with cross drilled rotors, and that seemed to help for a little while. eventually they warped as well. *ak

I had bought my 1999 dodge dakota in 2001, less than 1 year of purchasing this truck, i lost oil pressure, returned the truck to dealer where they tried to replace my motor with a motor that had more miles, this did not happen. then another year later, gears in my transmission were spent where i had to pay a few thousand dollars to have it repaired. truck has been sitting for a year, cause of engine knocking again, with no oil pressure, also replaced the oil pump, still no pressure. new converter was put in, still good!! brakes and rotors are another big complaint of mine, when i have to constantly replace these parts, like every 6 months, can you tell me why? i used to love dodge, but this truck has been a 1 big headache, even parked, cause i know it is going to be costly to repair it again. *jb

While traveling on highway abs braking light came on dashboard. also, cruise control and airbags are not operable. dealership is aware of problem.*ak

Not sure if rear wheel drive. manufacturer contacted. very lucky leaking brake cyliders caught by mechanics during routine tire rotation. safety issue. *ak

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

When applying brakes vehicle bounced and vibrated, also there was extended stopping distance. dealer determined that front brake rotors were warped, and needed to be replaced, front caliper was sticking and that was also replaced. *ak *yd

When starting vehicle brake light came on. after releasing parking brake, light stayed on. consumer states after a couple of minutes abs,engine check light, and emrgency brake light was on, then, vehicle died. consumer has not contacted dealer. please provide any further information.*ak

Water pump failure, after replacement of catalytic converter exhaust leak detected, slow speed from 2nd to 3rd gear, gear sticks from 3rd to 4th gear, rough idling, odometer reading failure, abs light stays on, check engine light remains lit, gas tank sensor failure (reads empty when tank is full), when driving approx. 10 - 20 mph engine stalls / shuts off, coming to stop engine shuts off, vehicle vibration when brakes applied to come to a stop or slowing down (rear brakes), engine pings / knocks in normal operation at speeds from 30 to 70+ mph, after the engine warms up, anti-lock / abs sensor out, fuel gauge - sending unit malfunction, intake manifold gasket leaking, gasket cracked / leaking, thermostat gasket leaking, drive belt cracking / deteriorating, fuel induction system failing. problems with this vehicle since date of purchase. purchased from honda north dealer.*jb

Consumer complained regarding brake system operation. consumer has to pump brake pedal several times before braking system will activate and slow vehicle down. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak

Brakes failed while approching oncoming traffic, applied brakes and vehicle continued on until it rear ended another vehicle. dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak

Consumer went to dealership for recall 00v198000/ brake hose repairs, and was denied service. please provide any additional information. *ak