2001 Dodge Dakota Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 130about this part
- Share
- 19%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,144miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 130 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Dodge Dakota, 19% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,144 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving at approximately 25mph, when I tapped brakes suddenly,. The brake pedal dropped to the floor and I had to use parking brake to stop. After pumping brake pedal, the brakes began to work again. I looked for signs of broken brake lines and/or fluid and all looked well. I have heard other reports identical to mine and others pertaining to 2wd models where the brakes lock up at higher speeds instead of not working. Fortunately, I was driving slow and was on a residential road with little activity. If I had to stop suddenly for a car, kid or pet. I would have hit them.”
NHTSA complaint #11299180, filed 2020-01, 158,416 miles“I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab and while approaching a stop sign, stepped on the brake pedal which went completely to the floor, and nearly caused me to rear end another vehicle. When I brought it to the dealer they stated to me that the the brake pad was sheared off by the rivets, causing a metal to metal contact with the rotor.”
NHTSA complaint #10078820, filed 2004-06, 50 miles“I have a problem with my fwd. I had replaced module/contrlo, anti-lock brake,trasfer case gear and the modulefor the transfer case.and the shift motor (vacuum). And also the propeller shaft, with universal joints replaced also. And to top it off my fwd service light is on again,also I have no low gear in fwd light is blinking.and front end still makes noise. I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab.”
NHTSA complaint #10062050, filed 2004-03, 57,987 miles“I have a 2001 Dakota quad cab 4x4 purchased new and the inside of the front rotors wear out extremely fast. They become damaged on the inside of the rotor appearing extremely rusted and as if maybe they overheated on the inside. 64,000 and this has happened 2 times. Dealers deny this is common , my brother has a 2002 (purchased new) and has had the same problem. Ball joints failed on both trucks , steering rack and rear differential leaks on both .”
NHTSA complaint #10211997, filed 2007-12, 64,000 miles“I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota 4x4 the brakes vibrate so bad they shake me in the seat, this started about 20,000 miles. Dodge says it only covers brakes to 12,000 miles. After looking at all the complaints all over the net with the same problem , it seams Dodge has a problem. We need this fixed as a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10019009, filed 2003-05, 20,000 milesBrakes: 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 2001 Dodge Dakota
236 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
93 complaintsElectrical system
58 complaintsEngine cooling
53 complaintsSteering
48 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsTires
30 complaintsExterior lighting
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsEquipment
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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