From | Message |
Steve Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
5/29/2001 18:33:18
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Subject: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I have started a quest of sorts to get Dodge to replace or atleast admit that the rear drums on their 2000 Daks are a piece of junk (or atleast some of them). I have done some looking arround and the National Highway and Transportaion Safety Administration provides a form that can be filled out in order to get an investigation underway. If you have problems with your rear drums warping under normal use much earlier than they should (prior to 30,000 mi or so) please help get the awarness of this problem know so we can get our brakes back! I know there are several of you out there who I have talked to about this problem, so please help!
Thanks,
Steve
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/ivoq/default.htm
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Robert Kobbem Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
6/13/2001 13:01:40
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Good deal! I have a 2000 Dakota (V-8 4wd) and the vehicle shakes violently when braking under normal conditions (around 30 thru 50 mph). This started around 20k miles and I just called the dealer to find out my options. (I am an ex-mechanic so I pretty much knew what the problem was... warped drums and/or rotors.) The dealer said that warped drums/rotors are due to 'normal' wear and aren't covered beyond 12k miles. (This is total crap!)
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Steve Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
6/14/2001 09:49:50
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Thanks Robert, It is good to know that mechanic agrees with me. You pretty much descirbed my problem except, my started arround 5k.
Hopefully we can get something done here!
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Don M. Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/12/2001 00:03:30
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I had the front rotors replaced by the dealer at
appox 16000 miles and I have read about many other
Dakota owners with bad fornt rotors on the 2000's.
This is the first I heard of about the rear drums.
When the dealer replaced the rotors They were
being replaced as a nice guy justier. And will not
be replaced againg for warppage. Low and behold
they warped 2000 miles later. I just replaced them
and pads myself with Power Slot rotors and
Raybestos Pads. This is the best braked ever! I
did save the old rotors and pads.
Don
geocities.co
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Tom M. Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/14/2001 12:44:38
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Have a 2K 4X4 4.7 auto SLT
Noticed warping of the rears before 2K. Have 15K now and waiting for the recall after finding the Dealers want $100+ for a drum.
I don't use the Parking Brake so I didn't do it that way. The transporter may have. When I get around to it I'll try machining them.
A bunch of years ago I used to haul new/prototype cars on a Six car carrier for ad agencies. We used to crank the E-Brake down as hard as we could when we loaded them. I has a Mitsubishi Truck at that time and took it along once when I had room to a Photo shoot we hauled to. I loaded it as I did the rest of the cars. After I got home I noticed the rear drums were warped. When I took it in I was told by the dealer that it's a common complaint on some cars and trucks as they arrive off the trucks and railroad transports because the E-Brakes are applied in so hard and for so long. They machined the drums and the problem went away.
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surferpug Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/16/2001 03:47:30
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Dak owners aren't the only ones experiencing shotty drum/disc. As far as I know the Grand Cherokee and Durango all share this problem. Maybe we should somehow get those owners to complain with us. I was talking to my friend that works as a mechanic for DC and even he said that they have noticed all three vehicles are going thru disc/drums like they are going out of fashion.
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Shaggy135 Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/19/2001 22:02:18
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I have a '00 Dakota Sport, my truck would bounce/shake when i would slow down coming off the highway, I told the dealership about this when I had it's 15,000 mile servicing done, they said that they didn't feel anything, I couldn't belive it. My truck has almost 20K on it now and it still bounces but not as bad. Do you really think they are going to have a recall?
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Alan Dodge Dakota
7/20/2001 20:26:34
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I am experiencing the same brake problems on my 2000 Club Cab. I filled out the form today and will have my brother, who owns a 2000 Quad Cab fill it out as well. He too is experienceing the bad brakes.
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mike Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/22/2001 22:01:11
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I have the same problem with my 99 Dakota SLT 4X4 V-8. It started out with just braking under normal conditions and now it shakes while I'm driving between 37 & 42 mph. I got the same BS about normal wear and tear... I just installed new tires and had them high speed balanced along with a front end alignment and it's shaking even worse than before.
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Pat Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001 10:03:49
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I noticed the vibration/brake pedal pulsation problem not long after I purchased my 2000 Dakota. I found that the Front Rotors were warped .004"+. After they were turned/trued the problem went away.
After a few thousand miles the problem gradually returned. It progresssively got worse.
I then brought it to the Dealer. They examined the problem and replaced the Rotors.
The problem eventually re-occured.
I feel that the problem is either in the Composition of the Pads (generating too much heat), a design flaw in the Rotors (not disipating enough heat) or the style of Wheel ( not allowing enough air flow to cool the brakes properly).
I recently contacted the Dealer/Service Dept. about the problem again. I shared with them my feeling as to the possible problems source. They are now in the process of contacting the Service Rep. for help.
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Pat Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001 10:22:05
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I noticed the vibration/brake pedal pulsation problem not long after I purchased my 2000 Dakota. I found that the Front Rotors were warped .004"+. After they were turned/trued the problem went away.
After a few thousand miles the problem gradually returned. It progresssively got worse.
I then brought it to the Dealer. They examined the problem and replaced the Rotors.
The problem eventually re-occured.
I feel that the problem is either in the Composition of the Pads (generating too much heat), a design flaw in the Rotors (not disipating enough heat) or the style of Wheel ( not allowing enough air flow to cool the brakes properly).
I recently contacted the Dealer/Service Dept. about the problem again. I shared with them my feeling as to the possible problems source. They are now in the process of contacting the Service Rep. for help.
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steve Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/24/2001 14:09:13
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Pat, would you please let me (us) know what your service rep says?
steve
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CLYDE Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/25/2001 00:01:06
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: MAYBE IF WE SPENT A LITTLE MORE TIME UNDERSTANDING WHAT CAUSES THESE DRUMS AND ROTORS TO WARP,WHICH IS HEAT AND LACK OF COOL DOWN TIME,OR THE FACT THAT WHEN YOU PUT OUT THAT 20-50,000 DOLLARS FOR THAT NEW CAR, THAT THERE IS A WARRANTY WHICH STATES THAT WEAR ITEMS ARE ONLY COVERED FOR 12/12. AT WHAT POINT DO YOU BECOME RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN VEHICLE ? SHOULD THE FACTORY COVER YOUR BRAKES FOR LIFE ? WAKE UP PEOPLE.
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Robert Dodge Dakota
7/25/2001 10:00:38
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Hey 'LOSER', your missing the point. Brake drums and/or rotors do not warp after 10k miles under normal driving... unless they are defective. If you had any clue about mechanics... or owned more than one vehicle in your life, you would 'get' this. My five year-old nephew can figure this one out. You either are very ignorant or work for Chrysler...
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steve Dodge Dakota
7/25/2001 10:28:46
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Robert, I have to agree with your passion, but I have learned quickly that dealing with people with Clyde's oppinions that getting mad just pisses them off more and causes them to say things like "wake up people".
Cyde, I have owned 2 cars in the short 9 years I have been driving. My DAKOTA is the first one I have purchased new and have purchased without any body helping me. I paid $24,000.00 for it and I expected the brakes to last more than 5,000 miles-is that unreasonable? (review my first posting...I started this whole thing). If you believe it is the owners responsiblity to replace poorly designed or defective parts on a vehicle that should be as perfect as a manuafacturer can make it you are living on the wrong side of the tracks buddy. I understand replacing tires, windshield whippers, oil, oil filters, even brake pads prior to the end of a warrantee...but DRUMS AND ROTORS, along with mufflers (which I have already replaced-not under warrantee), tie rods (Dodge is replacing them) and rear shocks (also being replaced) are purely equipment manufactered by companies other than Dailmer-Chrysler and are mearly BOLTED on. None of the parts that are stamped MOPAR have failed on this vehicle.
I am frusterated with all of this because Chrysler is willing to replace poorly designed non-mopar parts while under the warrantee but they are unwilling to recognize that these parts are defective and that they need to be dealt with on a permenent basis.
The unfortunate reality is that this is a GREAT truck and I love it, but it has problems with it that should have be eleviated before they stamped it with the DODGE ram head and sold it to me.
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CLYDE Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/25/2001 13:34:35
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: ROBERT,
IS IT UNCLEAR OR IS THERE A COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN ? THE WARRANTY STATES 12/12 NOT 20/12 OR EVEN 12/12102. YOU AGREED TO IT, AND PURCHASED IT, WHY CAN'T YOU LIVE UP TO YOUR END OF THE DEAL ?
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Steve Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001 09:09:45
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Ok Clyde, I am going to reply to your question to Robert...and perhaps I didn't make this clear the first time.
The brakes were (are) crap from the moment I drove my new turck with 6 miles off of the lot. They were replaced after I had owned the vehicle 2 months with 5000 miles on it (I do believe that falls into the 12/12 catagory, unless you are implying that means 12 minutes or 12 miles, which-ever-comes-first). Dodge promptly replaced them as they should (but offered no explaination as to WHY they had deteriorated so fast except for telling me my driving habbits cause their deterioration, but I drove a Ford Festiva for 8 years and never had problems). 3 months and 5,000 miles later the same thing happened (still in the 12/12) and Dodge replaced them. Now, we have a PATTERN. The HISTORY of these parts, qualifies them for the lemon law which involves the consumer (me) to make a complaint to the manufacturer (dodge) which I have in order to either have the vehicle purchased from me (which I don't want them to do) or have the parts replaced with aftermarket parts OR have them replaced with modified MOPAR parts. Either one of those options is music to my ears. Since that second trip to the garage with bad brakes I have been back twice after the 12/12 warrantee has run out to have them turned (there isn't much left of them). That is FOUR times they have been either replaced or turned in less than a year with just under 19,000 miles on the vehicle? Clyde, does that seem RIGHT to YOU? In all things that are Holy and Goddly, doesn't that sound like I'm getting screwed?
BUT, and here is where you and I seem to be having a communication problem, DODGE refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem with my brakes or ANYBODY elses brakes that they have had to replace multiple times during the INFAMOUS 12/12 period.
That is why I started this list, to let people with my problems know that there IS a way of reporting these problems to the NHTSA (just like Ford Explorer owners did after their vehicles flipped over after Firestone blow outs...but I suppose, that that happend after the 12/12 warrantee so there for the consumer is at fault there also).
Does this make sence?
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Robert Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001 09:48:57
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I just found out that Clyde has Down-Syndrome. This makes sense... that is why he does not understand...
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Mopar67 Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/26/2001 22:10:41
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I also filled out the form to complain to NHTSA and I've already priced out replacement rotors from NAPA approximately 67 bucks each and when Uncle sam sends back some of MY money, I will purchase that plus new pads.
Clyde please give me definition of what you think we should expect after plunking down 20K or so for a new vehicle? I drove clunkers when I was younger and adding up all the piles of junk I drove I still don't eeven come close to the number of times my BRAND NEW DAKOTA has been back to the dealer for rotors AND drums.
Lets see, first issue at 4500 miles, rotors warped. Then at 6500 miles, drums, then again at 8000 miles drums again. Then again the rotors let go at 11K (wow just under my warranty huh?)
now at 18345 rotors are warped again. Yes, I actually took it to a garage (not the dealer) and watched the mechanic check both with a dial indicator. The last time I saw a needle bounce like that was on a pressure cooker.
You tell me if I am being excessive in my expectations.
If you would be so kind, please send me the 250 bucks it will probably cost me and I promise I won't mention brakes on here agian. Deal?
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Mopar67 Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/26/2001 22:11:45
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I also filled out the form to complain to NHTSA and I've already priced out replacement rotors from NAPA approximately 67 bucks each and when Uncle sam sends back some of MY money, I will purchase that plus new pads.
Clyde please give me definition of what you think we should expect after plunking down 20K or so for a new vehicle? I drove clunkers when I was younger and adding up all the piles of junk I drove I still don't eeven come close to the number of times my BRAND NEW DAKOTA has been back to the dealer for rotors AND drums.
Lets see, first issue at 4500 miles, rotors warped. Then at 6500 miles, drums, then again at 8000 miles drums again. Then again the rotors let go at 11K (wow just under my warranty huh?)
now at 18345 rotors are warped again. Yes, I actually took it to a garage (not the dealer) and watched the mechanic check both with a dial indicator. The last time I saw a needle bounce like that was on a pressure cooker.
You tell me if I am being excessive in my expectations.
If you would be so kind, please send me the 250 bucks it will probably cost me and I promise I won't mention brakes on here agian. Deal?
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DavidG Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
7/30/2001 08:06:30
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Just to toss in my 2 cents. I strongly believe in the fact that a 3 year/36,000 mile BUMPER to BUMPER warranty, is exactly that. I have a 01 4x4 with the same issue that most of you do. There has been times that I have wanted to drive my Dak right back into the showroom floor via the biggest window in the building. I have owned trucks prior to the Dak and never replaced rotors or drums prior to 50,000. 95% of my driving is highway.
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john boyce Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
9/02/2001 15:14:16
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I have 58,000 miles on my 2000 Dakota and have put up with warped rotors from 5,000 miles on with no dealer help other then to charge me $128.00 to turn the rotors @17,000 miles. they are getting so bad now that I am in market for after market hi preformance crossdrilled rotors and new pads even though the orginal pads show less then 50% wear. I have driven Chrysler products from 1962 and have been happy with all,of them. If there new German owners won't stand behind their products they can keep them because I won't be buying another.
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sandman Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
9/09/2001 02:33:54
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Clyde, Rotors and Drums are not normal wear items. Pads and shoes are. If Toyota can build rotors and drums that routinely last 10-15 years without warping then so can dodge and chevy. I do not know if it the meterial used, lack of heat treating, or the thinness of the rotors but Chevy cars and Dodge trucks have both had problems with their brakes. Rotors and drums should last atleast 100,000 miles and hopefuly more. We need to take advantage of the Lemon Law. It is because of people with your mind set Clyde that work for American car companys that so many people are buying Japanesse. I prayed before I purchased this dodge that I was not buying a money pit. I pray from time to time that it will be dependable and that the parts on it were built to spec and will last for a long long time.
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Kelly LeBlanc Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
9/26/2001 12:54:24
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: My 2000 Dakota Sport is in the shop today for brakes. I was told that the pads and rotors would have to be replaced. I have 27,000 miles on my truck and so I didn't clue in right away, until I started thinking that I don't really use the brakes much, and that this all happened very suddenly and without any warning. I had my last car 5 years, and when I traded it in, the mechanic asked me if I had just had new brakes put on.
Yesterday afternoon, I stopped in to the service shop and told them that I believed an underlying issue was causing the problem with the brakes since it happened so suddenly and without warning, only 4,000 miles since the last time the brakes were checked. I was informed that they would see. I just sent them a copy of the postings on this site as well as those from NHTSA and now they say that they are going to try to work it in under warranty. We'll see!
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David_K Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
9/27/2001 09:23:37
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I am going in this weekend to have my brakes looked at on my 2001 dakota (yep problem continued through this year!). I just moved half way across the country, and low and behold, during my inspection to get the car registered, i had major scarring ont he rotors. The mecanic told me it was just the beggining. It is done on both the front rotors. Now, he didnt look at the rears so, guess what dodge will have to do. Anyway, ill be pushing for all new stuff if it is bad. Not that i think i will really get it though.
I called an auto store out here, rotors are failry cheap. they said 35 bucks each. it might be more work, but wouldnt putting brand new rotors on the truck be better than turning them? Actually, would it be more work? they cant turn them while they are on the truck right?
Drums i didnt ask about. i have a guy feeling those will cost more since they are a larger and more complicated component. so those might be best to be turned as well.
i am investigating the brakes and pads someone mentioned earlier (Power Slot rotors and
Raybestos Pads). According to "Don M." they are working out good.
I asked about heavy duty pads and brakes, but the places i called only had standard rotors at this time. so maybee in a few months. I also plan on looking for high preformance rotors, they can usually handle higher heat and stress.
But for now, dodge gets to flip the bill (10,750 miles). i plan on finding out how long the warranty is good for on the work they do. that way if it fails in 5k more, i have something to go back on. if i remember all the receipts say something to the effect of "all work done carries 12month / 12,000 mile warranty". so if its on there, i should be covered.
regardless, after i have the work done, and can tell NHTSA what exactly the dealer said, i plan to make a report.
I also love my truck, and even though the brakes may be proned to warpage, i wouldnt trade it in for anything... well i shouldnt say that, id trade it flat out for a ferrari. :) course then my insure would be like the truck payment. heh.
but anyway, i urge everyone to pick up the phone, complain, and go to NHTSA and file the complaint.
Thanks for your time.
Steve - Kudos to you for stating this.
Dave.
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David_K Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
9/27/2001 09:34:07
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Sorry for the double folks!
i found the websites to those products that were mentioned...
http://www.raybestos.com/
http://www.powerslot.com/
FYI
-Dave
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David_K Dodge Dakota
10/01/2001 09:41:15
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Ok, Dodge replaced the rotors free of cost, with no hastle at all (what a suprise!).
Im heading over to make a complaint at NHTSA about the rotors.
I made sure they gave me a 12month / 12,000 mile warranty on the rotors they put on that way if in time they go again...
Other than that, all went well. If its out of the time frame, i will replace them myself with a better rotor.
Dave
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Kelly LeBlanc Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
10/01/2001 13:03:40
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Haven't found a definitive address for where to send complaints to Daimler, but here is an address for where to request a form to submit suggestions and ideas.
DaimlerChrysler
Outside Suggestions Office
CIMS: 483-01-07
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2757
They are definitely not trying to make it easy, but here is a phone number to call as well.
1-800-992-1997
Kelly
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Dave_K Dodge Dakota
10/02/2001 07:30:30
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I dont have a problem with Dodge's service. I have a problem with their product. I dont think i will get anywhere with dodge themselves, so im going to the big guys.
Here is where you can research auto problems. They can be either TSB's, Recalls, or Consumer Complaints.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/
If you want to post a complaint about the product (not the service) You should go here.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/oscripts/IVOQ/VOQ/voq1.cfm
to make the complaint. If i remember right, NHTSA is who makes dodge (any motor company at that) change the product and make recalls. Am i right?
Anyway.
my 2 cents.
Dave.
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steve Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
10/02/2001 13:59:41
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I have sent the following letter to Daimler Chrysler:
Daimler Chrysler
Outside Suggestions Office
CIMS: 483-01-07
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2757
Outside Suggestions Office:
I do not like complaining. The fact that I have been brought to this point without previous resolution from my 5 Star Dealer, Crown Dodge, in Greensboro, North Carolina, 3210 W. Wendover Avenue, 27407 (336) 856-05700 frustrates me.
I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota SLT 4x4 (vin # 1B7GG22N6YS526759) with approximately 26,000 miles on it. I purchased it new from Weinberg Dodge in Kansas City Missouri in March of 2000. It had 6 miles on it. Prior to my first oil change at 2,500 miles I noticed what was then a subtle vibration in the brake pedal accompanied by a shacking in the chassis and body of the truck. I drove it 1,700 more miles across country from Missouri to North Carolina and Drown Dodge replaced the drums under warrantee with under 5,000 miles on them. Although the subtle vibration had matured into a violent shaking and lack of control I was assured that it was not a chronic problem with the truck and that it had received bad parts during assembly…what a bunch of bull.
Less than 5,000 miles later I detected the vibration again and had it looked at and was told that my tires needed to be balanced and that would solve the problem. It did not, and by the time I had my BRAND NEW TRUCK in for NON-ROUTINE service for the THIRD TIME with barely 13,000 miles on it I was informed that the warrantee on the brakes had expired that the truck needed $85.00 worth of brake work in the rear to turn the drums (mind you, brand new drums would be cheaper). I chose not to have the service completed for I decided to pursue other means of retribution before sinking the money into a problem that would return in another 5,000 miles.
I posed the question to Carson Thomas, a Service Advisor at Crown Dodge, concerning the frequent and consistent failure of my brakes to perform smoothly and without defects and was told that his diagnosis was “owner driving style.” I was told that my driving style was destroying perfectly good brakes on my $26,000.00 pick-up-truck… a truck with all the components necessary to propel its gross body weight and any attached peripherals up to highway speed with consistent easy and efficiency beyond my wildest dreams, but without the necessary components to return its mass back to stand still without having to ride the shaking brakes like a bucking bronco with a broken leg. As I look back on that disgusting experience I realize that a less-than-concerned service advisor was thumbing my concerns with HIS product at me with everything short of an extended middle finger (I suppose that would have been too blatant).
Is my frustration coming across in written text? If not, I will continue…
Time passed…much to my incomprehensible irritation I brought my truck in for its routine 24,000 mile check-up and was informed by a very comforting mechanic that my front rotors need to be turned (this mechanic was apologetic because I had discussed the problems with my rear drums with him previously—that story will be told shortly).
I love me truck. I hate the brakes. I am frustrated by the lack of attention this problem has been given. I am using all my restraint at this moment to keep my cool and I am quite alarmed that this letter does not convey my true and utter anger and disappointment in this product. I have been in touch with numerous Dakota owners around the country with the exact same problems as my truck who have had the same experience with the parts and service that I have (and I will be happy to provide you with the e-mail addresses of these likewise frustrated and disappointed customers if you wish to console them with free service and parts to remedy their problems). I have talked to a total of 13 separate mechanics, 10 of which are certified Daimler Chrysler technicians. Three of those Daimler Chrysler certified mechanics and 3 independent SAE certified mechanics gave me straightforward responses when I approached them about my problems. They said that the brakes are poorly designed, and worse, are under designed considering the gross weight and capabilities of this truck and that they should be redesigned and replaced as defective parts. The remaining 6 Daimler Chrysler certified technicians (including Mr. Carson Thomas, Service Advisor for Crown Dodge) informed me that it was my driving style and that it was routine to turn the brakes with every oil change.
If that is the attitude at the “New Dodge” then I will NEVER OWN ANOTHER DODGE PRODUCT, truck, car, or van. I will purchase high performance after market parts to replace the despicable trash that were assembled to my automobile by Daimler Chrysler and I will never purchase a Dodge product again.
It is my argument that unless Daimler Chrysler does something immediately to rectify this problem, myself and many other previously loyal Dodge owners will be definitively disgruntled and mystified by your lack of interest in your owners’ problems. We talk, and we will continue to tell our stories to countless potential buyers. I will be more than happy to grab this problem by its horns.
How do you solve this problem? You replace my drums, rotors, pads, and shoes with an aftermarket product of my choice and admit in writing that these systems are of poor quality. At that point I will be very satisfied with my efforts to remedy this problem.
Like I said before, I do not like to complain. I sincerely hope that this complaint will not be in vain and will be rendered with the most intense sincerity and dedication to your product. I hope that my patronage and opinion of your products and service will be positive.
Thank you,
Steve Johnson
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Dave_K Dodge Dakota
10/02/2001 17:31:29
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Go get em!
I wonder if this would classify as a class action suit? Or whatever they call them...
You know what i am refering too?
Dave
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pippy Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
10/03/2001 17:10:21
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Did you check the torque on the wheel nuts? Have they been over tightened?????
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Dave_K Dodge Dakota
10/03/2001 20:17:31
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Do rotors Normally show wear, like lines on it?
I just had the damn things replaces 500 miles ago, and i looked through the wheel and i could see 1 scar (small one ) but is thats just the start...!
any mechanics out there that can answer me?
Thanks
Dave_K
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shredder Dodge Dakota
10/08/2001 13:25:53
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I have a 97 dakota (4x4SLT club cab, 5 speed) that I loved, except for two things: the warped brakes and the engine pinging when you put you foot into it. In 1999, The brake rotors warped badly at about 26000km (16,000mi) and I don't recall doing anything unusual except a very moderate brake ap in the rain one day. I took it into Dodge and got the same BS response as every one else, its your fault, normal wear and tear, not covered by warrantee. Exuse me? After two years of supposedly bad driving, my front brakes had 85%(rear had 90%) left on them and they wanted me to replace everything at my cost- I don't think so. I tried to get it done under warantee for about a year with no luck. Over time the pulsing from the warped rotors (or drums- who knows with those dodge mechanics?) actually decreased to a very tolerable level. I was just going to live with it until I stumbled onto these review sites and found out I am not alone with these problems. Now how about that engine pinging....
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BNC Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
10/17/2001 15:30:11
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Anybody have any luck with getting a totally new 12k/12mo warranty on the new rotors? I am going to give it a whirl and see what happens. Be interesting to hear the argument if they choose not to.
Brett
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Dave_K Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001 07:06:32
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: YES!!!
My dealership said that with the new rotors they put on my truck, i got a NEW 12month/12k warranty on them!
so have another 12k miles to burn these up. So far so good though. but its onlyu been 1.5k miles.
by the way, i didnt have to argue the rotors being covered, they just said "Yes, there is a 12m/12k warranty on the new parts".
w00t!! w00t!!
Dave.
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Kelly LeBlanc Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
10/22/2001 09:41:59
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Great letter Steve!
I am just getting ready to send one in myself. I will post it here as soon as I am done with it.
For those of you concerned about the 12m/12k warranty on the new parts, have your dealership check your brakes and rotors every time you take it in for servicing, and have them print that they checked your brakes and rotors, as well as their condition, on your receipt. That way, if anything happens to your brakes between servicing, you have a paper record to prove that the problem isn't due to driving style. This will also hopefully catch the problem before it gets really expensive to fix.
Kelly
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phishcranium Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
10/22/2001 15:09:09
| 2002 Brakes IP: Logged
Message: It may be to early to tell, but do the 2002 Quad cabs have the same rotor/drum/brake problems. Anybody know if they beefed up their drums for this year?
Scott
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Mike Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
10/23/2001 22:09:18
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: First, I would like to say to Steve....excellent!!! Please, please let us know what comes of your excellent letter.
Second, it would appear that after reading a number of posts that the majority of you bring your trucks into Dodge for service. Whether it be for a simple oil change or, say, a brake job (go figure!). I happen to be one of the other guys. I've always preferred to do as much work as possible on my own vehicles since I don't trust most mechanics as far as I can throw them.
I'm planning on taking my truck in for brake work soon and I'm worried that my complaints will be met with the same stubborn, sorry we can't help you attitude since I haven't previously taken my truck to a Dodge dealership for service and logged a complaint.
I would appreciate anyones insight or ideas regarding my situation.
Thanks in advance...
Mike
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Dave_K Dodge Dakota
10/24/2001 06:50:01
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: Hey, im with you on doing your own work (for basic stuff at least). but my truck is still under warranty, so let them burden the cost and labor.
How many miles you do have on your truck? is it out of warranty? If so, you could always but pads and or rotors from the dealership. They should STILL come with a 12/12 warranty if i remember right. you ought to check in on that.
That way, if you do your own work, you can use their parts and get them replaced if it occurs to often.
- Dave.
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Neil Dodge Dakota ![Email](http://www.dodgedakota.net/amb/icons/email.gif)
11/16/2001 23:42:23
| RE: Report those Warped Brake Drums IP: Logged
Message: I Have a 2001 QC 4X4 with 47000 miles.I have turned the rotors once and the pulsing is back. Both times the problem started after the wheels were re-installed (tire rotation and a flat). However I was able to drive 9000 miles with no problems after I rotated the tires myself and used this great rare tool (a torque wrench).
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