Four problems related to brake drum have been reported for the 2000 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Brake drums are warping prematurely. Dealer/manufacturer is not admitting any problems. . . Although every Dakota owner is experiencing this problem.
Bought truck new, 1200 miles later under normal driving conditions the brakes started shuddering. At 5000 miles Dodge replaced the rear drums under warrantee because of warpage that was causing braking to be more difficult and less controlled. 1500 miles later they started warping again. With 9000 miles on the truck (normal driving conditions) I brought the truck in with the shuddering problem and they told me that it wasn't bad enough to replace or turn under warrantee. 3500 miles later they were bad enought to replace but by the the time I brought the truck in for service they were out of warrantee (12k). Dodge told me they needed to be turned or replaced at my expense (12,500 miles on the vehicle). They continue to warp and cause the truck to shake and pull under normal braking. This is unacceptable for factory installed equipment.
Warped rear brake drums.
Both rear drums were warped after less than 11k miles. I have never towed or hauled heavy loads with the truck.