10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
8 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,350 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #8

Nov 262003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,600 miles
Vehicle does not brake adequately during "panic" stopping. Rear wheel ABS does not appear to be working properly. Have had three occurrences when I needed to "panic" stop and in all cases had to swerve to avoid collision because brakes were not stopping vehicle. Rear wheel ABS engages but allows too much "free-wheeling" which allows vehicle too much travel. Regular braking (even "hard" braking without ABS involvement) seems to work correctly. Have had vehicle to dealer twice and first time rear drums were turned and second time ABS module was replaced, but has not fixed problem. Service advisor and mechanic say that the ABS system is working as designed for a rear wheel only ABS. I have not had any resolution to problem but now dealer won't look at it because they say they have done everything they can.

- Huntersville, NC, USA

problem #7

Sep 052003

Dakota

  • 19,000 miles
While driving 35 mph consumer was approaching a red light while applying the brakes and brake pedal felt like a wet sponge. The vehicle never slowed down. Consumer applied the emergency brake, but a collision occurred. Consumer's vehicle collided with the rear end of the vehicle in front. The consumer was wearing a seat belt, but the drivers side air bag did not deploy. The manufacturer and the dealer were informed of the crash.

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #6

Sep 032003

Dakota

  • 6,000 miles
Regardless of how fast the vehicle is traveling, the ABS brake system does not stop the vehicle in a reasonable distance in an emergency. The vehicle has been to the dealer four times for the same problem. The manufacturer has been notified of the problem.

- Murray, KY, USA

problem #5

Jun 152003

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,500 miles
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.

- Matthews, NC, USA

problem #4

Feb 052003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
The second wreck I can attribute to the anti-skid braking system. (two separate vehicles).

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #3

Apr 232002

Dakota 4WD

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Lima, OH, USA

problem #2

Nov 012001

Dakota

  • miles
Consumer was traveling about seven miles with both feet on brakes vehicle went into traffic without prior warning. Consumer had to shift vehicle into reverse, and pull emergency brake in order to stop.

- Windsor, CO, USA

problem #1

Nov 012001

Dakota

  • miles
Consumer was in traffic, applied brakes, and pedal was hard. He put vehicle in reverse, and released emergency brake to stop. Dealership is aware of problem.

- Windsor, CO, USA