REAR BRAKE VIBRATION ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 1/4 REAR AXLES. UPDATED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Dodge Dakota brakes problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
3fires
1injury
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Dodge Dakota in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2006 Dodge Dakotas describe recurring brake failures and related hardware problems. The most serious complaints involve complete or near-total loss of braking. Several owners report the brake pedal losing resistance and traveling to the floor during normal operation or emergency braking, leaving them unable to stop the vehicle; one owner crashed at 20 mph after brake failure, and another experienced brake failure in heavy traffic at 35–40 mph, stating skid marks appeared only from rear tires. Intermittent brake failure also surfaces—one owner describes sporadic loss of pedal feel without visible fluid leaks.
ABS system faults are reported repeatedly. Owners describe the ABS activating and causing loss of braking, the brake pedal dropping to the floor after ABS engagement, and brake lock-up that either prevents movement or releases unexpectedly when the accelerator is pressed. One owner reports a dashboard clock flickering just before brake failure and lock-up.
Brake hardware defects include drum warpage causing severe shuddering at highway speeds (repeatedly requiring resurfacing or replacement), cracked brake drums discovered during wheel-stud replacement, noisy brakes with smoke from wheel wells, and rusted brake lines. One owner replaced calipers multiple times at high mileage before learning the calipers themselves were defective. Loose wheel nuts and broken wheel studs surface alongside brake drum cracks in at least two complaints. One vehicle caught fire following brake failure. Owners report dealer denials of coverage under recall 06V038000, citing VINs allegedly not included despite identical symptoms.
Same Dodge Dakota brakes reports on nearby years: 2005
Failure modes owners describe
Complete or intermittent brake loss—pedal to floor
Brake pedal loses resistance and travels toward or to the floorboard during normal driving or emergency braking, resulting in partial or total loss of braking. Some owners report intermittent occurrence with no visible fluid leaks.
When: As early as immediately after purchase; reported across various mileages (550 miles to 86,998 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal loses firmness and sinks to floor; Loss of braking effect during normal or emergency stops; Intermittent loss of brake pedal feel; No warning lights in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: One owner diagnosed with rusted brake lines requiring replacement; another owner with pedal-to-floor issue was told by dealer the design was as-specified and vehicle was not repaired. Ownership of repairs unclear in several complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 06V038000 referenced by owners; several owners report VINs were allegedly excluded from recall despite identical symptoms to recall description.
ABS system malfunction—loss of braking during ABS engagement
ABS system activates during braking and causes loss of stopping power, with brake pedal traveling to floor. Lock-up and loss of control follow, sometimes requiring parking brake or engine shutdown to stop vehicle.
When: Multiple incidents across model year; one documented 10/23/12; reported across range of mileages
Symptoms owners cite: ABS activation followed by brake pedal failure; Brake pedal goes to floor during or after ABS engagement; Dashboard clock flickers or resets coinciding with brake failure; Brake lock-up that either prevents vehicle movement or releases unexpectedly when accelerator is pressed; No brakes responsive after emergency braking on hill
Repairs/costs cited: One repair shop almost had technician thrown from window during test drive when brakes locked. One vehicle required master computer/control module replacement without resolving issue; subsequent incident occurred within days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 06V038000 (ABS Control Unit/Module, Service Brakes Hydraulic) cited in complaints; owners claim VINs excluded despite matching recall symptoms.
Brake drum warpage and cracking
Rear brake drums warp or crack, causing vibration or shudder at highway speeds. Multiple resurfacing or replacement attempts fail to permanently resolve issue. Cracks appear in drum lining during wheel-stud repair work.
When: Beginning at low mileage (550 miles noted at purchase) and recurring throughout vehicle life; one complaint after 5,500-mile used purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Severe shudder or vibration when braking at highway speeds (55–60 mph); Visible cracks in brake drum lining discovered during unrelated repair; Multiple drum warping recurring after resurfacing; Three cracks documented in drum lining adjacent to loose/broken wheel studs
Repairs/costs cited: First incident resurfaced drums; subsequent incidents required full drum replacement with new shoes. Owner brought vehicle to dealer five times for same issue. One owner's dealer eventually resurfaced only without replacement after warranty denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge warranty personnel declined further assistance after multiple repairs; no recall mentioned in this failure mode.
Caliper defect and brake line corrosion
Brake calipers fail and require repeated replacement; mechanic confirms calipers are defective. Brake lines show rust and corrosion requiring replacement. Loud noise and smoke from wheel well accompany caliper failure.
When: At or near vehicle purchase (beginning at 550 miles); later incidents at 92,000–146,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from brake area; Smoke seen coming from wheel well; Multiple caliper replacements required; Brake fluid leaking around brake line near master cylinder/firewall
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced calipers several times before learning entire caliper, rotor, pad, and brake line replacement necessary at 92,000 miles. Brake line corrosion diagnosis at 86,998 miles; vehicle not repaired per owner report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but offered no assistance in one case.
Intermittent brake grab and shaking on hills
Brakes grab or shudder intermittently when descending hills or during normal braking, causing vehicle to shake and shimmer. Appears immediately after new vehicle purchase.
When: January 2007, shortly after September 2006 purchase at 15 miles; another complaint onset at 550 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes grab intermittently descending hills; Vehicle shimmers and shakes viciously during braking; Vibration when brakes applied at speeds 10 mph and above; More frequent at lower speeds
Repairs/costs cited: First incident resolved with free replacement parts; rotor failure noted in another complaint at 550 miles and ongoing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Free repair provided in one January 2007 case; no other manufacturer response detailed.
Wheel stud breakage and loose nuts with brake drum involvement
Wheel studs break and wheel nuts loosen or shear off. Coincident with or discovered during brake drum crack inspection. Alloy wheel rim damaged; safety check performed without dealer assistance due to remote location.
When: Shortly after exiting interstate highway; one complaint filed 10/22/07
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking of rear wheel noticed at highway speed; Two wheel studs broken, nuts missing; All remaining wheel nuts found loose across all wheels; Third nut broke when being tightened; Three cracks visible in brake drum lining when drum removed for repair; Alloy wheel rim damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs performed without dealer assistance at remote location. Alloy wheel rim required replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Original dealer notified 10/22/07 but did not confirm safety check appointment; second dealer contacted for safety inspection. Owner cites web searches indicating deaths from this type of failure at highway speeds.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 Dodge Dakota?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2006 Dodge Dakota?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 6,139 and 86,998 miles, with the median around 34,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,139; a quarter make it past 86,998. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Dodge/Dakota.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.