Brake Disc Rotor problems of the 2002 Dodge Dakota - part 1

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed smoke rising near the front passenger side wheel and the vehicle began to veer to the right. The contact discovered that the front passenger side brake caliper failed. The failure occurred numerous times. The contact replaced the front passenger side caliper and rotor and remedied the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Front rotors replaced at 35k (see odi #10200119). Only 8 months later, at 46,295 miles brakes started pulsing again. Took the vehicle back to the same dealer. They indicated the rotors had to be turned. Technician also suggested clean and adjust the rear brakes. Total cost was $137.

"pulsing" vibration in front end while braking. Dealer indicated the front rotors were "warped and pitted" and needed to be replaced. Vehicle only had 35,552 miles on it, but it was out of warranty because of time limit. Dealer did not cover under warranty. Cost of replacement $165. 00.

2002 Dodge Dakota purchased new 10/2001. March 2004 noticed grinding noise when applying brakes. Brakes were metal against metal. Dealer replaced rotors and pads (and charged for service) at 20940 miles. March 2006, noticed pulsing when applying brakes. Different service center said rotors were rusted and replaced; also cleaned and adjusted rear brakes and performed front caliper "slider service. " mileage 40239. I believe brakes should last more than two years and/or 20000 miles.

I have had a warped rotor on the right front side 3 times now. It was turned twice, replaced once, and now it's warped again. I'm facing replacing the calipers and rotors upfront. I have heard several other Dodge Dakota owners complain about this, so obviously, they have a supplier that is not up to par. This shaking is dangerous - with abs, a wet road, and some clown pulling in front of you, the warpage does very strange things with the abs - and you really have to stomp on the brakes to override the abs feature. I've owned mopar products exclusively since 1981; I doubt seriously that I'll ever buy another one.

The brake rotor on my 2002 Dodge Dakota continuously warp. I had them turned at 30,000 by the dealer and now I going to replace them at 42,000. I do not tow anything with my truck or use hard braking. I've read multiple message board with hundreds of people having the same problem. Dodge says it's not an equipment problem, but obviously it is. I would hope the NHTSA would investigate this problem and have Dodge correct it. Dodge has put the wrong material on these truck and thousands of people are affected, but Dodge does not want to take the responsibility.

I too have just had to replace the front rotors on my 02 Dakota. I have never owned any vehicle where the rotors had to be replaced, with far more mileage than this truck(44k). The dealer says "they rotors are overheating" well if the truck is used mostly for freeway use, isnt hauling loads or towing, and its only weight is on the brakes, it would seem to the most ignorant that there is definately defective materials in the brake system.

Rusting and pitted brake rotors on 2002 Dodge Dakota. Vehicle has less than 40k miles and is garaged in winter months. Inspection showed brake pads were not worn out but rotors were pitted and had to be replaced. Manufacture defect. I paid $406 to have brake pads and rotors replaced. Could have had a brake failure. Chysler took my complaint and said it was past the warrenty mileage.

While braking at any speed vehicle shimmied. Dealership informed the consumer of the front brake rotor wear. The problem was not resolved.

Regarding the daimler Chrysler recall of my 2002 Dodge Dakota 4 wheel drive truck. One of the reasons they may be having problems with the upper ball joints has to do with the lousy metal used on the front brake rotors. I have had the truck for 3 years and under normal braking there is shuttering, and much worse during heavy braking. This has been a problem developed in the first few months and has only worsened. The local dealer inspected the brakes and said the pads are fine but the rotors are warped.

Front brake rotors are warping extremely early.

December 6, 2004 I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cabu and noticed a shaking feeling when applying my brakes when going down hill on 11/25/04. This problem has continued to happen. I have also noticed that when going over bumps that there is a loud creaking noise. I brought my vehicle in for any oil change and asked to have a road test done to see what might be causing the problems. I was informed by the mechanic that my front brake rotors were completly rusted, rotted out, and had grooves all over them. I was also informed that my ball joints were "shot" and needed to be replaced. I have 22,000 miles on my Dakota and do not believe that this is exceptable to have my front brakes completely replaced! I spoke to the service manager at the dealership I purchased the Dakota from and was told that Dodge's warranty only covers brakes for 12 months or 12,000 miles! after reading the NHTSA's complaints for a similiar problem, I see that this problem seems to happen when the vehicle's mileage is approximately between 20,000-25,000 miles. Not very happy with Dodge about this problem! dealership did not seem to be very understanding.

Brakes shaking seems rotors are warping early. Pads look like new not much wear on them. I feel unsafe. Please save lives here. Thank you.

1. After driving vehicle several miles, audible "groan" comes from front suspension of vehicle during turns. No problem with steering, no excessive play, but makes that moaning sound. Suspect ball joints. This is an ongoing problem. 2. At 46,000 (approx) had to replace 1 rotor, 1 drum on brakes for excessive vibration during stops. Problem cleared for about 18,000 miles, now doing same thing again. Suspect Dodge's supplier of rotor and drums is not very good.

On July 17, 2003, I purchased a 2002 Dodge ram 1500 quad cab, VIN# [xxx], from hyde park motors, in hyde park, NY. In October of 2003, I experienced a problem with the front end shaking whenever applying the brakes to stop the vehicle. Hyde park motors repaired the vehicle, and stated the rotors were warped, which caused the shaking in the front end. I again recently noticed a similar shaking problem in the front end while applying the brakes. Upon bringing the vehicle to hyde park motors, the service manager called to advise me that the rotors were warped yet again. I was then told that when they replaced the rotors last year, it was done so merely as a measure of "good will", and this was a "wear and tear" issue that is not covered under warranty. I then called daimler/Chrysler at 800-992-1997 and spoke with an individual by the name of josh. I explained the situation to him, at which time he contacted hyde park motors to investigate the issue. Upon calling me back, josh informed me that this was not of issue to Chrysler and it was a "wear and tear" situation. Upon questioning the fact that there has been only 14,746 miles since the rotors were last replaced, I requested to speak to a supervisor in order to address a possible recurring safety issue. I was abruptly told by josh that there is no supervisor and he is permitted to make the decisions there. Not satisfied with that answer, I called once again and spoke with a subject by the name of tom. Tom also contacted hyde park motors and gave me the same answer as I received from josh. I again asked to speak to a supervisor and was refused contact with anyone else. My reply was simply that it is not normal to have rotors replaced twice in eleven months, and this is hardly a "routine" service issue. I am concerned that this may be a safety issue with my vehicle, and daimlerchrysler refuses to address my concern. Updated 07/25/2012 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Front brake rotors warped.

I have a 2002 Dodge ram quad 1500. I just had it serviced for its 30,000 miles maintenance required. While I was there I also had them look at the front brakes because of a vibration I would get when applying the brakes. Was told upon inspection of the brakes, that the rotors where warped. This doesn't make any sense to me only 30,000 miles on the truck still have full brake pads on front. I was told that it happens sometimes when towing trailers or heavy loades where the trailer has no braking system. I don't tow trailers. It was also suggested that the way I drive is the problem. If this was the problem there should be some ware on the brake pads? they also told me that they have seen trucks like mine with as little as 11,000 miles with the same problem. I said there must be some kind of defect with this braking system. He told me no that the brakes where big enought for the truck but that they where badly designed which causes them to heat up and warp the rotors. I know I'm probably wasting my time sending this to you. But I've been driving for some time now I'm 53 years old. I have never in all my driving had to even replace brakes before 40,000 miles let alone rotors. I think that they have a seriour problem here with these brakes. I just hope that something can be done before some one gets hurt or even dies because of brake system failure.

Brake rotors warp early due to normal wear. Ith 19,000 miles I have to replace the rotors before replacing my first set of pads. . Read more...

My rotors were trashed at 20,000 miles on the 2002 Dodge dakato. I do basic driving and found out from a forum website on dakatos that there are so many people with this problem. A mechanic from the dealership told me that he fixes double the rotors on dakatos that he does on any other vehicle.

At around 15000 miles I noticed the brakes starting to pulse or drag during normal stopping. At 18000 miles I was told by midas that rotor failure in this vehicle was a big problem, and that I would have to replace them many times during the life of my truck.

Had to have the front rotors on my 2002 Dodge Dakota replaced after 25,000 miles and turned after 30,000 miles, most of the mileage is hughway miles.

While driving at any speed and when brake were depressed pedal pulsated. Vehicle was serviced, and technician turned the rotors at 34, 000 miles. Vehicle has a problem with the ball joint in the past, which concerned the consumer.

Warped disc rotors on 2002 Dakota with 16000 miles. Dodge refuses to cover under warranty. It appears that there are excessive early rotor failures on Dakota's as identified by NHTSA complaints. This is a serious safety issue and may be related to defective calipers causing the problem.

Front rotors on my 2002 Dodge Dakota are habitually warping under normal driving conditions. Upon replacement of the rotors with raybestos severe duty rotors, they warped again. The dealership won't touch the issue upon requests.

Shaking in front end when brakes are applied, also rattle in front end. Dodge dealer found front brake rotors to be severely rusted and pitted and that brake pad clips were completely rusted off front pads causing rattle. Rotors and pads were replaced and old parts are available. Dodge refused to pay for repairs.

Intermittently the brakes failed to release fully after being depressed. The brake pedal came back up when released, but the brakes dragged. When this occurred, the front rotors overheated. The dealership turned the front rotors, but the failure recurred a month later. This time the rear brake drums overheated.

Update to complaint 10028872. After having the rotors turned (recut to safe specifications) at 24,000 the same severe vibrations and shaking came back at 27,000. Even light braking pressure caused the vehicle to swerve to the left and across lane markers. I noticed that when the truck was driven after sitting overnight all braking functions were normal. After driving approximately thirty miles the shaking and pulling to the side came back without warning. I had the rotors, calipers, and pads all replaced with high performance parts (slotted & cross drilled rotors, ceramic pads). Now at 37,000 with no further issues (as of this writing) on the brakes. I am deeply concerned that a less experienced driver could lose control of their vehicle resulting from this brake system defect.

Excessive stoplamp failures, replaced lamps due to melting of base repeatedly,4th time in 8 mos. No service kit or upgrades available, check chevy, same tail light board set-up, same problems, perhaps they have a bulletin on problem? severe shaking under braking, started at 15k miles, servicer refuses to cover under warranty (12k warranty), have found numerous issues with these rotors. Severe shaking on sweeping right hand freeway turns, presently scheduled for service at antioch/delta Dodge. Engine intermittently stalling, unable to duplicate problem when in for service, not noted on service tickets. Independent front end leakage, presently scheduled for service at antioch/delta Dodge. This my 3rd Dodge truck since 1996, 1st one was great, 2nd had repeated rearend issues, 3rd seems to be having excessive issues across the spectrum of components, I would like help in resolving these issues, as presently I still view Dodge as the leader in customer satisfaction.

Major vibration and pulsating while braking, vehicle only has 22000 miles. Warped rotors.

2002 Dakota pk front brake rotors poor quality castings , pittted causing shimmy on braking . Vehicle still in warranty . Company advises vehicle not in warranty.

Oh where to start? first the brakes and rotors seem to be a common problem. Mine are also bad. 20,000 miles shredded and had to replace rotors at my expense. They cannot support the wait of a 5. 9 l v8 quad cab. Dodge needs to rectify this problem swiftly. Customer service has not been exactly friendly on this matter. Like all the testimonies I have read they seem to get the same attitude " OH well, its your problem. " also the transmission shifting from 1st t0 2nd is rough. Dealer has checked this several times, but they same everything is normal. Also when servicing front brakes I found the caliper pin was strip. So much for hardened steel. Also I had some bad tread wear on the goodyear wrangler rts tires. Dealer told the were ok. Said it was called second tread wear. Second tread from outboard of tire was bald all other were ok. It would be nice for Dodge to address these problems when I bring my car to them, but I do like the way the dealer cleans my car everytime.

Brake rotors began to warp and were turned by dealer in September. Problem began to develop again and vehicle was returned to dealer 1/23/2004. Dealer recommends replacement of rotors at customer expense. Definite safety hazard in adverse weather. . . Will not repair them again as this is a definite defect in this vehicle and I cannot afford to replace rotors every couple of months.

Disc brake rotor failure - repeated problem. Dealer replaced pads and rotors for third time at 18798 miles. Problem is back, only 1700 miles since last pad and rotor change. No towing, hauling, or other heavy use involved. Vehicle shakes very hard as soon as brakes are applied. Problem gets worse until the vehicle is uncontrollable in stops.

Vehicle = 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab - v6 (currently @ 49,000 miles) took vehicle to independent mechanic for annual inspection and was told that both the upper and lower ball joints were worn excessively and would totally fail in approximately 1000 miles. After further investigation on numerous websites I have found this problem to be quite common and is what was causing the feeling of loss of control when hitting bumps in the road at speed, strange noises when turning slowly, and it also seems this is what could have led to my premature brake failures (which I had to have my rotors ground at approx 25k miles). I will be speaking to my dealer tomorrow directly - my girlfriend had called them for me because I was out of town for work and it sounds as though they are claiming they have never heard of the problem. This appears to be quite a common problem and had my mechanic not caught the problem doing the annual inspection it would have definitely caused an extreme safety hazard. Hopefully something is being done to remedy this problem. Thanks.

I have had to turn my front rotors on my 2002 Dodge Dakota 4. 7l, 4wd quad cab 4 times in 40,000 miles. The dealership blames it on rain cooling the rotors too fast. I do strictly highway driving, and the vibration that occurs is nerve racking. I have seen many complaints on consumer sites regarding this. Please consider this for a recall.