Problems with 2002 Dodge Dakota SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Warped rotors. a known issue among many, many dodge truck owners. front rotors seem to warp every 20,000 miles or so. i've read many complaints on websites for dodge truck owners experiencing the same problems. it seems the only fix is to purchase high performance "drilled or vented" rotors at a very high cost. this is a manufacturer issue as the problem has carried over the years anywhere from 1995 through 2002. i've read where people have had the dodge dealerships replace with dodge rotors only to experience the same problem. this is a big issue!! i am now going through this for the second time around and am looking at having to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to resolve this issue. dodge needs to address this and be held accountable for this problem.

2002 dodge dakota (18,000 mi), 4wd, v8, x-cab. brakes warped. i had a 1999 dodge dakota (38,000 mi), 2wd, v6, x-cab that the brakes warped and had to be turned a total of 3 times before i sold the vehicle. the dealer states that this is normal usage for brakes.*jb

The brakes on my truck started pulsating at around 13000 miles. i called the dealership to ask about this problem and they said the brakes need a checkup but are out of warranty so they'll have to charge me for everything. this shouldn't be happening on a brand new vehicle. the truck starts to vibrate and shake almost violently when light braking pressure is applied. i'm in the process of getting my brakes/rotor replaced.*ak

Front brake rotors are warped/pulsate/out of round. pads are still ok, have torques lug nuts everytime to 95 ft/lbs with a hand torque wrench. rear brakes drums are constantly adjusted. *nlm

Braking for 4 months has become progressively worse. the dealer states that it was warped rotors. the dakota truck is only 1.5 years old with 23,000 at first start of problem. the dealer states they can't be turned due to severe rust pitting when i brake the truck hops into the next lane . the dealer states that it is not under warranty. i suspect that there are more trucks with this problem out there. i believe this is a manufacture defect. *jb

Dodge dakota and durango years 2000 to 2003 that i know of from me and my friends. i have a 2002 dakota and when the anti lock brakes engage the vehicle surges forward do to engine idle speed most likely from booster vacuum dump off. i am a ase certified mech and i understand how the abs brakes are suppose to react when applied. my friend has an earlier model durango and has the same problem. *nm

Brakes, vibration when applying brakes, warped rotor. *nlm

Defective brakes and rotors. there are many, many others just like myself going through the same problem. either it is a portioning problem which the causes the majority of the braking weight to be absorbed by the front brakes which causes rotors to warp due to the self adjusting back brakes, which do not function properly. or the fact that the front rotors are not sufficient to carry the weight of the v8 quads. either way, there are too many postings to list from other dodge truck owners at www.dodgetalk.com and www.dodgedakotas.com forums that list the same problem. the fix is unfortunate for owners as it can range anywhere from 600.00 - 1500.00. when you purchase a truck that costs 25,000.00 - 35,000.00 you are putting your money into something that should be durable beyond the standard 12,000 warranties on this particular item. i've read postings whereas people have had this problem start at the low mileage of 5,000 up to 25,000 miles. this is unacceptable!! i've contacted chrysler and received an "oh well, it's your problem not ours" attitude. this problem started at approx 20,800 miles for me under normal highway driving conditions. this is my 2nd complaint on your website!! please help us!!!! everyone who has contacted chrysler has gotten the same response. i've read where some of the owners received warranty repair within the 12,000 mileage range only to have it happen again after the warranty limitations without help from chrysler beyond the 12,000 even though it was an issue that was on going prior to the expiration. with the cost of vehicles these days and the outrageous monthly payments, this should not be happening. chrysler is not responding to any of us. help!!! to say that brakes are not a safety issue is ludicrous!!!*ak

Vibration when applying brakes. warped rotors at only 27,000 miles when used only for commuting to and from work, mainly highway miles. was told that many things could cause premature wearing and or warping of the rotors such as heavy towing and high temp's. none of which the truck has endured. i do not/have not towed anything and furthermore the warping happened in the middle of winter so, high heat couldn't have been the cause either. i've done extensive research online and realize now that many other people are experiencing the same problems with this model and year. dodge will not assist with resolving the issue as they will only warranty rotors up to 12,000 miles. the other cases i've read about seem to happen at or within 10,000 miles. this is a serious issue that dodge needs to address and take responsibility of. not only the brake issue but i am also experiencing similar problems as others with the upper ball joints. mine have already had to be replaced because they were so loose that you could move them with your hand. dodge should be help accountable for these issues!!!! *nlm

No single incident. many abs braking problems every day. replaced rotors, calipers, drums, brake shoes and rear sensor. problem persists. *nm

Repeat warping of brakes. rotors and drums warped at 30k. turned. again warped at 36k. no hills, trailering, abnormal driving conditions.

I am having problems with the brakes, which causes a shudder under moderate braking. the front brake pads are dragging all of the time, causing the rotors to overheat and warp. the warped rotors are the only problem that the dealer acknowledges, but there is obviously some defect that is causing the rotors to warp after only 15,000 miles.*ak

My rotors on my dodge dakota 4x4 (2002) began to warp at 15,000 miles. i am now at 40,000 miles and the vibration has become so bad that i will be replacing them. this problem is so bad that it is a very bad safety issue. i have heard many other people having the same problem. i have never had to replace rotors before 80,000 miles. in my opinion a recall should be issued for this safety defect in this vehicle. *nlm

Front rotor on 2002 dakota warping for second time. had them turned about 10,000 miles ago and are already starting to warp again. dealer offering non-warranty solution. dealer admits it is common with the dakotas and durangos but there is no recall notice on them so there is nothing they can do. *jb

Front rotors warp after only 20,000 miles . dealer could not turn them due to the severe rust pitting .after extensive research i find this problem very common. all of the repair shops and dealers and a majority of dakota owners have had warped rotors. this is a severe safty issue due to the dimished brake capacity of defective rotors.*ak

Front brakes lock up. truck currently has 23000 miles because i do not want to drive a truck that the brakes lock up to the point that i am pulled into the opposing lanes or onto the median. has been happening since 2002 and happens about once every 5 or 6 times i use the truck. there doesn't seem to be any time or reason for this and it is very unpredictable. *tr

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. *ak

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Consumer was in traffic, applied brakes, and pedal was hard. he put vehicle in reverse, and released emergency brake to stop. dealership is aware of problem. *ak

Consumer was traveling about seven miles with both feet on brakes vehicle went into traffic without prior warning. consumer had to shift vehicle into reverse, and pull emergency brake in order to stop.*ak

Dodge dakota 4x4 2002 /have been experiencing front end problems with truck since purchase. brought in numerous times to dealer for brake issues[front rotors,pads,rear drums and discs].told multiple times there is no problem, its the way you drive. truck has never been abused,very well cared for. after the 5th time to dealer finnally told that the upper ball joints need replacment.this was after one full year of denial.notified dealer of noise at the steering wheel,told they could not vrify the complaint would probably go away after replacing upper ball joints.one week later after replacment of upper ball joints ,same noise reoccured [loud clunking sound at front end]took back to dealer only to be told that the bottom ball joints need replacment,no mention one week prior about wear on lower area.dealer also stated that the noise noted coming from stering wheel from previous complaints was now thought to be an intermiediate shaft in the steering column,this same noise that one week earlier could not be identified.at 30,000 miles my entire differential gear assembbly needed replacment.i have been charged multiple warranty deductibles on what seems to me to be, the same problem and possibly a canidate for lemon status.at what point will the consumers right's be protected.i am joining a class action lawsuit in regards to chrysler/daimler and suggest to everyone who reads this to do the same.check out www.dodgetalk.com for info and links.also i reccomend to anyone who has had problems with their daeler in terms of denials/non repairs/faulty workmanship/or any related costs out of pocket to file formal complaints and contact a local lemon law attorney in relation to their actions and lack of proper business ethics.only until we make change happen can we acctually achieve it.good luck to everyone who reads this.*ak

When consumer is at a stop, consumer states' when applying the brakes the brake pedal went to the floor. please provide any further information. ts