Eight problems related to brake electric antilock have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Traffic was moving in front of grace covenant church, there was an officer directing traffic. My husband put on the brakes at the moment he realized traffic was not moving any longer. The brakes locked up. When you look at the tire marks on the road, it is apparent the right side tire locked first (the tire mark is much longer) then the left side tire locked (tire mark on road much shorter). He was unable to stop the vehicle before it struck the vehicle in front. The airbag did not deploy in this accident. The concern is that this truck is believed to have abs which means it was malfunctioning since the tires locked up. The concern is this may have contributed to the accident in that he was not able to get the vehicle stopped in time. It was a hard impact which it appears will cause the vehicle to be totaled.
2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab - faulty front and rear brake design I am a mechanical engineer by training. The front rotors and rear disc brakes are of poor design and function. They overheat, warp and begin to pulse. This occurs as a result of small brakes coupled with the large diameter tires and heavy weight of the vehicle. I have had to replace all brakes twice within 3 years (60,000 miles) as a result. These breaks do not brake well and are extremely soft. I have had numerous close calls as a result of these brakes. I would also like to point out that when coupled with this abs system most vehicles continue to "lock-up" and slide creating a potential for serious accidents.
While driving at 50 mph on a raining day consumer applied the brakes and vehicle slid and hit another vehicle, rear ending it. Upon impact,air bags failed to deploy. Driver sustained chest injuries.
Consumer states that when trying to apply anti lock brakes. Brakes will lock up,causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.
When applying brakes vehicle will jerk/pulsate and surge. Dealership is aware of problem.
While driving 35-40 mph applied brakes and pedal faded to floor, no braking action, and vehicle rearended another vehicle. Mileage at that time was 8000. Damage to vehicle about $ 1000. 00 consumer injured leg and nerve system. Vehicle taken to dealer 3 times, cannot duplicate, cannot remedy. Dodge district manager said this was not dangerous enough to do anything about.
Dealer has had an independent company check the problem and did work to the brakes changing the original situation to appear that they were in better working condition without the knowledge of the independent company. The brakes are still unsafe.
Between 30 and 50 mph when applying normal brake pressure the vehicle shudders violently sometimes almost uncontrolably. It started at about 12k miles. Took to dealer and they said found no problem with the brakes. There is a problem!.