Seven problems related to brake disc caliper have been reported for the 1999 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driving on take off heard a piping on right side. Front took tire off seen where bolts on caliper pop out from spindle knuckle ## VIN passed ## ##.
Driving to the grocery store about 30 mph needing to brake and the front brakes were gone. Right front caliper bolt broke thread and the caliper came off the spindle, steering caused more grinding and then I thought of the emergency/parking brake. I have replaced the same spindle before, but parts are not available now or before. I can';t find a used/new spindle to repair it and it just passed inspection.
Brakes came apart when applied, no brake. Rattle on rotors, pad damage. Bolts that go through caliper stripped threads from spindle freeing caliper to bounce on rotor I have replaced with used part once hoping for recall, bad news dude!!!.
The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while he was replacing the front passenger's side brake pads when he removed the caliper pin and noticed it was stripped. The contact replaced the pin three different times however, the failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, who stated that the steering knuckle would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
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?.
Two years ago I purchased a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4wd pick up truck with approx. 63k miles. At 68,500 miles I replaced the brake rotors, pads and calipers. The caliper bolts pulled out of the spindle on each wheel and allowed the caliper to drop down onto the rotor causing the brakes to pull to the left side and overheat. When I removed the calipers the bolts were removable by hand and the threading in the spindle was rusted out and would not hold new caliper bolts. I contacted two Dodge dealers (parts dept) and they stated they knew of no problems with the spindles. I checked on the internet and it seems that there has been an ongoing problem with the bolts pulling out of the spindles on this model of Dakota's and durango's. This is clear cut safety problem that should be the responsibility of Dodge and the NHTSA should be forcing them to make the repair or at least provide the parts for a solution. Please note that the left front wheel did begin to overheat and actually began to catch on fire which required me to stop the vehicle and allow it to cool down and temporarily adjust the caliper in order to get home.
- 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.