Three problems related to brake master cylinder have been reported for the 2002 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the front driver's side brake seized unintendedly and the vehicle began to pull toward the same direction. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road, where the engine was turned off. The vehicle resumed normally after waiting thirty minutes. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer five three times for the identical failure. The repairs performed on the vehicle consisted of replacing the entire front braking system, such as; both rotors, calipers, and brake lines. Also included in the repair was the replacement of both front brake pads and master cylinder. The failure recurred two weeks after the repair was performed. The vehicle had not been repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Truck operating normal until braking at intersection. Truck then pulled violently to the right upon braking. Smelled and noticed smoke coming from front of truck. Upon stopping had smoke coming from passenger-side front wheel/rotor. Got to the point where I was concerned that a fire was imminent due to the excessive heat. The tire/wheel on the front passenger-side was extremely hot. Next morning, the truck drove normal, no sign that the brake/rotor was damaged. Plan on taking in for thorough inspection. Noticed fifteen (15) similar complaints for 2002 Dodge Dakota with unexplained master cylinder lock-up. . Read more...
My 2002 Dodge Dakota sport 4x4 antilock brakes don't provide adequate braking. On several occasions, I have had to stop quickly and even at slow speeds the antilock feature releases the brakes long before it should. I took the truck to the local dealer and they said the proportioning valve in the master cylinder was defective and they replaced it. The problem still exists. I don't think the rear brakes are engaging as they should. I've seen similar complaints on your site and feel Dodge needs to take a look at these problems because there are too many to ignore. I have had three near misses where the antilock feature of the brakes caused the brakes to release prematurely when I have had plenty of time and distance to stop safely. I have had antilock brakes on several of my previous vehicles but this truck has the weakest brakes I've ever experienced on any car or truck I've owned.