2005 AND EARLY 2006 DODGE DAKOTA'S EQUIPPED WITH THE 8.25 INCH REAR AXLE HAVE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE DESIGN. THEY UTILIZE A SINGLE SPRING BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE SHOES WHICH CREATES VARYING DEGREES OF BRAKE SHUDDERING UPON APPLICATION. IN ADDITION MANY OF THESE TRUCKS ARE EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE AXLES WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE SHUDDERING PROBLEM. IN LATE 2005, DODGE ISSUED A TSB TO THEIR DEALERS ON HOW TO…
2005 Dodge Dakota brakes problems
severe 72 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450
Complaints
72
Recalls
0
Crashes
7
Avg fix
$450
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
DT: THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH WHEN A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. HE PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND JUMPED. THE BRAKES LOCKED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO OVER A HILL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE FRAME REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.*AK UPDATED 01/23/06. *JB
MY BRAKES LOCKED UP COMPLETELY AND MY TRUCK SLID LIKE IT WAS ON ICE FOR 200FT BEFORE COLLIDING WITH THE CAR STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION AHEAD. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND NOW IT HAS CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHICH THE CALIFORNIA LAW CONSIDERS ME AT FAULT BECAUSE I REAR ENDED THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. I THINK CHRYSLER IS AT FAULT BECAUSE THEIR ANTI LOCK BREAKS DID NOT STOP THE BRAK…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ALL FOUR BRAKE LINES WERE LEAKING AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 04/04/16*LJ UPDATED 0…
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2005 Dodge Dakota?
It's a meaningful issue. 72 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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