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severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
This could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash could occur without warning.
Owners of 2006 Dodge Durangos describe multiple distinct brake problems emerging early in vehicle ownership. The most common issue is ABS-related: the ABS warning light illuminates repeatedly, often within the first 6,000 miles, despite dealer visits and recall work. Dealers have identified problems including incorrect tire-size programming in the ABS computer and failed ABS modules requiring replacement. One owner reported the ABS light coming on even while the vehicle was stationary after recall service was performed.
Brake fade and loss of stopping power appear in several complaints. Owners report brakes failing to engage properly at moderate pedal pressure, with the vehicle continuing forward until hard braking forces it to stop. One incident involved hearing a motor noise during brake application before failure occurred. Another owner experienced brief loss of braking function in snow conditions at 30 mph, with functionality returning shortly after.
Rotor and drum corrosion or warping surfaces early—one owner's rotors needed grinding at 6,000 miles, warped again at 10,000 miles. Another found rear brake drums completely corroded with no wear at 13,500 miles, followed by squealing and grinding. A frozen rear caliper piston destroyed a rotor. Brake overheating occurred during downhill braking, producing smoke and a burning smell. ABS premature deployment on elevation changes prevents normal stopping. Rear brakes locking intermittently and brake slip requiring a second to engage are also reported. One owner states dealer service made brakes feel worse, culminating in three accidents.
Same Dodge Durango brakes reports on nearby years: 2005
ABS warning light comes on repeatedly, often early in ownership, despite multiple dealer visits and recall service. Dealers have identified incorrect tire-size programming in ABS computer and failed ABS control modules.
When: 6,000 to 111,920 miles; some reports immediately after recall work; one case while vehicle stationary
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates intermittently or persistently; Light comes on during driving or at startup; Vehicle handling becomes difficult when light is on; Rear end feels tight when light illuminates; Passenger airbag turns off when ABS light comes on
Codes mentioned: ABS computer tire-size misprogramming, Failed ABS control module, Failed anti-lock module
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer corrected tire-size programming; ABS modules replaced; one dealer lacked correct software to perform recall repair; parts unavailable at another dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 05V554000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock Control Unit/Module) issued; some owner VINs not included in recall list; manufacturer confirmed parts not available for repairs
Brakes fail to engage or respond normally at moderate pedal pressure, requiring very hard pressure to stop vehicle. Owner hears motor noise during brake application before failure.
When: 3,800 miles; recurring at one specific intersection; intermittent at multiple speeds (15–35 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not feel right at moderate pressure; Car does not stop quickly despite applied pressure; Brakes appear to fail with no resistance; Motor noise heard during brake application; Vehicle proceeds forward with no braking effect; Requires very hard brake pressure to stop vehicle; Stops with a jerk after hard pressure applied
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to duplicate problem on demand; no repair attempted
Front rotors warp or become uneven early in ownership, causing brake pulsation. Problem recurs within a few thousand miles of correction.
When: 6,000 miles; recurred at approximately 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pulsation felt at pedal; Brakes feel uneven
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors ground down at first service; problem recurred, rotors warped again; owner disputes aggressive-driving claim; owner notes improperly torqued lug nuts may be a cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer declined warranty coverage, blamed aggressive driving
Rear brake caliper piston freezes, locking pad against rotor and destroying rotor through metal-on-metal contact.
When: Early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rubbing sound from rear brakes; Metal-on-metal grinding condition
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake pads and rotor required replacement; piston in rear brake caliper was frozen
Rear brake drums show severe corrosion with no normal wear, leading to squealing and grinding within a few miles of discovery.
When: 13,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear drum contact surfaces totally corroded; No signs of wear despite corrosion; Squealing and grinding when applying brakes; Squeaking when accelerating or at constant speed (up to 35 mph)
Brakes overheat during downhill braking, producing smoke and a burning smell.
When: Early in ownership (failure mileage 2 miles, current 91,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke emits from brakes; Brakes smell as if on fire; Grinding noise from brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer tested at another dealership and advised catalytic converter failure; owner told she would be responsible for half repair cost; vehicle was not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer turned off warning lights repeatedly but did not notify manufacturer
Rear brakes lock unexpectedly during normal braking, or brakes slip and take a second to engage, requiring multiple pedal applications.
When: 15 mph (rear lock incident); intermittent throughout ownership (slip incidents)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brakes lock when pedal depressed; Abnormal sound during braking in snow; Brakes take a second to kick in; Vehicle hesitates before stopping; Back end feels tight
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake locking recurred intermittently; vehicle not diagnosed or repaired in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 05V554000 referenced by owners; some VINs not included
ABS deploys when road elevation changes while braking, preventing vehicle from coming to complete stop in normal time.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: ABS deploys at elevation transitions (uphill to flat road); Vehicle cannot come to complete stop in timely manner
Brake warning light illuminates and stays on for extended periods; brakes lock up while driving, requiring engine shutdown and restart to resume normal operation. Occurs with passenger airbag disabling.
When: Starting April 28, 2016; recurring every time after initial incident
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light comes on and stays for 4 minutes; Brakes lock up while driving; Passenger airbag turns off; Recurring issue requiring engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: Required turning vehicle off and back on to restore function
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 4,433 and 111,920 miles, with the median around 27,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,433; a quarter make it past 111,920. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.