BRAKE ROTORS WARP EARLY DUE TO NORMAL WEAR. ITH 19,000 MILES I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ROTORS BEFORE REPLACING MY FIRST SET OF PADS.THER PEOPLE REPORT THE ME:HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/REVIEW_30410.HTML HTTP://WWW.DODGEDAKOTAS.COM/BOARDS/V6/924.HTML. *AK
2002 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Dakota years
Owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge Dakota are substantially higher than the model-year median of 166.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Dakota years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
505 reports with mileage · 173 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 226 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 177 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
177 reportsMY ROTORS WERE TRASHED AT 20,000 MILES ON THE 2002 DODGE DAKATO. I DO BASIC DRIVING AND FOUND OUT FROM A FORUM WEBSITE ON DAKATOS THAT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. A MECHANIC FROM THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT HE FIXES DOUBLE THE ROTORS ON DAKATOS THAT HE DOES ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE.*AK
BRAKE CALIPER GOT STUCK OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. NO ONE WAS INJURED. ALSO THERE WAS NO WARNING AND WE HAVE DONE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AS SUGGESTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. *AK
WARPED DISC ROTORS ON 2002 DAKOTA WITH 16000 MILES. DODGE REFUSES TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY. IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE EXCESSIVE EARLY ROTOR FAILURES ON DAKOTA'S AS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA COMPLAINTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND MAY BE RELATED TO DEFECTIVE CALIPERS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *LA
AT AROUND 15000 MILES I NOTICED THE BRAKES STARTING TO PULSE OR DRAG DURING NORMAL STOPPING. AT 18000 MILES I WAS TOLD BY MIDAS THAT ROTOR FAILURE IN THIS VEHICLE WAS A BIG PROBLEM, AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THEM MANY TIMES DURING THE LIFE OF MY TRUCK. *JB
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN BRAKE WERE DEPRESSED PEDAL PULSATED. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN TURNED THE ROTORS AT 34, 000 MILES. *AK VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINT IN THE PAST, WHICH CONCERNED THE CONSUMER. *LA
UPDATE TO COMPLAINT 10028872. AFTER HAVING THE ROTORS TURNED (RECUT TO SAFE SPECIFICATIONS) AT 24,000 THE SAME SEVERE VIBRATIONS AND SHAKING CAME BACK AT 27,000. EVEN LIGHT BRAKING PRESSURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND ACROSS LANE MARKERS. I NOTICED THAT WHEN THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT ALL BRAKI…
Read full complaint
UPDATE TO COMPLAINT 10028872. AFTER HAVING THE ROTORS TURNED (RECUT TO SAFE SPECIFICATIONS) AT 24,000 THE SAME SEVERE VIBRATIONS AND SHAKING CAME BACK AT 27,000. EVEN LIGHT BRAKING PRESSURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND ACROSS LANE MARKERS. I NOTICED THAT WHEN THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT ALL BRAKING FUNCTIONS WERE NORMAL. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MILES THE SHAKING AND PULLING TO THE SIDE CAME BACK WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD THE ROTORS, CALIPERS, AND PADS ALL REPLACED WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE PARTS (SLOTTED & CROSS DRILLED ROTORS, CERAMIC PADS). NOW AT 37,000 WITH NO FURTHER ISSUES (AS OF THIS WRITING) ON THE BRAKES. I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED THAT A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE RESULTING FROM THIS BRAKE SYSTEM DEFECT.*AK
HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT ROTORS ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA REPLACED AFTER 25,000 MILES AND TURNED AFTER 30,000 MILES, MOST OF THE MILEAGE IS HUGHWAY MILES.*AK
PROBLEMS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION AND BRAKES ON 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR THE FRONT SUSPENSION SQUEAKED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE BRAKES WERE NOISY UPON APPLICATION AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, NOISE WOULD COME FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER WHEN STOPPING AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRON…
Read full complaint
PROBLEMS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION AND BRAKES ON 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR THE FRONT SUSPENSION SQUEAKED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE BRAKES WERE NOISY UPON APPLICATION AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, NOISE WOULD COME FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER WHEN STOPPING AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS ON LEFT TURNS AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, THE LEFT CALIPER MADE A STICKING SOUND AND THE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT MADE SOUNDS, AND THE BRAKES PULSATED. *SC *JB
HAVE HAD MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB FOR LESS THAN THREE YEARS AND ALREADY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY ROTORS TWICE! AND IT ONLY HAS $44,000 MILES ON IT. I AM SURE THAT AFTER ANOTHER 10-15 THOUSAND MILES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL AGAIN BEGIN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKE AND SURE ENOUGH I WILL HAVE TO GO AND HAVE THEM RE…
Read full complaint
HAVE HAD MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB FOR LESS THAN THREE YEARS AND ALREADY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY ROTORS TWICE! AND IT ONLY HAS $44,000 MILES ON IT. I AM SURE THAT AFTER ANOTHER 10-15 THOUSAND MILES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL AGAIN BEGIN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKE AND SURE ENOUGH I WILL HAVE TO GO AND HAVE THEM REPLACED YET AGAIN. FROM EVERYTHING THAT I READ HERE THERE ARE TONS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AND IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE ANYONE OUT THERE WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SO I WILL DO MY PART AND POST MY PROBLEMS HERE HOPING SOMEONE GETS OFF THEIR BUTT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND FROM NOW ON, NO MORE CHRYSLER VEHICLES FOR ME. *JB
Official recalls
507V555000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
Dec 4, 2007
ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
04V596000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
Dec 21, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
04V216000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
May 5, 2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD CAUSE INTERNAL CORROSION AND RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
03V505000 · Equipment:other:labels
Dec 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR) THAT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL OVERLAYS CONTAINING CORRECTED INFORMATION RELATIVE TO VEHICLE GAWR AND TIRE SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
03V389000 · Electrical System:wiring
Oct 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE HEADLAMP AND DASH WIRING HARNESS MAY BE CHAFED BY THE ACTUATION OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. THIS COULD RESULT IN ABNORMAL OPERATION OF THE WIPERS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN OR LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, COULD PREVENT A DRIVER FROM SOUNDING A WARNING BY USING THE HORN, AND, WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRE HARNESS AND REPAIR THE HARNESS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA03023 · Upper Ball Joint Separation
Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Feb 11, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Suspension
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Illustration