1997 Dodge Dakota Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 73about this part
- Share
- 16%of 446 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,898miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 16% of the 446 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,898 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“3 days after we bought this vehicle the fuel system went down. Replaced the fuel pump and still wants to stall and act like its clogged in the fuel lines. Its been flushed. When driving it bogs down and chugs. It wants to die and shut off while your driving the truck. The brakes only work half the time. Most of the time I can't even stop until I'm halfway through the intersection. Replaced all the sensors and still doesn't want to start and stay running. Fuel pump kicks on, but has to run extra hard to try and keep the engine running.”
NHTSA complaint #10706503, filed 2015-04, 171,000 miles“Took vehicle to Dodge dealer (bryden motors beloit) for inspection of fuel line and brakes (fuel line is not right and rear brake line is leaking affecting braking) fuel line part was ordered nut brakes were not inspected and ignored. I am supposed to return wednesday afternoon to have ordered fuel line part(s) installed.”
NHTSA complaint #10722378, filed 2015-05, 118,000 miles“Locked vehicle in four wheel drive high, started going through flat pasture, either brakes locked up or front pumkin turned up and locked front wheels up, lost control and rolled onto driver side.”
NHTSA complaint #10552659, filed 2013-11, 190,000 miles“When applying the brake at 30 MPH brake pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to pump the brakes and coast the vehicle off the road. Vehicle was towed to a repairs shop, and mechanic determined that the main brake line, which leads to the rear brakes, rusted, and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10115484, filed 2005-03, 70,000 miles“The front brake caliper bolts to the steering knuckle on a 1997 Dodge Dakota, 4wd. Due to the nature of the design, the threads that hold the brake caliper mounting studs can strip out, thereby leaving the caliper to float on the knuckle. Under prolonged use, these studs can back out, letting the caliper fall off, which could lead to a crash. On my particular vehicle, this has happened for the third time now, once on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222670, filed 2008-03, 70,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V193000Jul 17, 2000Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5l engines. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and…Covers: Dodge Dakota 1997–2000
- 00V198000Jul 17, 2000Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.Covers: Dodge Dakota 1997–2000
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 6 | 14% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 24 | 8% |
| 2005 | 83 | 18% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 51 | 17% |
| 2002 | 213 | 31% |
| 2001 | 130 | 19% |
| 2000 | 263 | 33% |
| 1999 | 95 | 15% |
| 1998 | 80 | 15% |
| 1997 | 73 | 16% |
| 1996 | 28 | 15% |
| 1995 | 29 | 14% |
| 1994 | 24 | 14% |
| 1993 | 24 | 18% |
| 1992 | 36 | 17% |
| 1991 | 14 | 11% |
| 1990 | 11 | 17% |
| 1989 | 8 | 13% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Dakota
142 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsSeats
22 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology