Brake Master Cylinder Problems of Dodge Dakota

Dodge Dakota owners have reported 16 problems related to brake master cylinder (under the service brakes category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 11/14/2013

The contact owns 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated the brakes seized and started to emit smoke. The contact had to engage the low four wheel drive to stop the vehicle. The abs warning indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealers who diagnosed that the abs brake modular, the brake master cylinder and wiring harness as being defective and had to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 140. 000.

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2 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2003 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 10/10/2013

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. The contact was driving 30 mph and attempted to stop at an intersection when the brakes failed. The contact pumped the brakes continuously until the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and repair. The contact was advised that the brake lines were corroded and all of the brake lines that were connected to the master cylinder had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

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3 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 06/24/2013

The hydraulic brake fluid lines are rusted below the master cylinder allowing the brake fluid to run out on the ground, and causing brake failure.

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4 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 1998 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 07/07/2010

The master cylinder brake line on my 1998 Dodge Dakota truck failed completely and suddenly under normal driving conditions (light braking). Upon inspection, all front brake lines from the master cylinder to the distribution junction and from the distribution junction to the front brakes (left and right) were heavily corroded. Last winter, the brake line leading from the distribution junction to the rear brakes failed under similar circumstances, however; some braking ability remained. These two failures over a relatively short time-frame lead me to believe it may be a manufacturing defect with all metal brake lines.

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5 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2002 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 04/20/2010

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.

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6 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 1998 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 03/05/2010

Service brake hydraulic lines ruptured twice. Once at 55,622 miles on August 13, 2007. This occurred in my driveway, when the brakes were applied, about mid way between the front and rear of the truck on the drivers side. The dealer replaced 7 brake lines and the 2 rear wheel cylinders because the bleeder screws would not open. Today, March 5, 2010 at still less than 60,000 miles the front brake lines ruptured near the radiator where they cross between the drivers and passengers side of the truck. This occurred on a main highway while braking for a red light. Both times the tubing (metal piping) catastrophically failed with no previous warning signs such as slow leakage, low fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, etc.

7 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2000 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 02/01/2009

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving various speeds with the brake pedal engaged, the front brakes locked without warning and a strong burning odor and smoke emitted. The failure was experienced several times. The rotors, calipers and master cylinder were replaced twice. The failure was not corrected. The vehicle continued to smoke when the brakes were applied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 48,000.

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8 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2002 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 06/04/2008

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...

9 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 10/15/2006

: the contact stated while applying brake pressure, the vehicle shimmied. It was taken to the dealership and the rotors and drums were replaced. The problem recurred multiple times and the rear drums, rear axle shaft, rear brake shoes and rear brake drums were replaced on different occasions. The front rotors were also resurfaced. Then, the brake pedal went to the floor and the pedal had to be pumped to stop the vehicle. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem, but replaced the master cylinder. Updated 11/2/2006 -.

10 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 05/26/2006

: the contact stated at various speeds, braking must begin 150 feet prior to the stopping point. The dealership replaced the master cylinder, rotors and drums, but the problem persists.

11 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 05/18/2006

: the contact stated while traveling between 55-65 mph, there is a vibration when the brake pedal is depressed. Although the dealership is unable to determine the problem, multiple components have been replaced; including the rear shaft axle, actuators, drums, 6 nut wheels, caliper, rotors, the master cylinder cover, and axle sealant and seals. However, the problem persists.

12 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 11/01/2003

While driving at any speed when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle did not slow down. When the pedal was depressed, most of the time there was a loud sound. The dealer had tried to repair the problem at least 5 times with no success. The master cylinder/rotors and calipers were replaced. When the antilock brake system disengaged, the problem was not present. The problem returned when the abs re engaged. The dealer and manufacturer refused to repair under warranty. A repair attempt was made 8 times.

13 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2002 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 06/15/2003

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.

14 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 09/30/2002

My 2001 Dodge Dakota 4x4 4w antilock brakes don't provide adequate braking. Vehicle does not brake adequately during "panic" stopping. The antilock feature releases the brakes long before it should. Abs engages but allows too much "free-wheeling" which allows vehicle too much travel. I have several close calls. The last time this has caused a rear end crash in my truck and both air bags deployed and cost 11,000. 00. Replacing the air bags cost 8,500. 00. I have taken the truck to 3 local dealers and they said the abs is working as designed. The last dealer I took it to I talked to the tech. He said it is a bad design. He also said the master cylinder vacuum chamber is to small. This is very dangerous and all 2001 and newer trucks should be recalled. I have had antilock brakes on several of my previous vehicles but this truck has the worst brakes ever. We need a class action law suit to force Dodge to fix defect!!.

15 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 1998 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 03/01/2001

I have had a master cylinder go bad and upon replacement I have discovered that I am not getting brake fluid to the rear brakes. Both rear sides are not recieving fluid. Problem seems to be occuring at the front near the master cylinder. The is a metal block that recieves fluid from the master cylinder and the distributes it to the abs system then to the wheels. Fluid is leaving the master cylinder and going to this block but is not leaving it to go to the rear brakes.

16 Brake Master Cylinder problem of the 1997 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 09/28/1999

Believe this a lemon truck, 6 owners in 3 yrs. Why isn't my truck included in recalls? help! master cylinders empty after 1 month.

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Other Common Service Brakes related problems of Dodge Dakota


Safety Ratings of Dakota Cars
Fuel Economy of Dakota Vehicles
Dakota Service Bulletins
Dakota Safety Recalls
Dakota Defect Investigations