Brake Master Cylinder Problems of Dodge Durango

The braking system has always had a problem "skipping" even after multiple repairs - replacing brakes, rotors, brake booster, master cylinder, hubs and wheel bearings. If I have to come to a "short stop" the truck skips like it tries to stop, lets go, then tries to stop again. It happens about 3-4 times before it actually comes to a complete stop! I think it is related to the Durango's. I had another model years ago (1999) and the same thing happened. I didn't realize until having the same trouble with the 2002 model it was probably related to the model of the vehicle or maybe Dodge in general. I was actually in 2 very minor accidents due to this. Once in each vehicle. After the last round of repairs all seemed great, but it just never lasts!.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge Durango 🔎.

Was in a school zone. Had no brakes. Was able to pull over. No accident. Dealership found leak between booster and master cylinder. The entire assembly and master cylinder bench had to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2012 Dodge Durango 🔎.

Pulling car out of driveway heading down the street. Approaching the stop sign attempted to brake and the car had complete brake failure; therefore, I waited until the car rolled to a stop. Took the car to the Dodge dealership advising what took place. They inspected the car and said there were no issues with the car or braking system. I was given back my car and I drove home, brakes worked. The next day, the same issue occurred; I pulled out of my driveway heading down the street. Approaching the stop sign attempted to brake and again had complete brake failure. I took the car back to the Dodge dealership, they inspected again and said my master cylinder was defected, along with the brake power booster. They advised me the parts were not being manufactured at this time. I contacted Dodge corporation to inquire on this matter, concerned that this may be a recall or that there is major issue with Dodge Durango braking systems and was told by [xxx] that the part was being made but did not know when it would ship. She also did not have any other information to provide as to other brake issues with Dodge Durango and or recall. I felt a responsibility to report this to you due to the severe safety issue of Dodge Durango's on the road that may encounter complete brake failure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

What happens: inconsistent and intermittent temporary brake/power failure. Brake pedal temporarily becomes extremely hard and high with almost no pedal movement or no/minimal perceived braking. Sustained maximum pedal pressure (up to 5 seconds) and the brakes magically return. Pedal depressed to the stops, immediately engaging the abs and maximum panic stop. Brake pedal can modulated if experiencing the unexpected panic stop. When it occurs or causes it to occur: morning commuting (highway and freeway driving): immediately apply the brake pedal after 75%-100% acceleration from 0-65 mph on the entrance ramp or from freeway stop light. Transmission must shift at around 60 mph. Freeway driving (immediately applying the brake after any of these conditions) merging and accelerating into traffic, maintaining steady speed up long grades requiring increasing pedal pressure, slowly accelerating from 45-65 mph such that the transmission does not shift down, trailer towing: any long steady pull maintaining 40-60 mph highway speed while in high gear. Cold morning 5-10 degree f. Took 8-10 blocks for the brake pedal to be normal. Started out high/hard/ almost no brakes and slowly got better then worked normally. Dealer results: dealer replaced master cylinder. Dealer can reproduce results. States all test diagnostics show the braking system is working as expected and designed. Symptoms still occurring.

The pin that holds the brake peddle arm to the master cylinder broke off causing me to slam into the driver in front of me. Causing $3,483. 77 damages to my car and about $1,000 to the other vehicle. I was very lucky that no one was injured or killed in the accident had this happened on the highway at speed.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Durango 🔎.

I bought a 1999 Dodge Durango slt 5. 2 ltr engine as of 3 to 4 yrs ago, and in some cases like mine, it absolutely does mean it can be an absolutely unreliable & absolute dangerous vehicle!!!!! . . Everything that can happen, has happened to this vehicle. Engine stalls out, the front differential exploded on the highway 4 miles after I had to put in 4 wheel drive & almost caused me to wreck,I had to replace the whole front differential axles. . The back (rear) breaks have never worked since I bought the thing, the exhaust manifolds got so hot that the bolts that connect it to the manifold pipes burned off and is now, and has been sitting for a month since I can't keep it together. Right now all three of my front brake lines have rotted into, at the connector from the master cylinder that sends the fluid to the front 2 wheels!!. . That's just the start of all of the terrible danger that it poses to me and other drivers on the road. This vehicle should be considered a complete recall of the 1999 Dodge Durango slt. The Dodge manufacture should not get by with this. Its almost like selling a device to get hurt in. I paid over 4,000. 00 for this Durango, just to spend that much more money and the chance of getting hurt or worse while having it rebuilt where it is suppose to be safe. . . . . Other things that have stopped working also. . Motor oil & transmission leaks & slips, windows (2 of them) have stopped working up & down, glove box latch broke, ash tray broke off, rear hatch will not open, hatch wiper shorted out, front end tires spraddle out like they are going 2 different directions, the paint finish has completely faded from the hood & starting in other places, starter solenoid clicks 10 to 30 times before it will crank the engine. . . There is more also!. . This is not a safe vehicle!! I have never had trouble like this with any other automobile in all of my 45 driving years.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Durango 🔎.

The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 40 mph in rainy weather conditions, the vehicle did not stop when the brake pedal was depressed and he crashed into a vehicle. The vehicle would not stop even after the contact repeatedly applied pressure to the brakes. He stated that if the braking unit was functioning normally he would have had ample time to avoid a crash. After close inspection of the vehicle, he noticed that the brake assembly pin that connects the master cylinder to the braking unit had severe corrosion on the inside, which caused it to fracture. The vehicle failed and was completely destroyed. The manufacturer sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle and it was discovered that there was no recall for that component; therefore, they could not assume any financial responsibility. The contact has pictures of the failed component. The failure and current mileages were 106,599. Updated 11/12/08 the tow truck driver found a half inch thick piece of steel on the floor below the brake pedal. As it turned out, a half inch thick piece of steel pin that connected the brake pedal to the master cylinder had sheared off. Updated 11/13/08.

Driving the Durango down our hill. Brakes were lost. Immediately after accident I check brake fluid, it was full. Then check brake pedal, it did go to floor with no effect by pumping the brakes. Durango totaled as was the other car that hit my wife and kids. No serious injury occurred. Complete brake job 8 months before. Have had brakes problems before, never able to isolated the problem.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Durango 🔎.

Anti-lock brakes - have to extend stopping distance more than any other car ever owned. Anti-lock activates very easy, but does not cause Durango to slow down quickly. Dealership said master cylinder has internal leak and needs to be replaces - cost is over $500. Durango only has 60,000 miles on it.

The brakes are ineffective when going from light braking to heavy braking for a panic stop without fully releasing the pedal first. The brakes will not grab enough for the abs to engage and give the impression that they have glazed over, despite full body weight on break pedal. The front pads have been changed twice, the rotors turned and brake fluid bleed. The condition can be repeated with both cold and hot brakes by slowing the vehicle down from 60 mph to 40 mph in 4-5 seconds then, without releasing the pedal, immediately attempt a full stop. Symptom was demonstrated for Dodge dealer service technician. They contacted Dodge star for support and was informed that this is a normal operating characteristic of the braking system due to pressure equalization in the master cylinder . I have notified daimlerchrysler (file # 11617536) of my concern and am filing this complaint to bring larger attention to this potentially deadly condition. Considering this engineering design, how safe is this 2. 5 ton vehicle when fully loaded to 6400 gvwr or when towing?.

Brake pedal gets mushy, metal-on-metal sound heard, truck creeps forward. This is the second time there has been a problem with the master cylinder.

I carried my vehicle to sears automotive shop to have my brakes checked because my brake pedal was spongy. The mechanics checked my truck and said my brakes were fine, but I had a bad master cylinder. They didn't touch anything, but they told me to take it to the dealer because it's under warranty. Carl gregory checked the brakes and came to the same conclusion, the master cylinder was bad. They ordered the part and it was in the next day. They put the new master cylinder on and my brakes are still spongy. My brake pedal continues to go almost to the floor before they start braking. I am still trying to get the problem fixed.

Due to defective brake retainer spring which came off and caused brakes to be loose/ fall and cracked the rim, and had no braking ability which may have caused a crash. Common problem. Dealer was aware of problem. Please provide further information.

Vehicle has been to dealer 6 times for rear abs brakes locking up. Dealer replaced master cylinder and proportional valve. It did not remedy problem. Dash indicator for abs came on intermittently. Dealer indicated it was a normal condition for this vehicle.

Total brake failure at 30 mph due to failure of master cylinder, which caused rear and front brakes to be inoperative. Internal leak at master cylinder.