2008 Dodge Dakota Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 12%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,368miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Dodge Dakota, 12% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,368 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had purchase this vehicle in feb 2011, and ever since I have reported to my dealer that I been feeling vibration when I apply my brakes and all of a sudden, steering wheel starts to shake and brakes shake when applied. They had test drove it an they came back an told me it was just the road, they informed to change the breaks and rotors, and I should b fine, so I did. …”
NHTSA complaint #10482783, filed 2012-10, 30,000 miles“Front brakes get grabby, than lock-up, when driven at random speeds. This causes the wheels to smoke and rotor grinding. This failure has occurred at least 7 times from 500 miles to 10,000 miles. I have had it to the 2 different Dodge dealers for a total 3 times. The only way I can get the brakes to unlock is to turn off the engine and wait a few minutes and restart the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10234632, filed 2008-07, 500 miles“Brakes locked and smoked when going over 50 miles per hour on the highway on my Dakota. I had to pull over to the side of the road to stop. The brakes smelled like they were burning. I waited for about 10 minutes and proceeded to try to get to the next exit. However, the shaking continued. I pulled over once again and waited for another 30 minutes. At this point, I got back in the car and it didn't do it anymore. When I went to the dealer to have this checked, I was told I needed to replace the calipers, pads and rotors. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442772, filed 2012-01, 42,737 miles“Re: 2008 Dodge Dakota been searching for recall on the above vehicle, been stopped numerous of time by officers about signals. Have replaced bulbs and doesn't work. Problems: turns left signal light on and the right one comes on, this happens 95% of the time. Emergency flashes does not work 75% of the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10617180, filed 2014-07, 65,000 miles“Wheel cylinder for the rear brakes was faulty and leaking. This LED to the brakes being partially on constantly, and the brake shoes to wear to below safe limits within a year.”
NHTSA complaint #10659866, filed 2014-11, 76,941 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 2008 Dodge Dakota
29 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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