1999 Dodge RAM 1500 brakes problems

Filed May 7, 2016 · Brakes, Fuel system · 139,000 miles · WV · fire

Driving 30 MPH sudden strong smell of gasoline then visible white fog of vapor rose from defrost vents (defroster/fan not on) pulled over immediately but brake pedal went to floor with no activation of brakes. All this happened quickly, within 10 seconds used emergency brake to stop vehicle to evacuate 10 year old daughter and self barely in time. Bystander shouting that it was on fire. Fire erupted from under hood and spread into cab. Fire dept. Called by bystander as we used fire extinguishers unsuccessfully. Truck was engulfed and destroyed. Recalls were addressed spring of 2003. A later recall not realized by us includes fix for antilock brake controller corrosion that could cause fire. Geico claim # 0480694490101028 but no compensation, as not covered for fire. Fire dept. Took a report, police said no collision so they didn't. I don't currently have the fire dept. Report but may be able to obtain it.

Filed May 26, 2015 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · MN

The rear hard brake line mounted on the frame rail behind the fuel tank was severely rusted in an area about 4 inches long that could not easily be visually inspected (hidden behind the fuel tank). The hard brake line ruptured at the rusted area which compromised 100% of the braking power from the pedal. Some quick research has revealed that this appears to be a common problem for this vehicle. Many suggest this warrants a product recall due to the dangerous and critical nature of the vehicle subsystem in question: brakes. I'm lucky to be alive ... I had just returned from a trip through the mountains in tennessee with a full load in the truck bed and pulling a motorcycle trailer. The rupture occurred in my driveway while I was at a full stop!

Filed Apr 8, 2015 · Body, Brakes · 168,859 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the engine, the vehicle would operate as normal. The contact also indicated that the headlights would intermittently dim and the rear passenger side tail light failed causing the bulb to be replaced. In addition, the contact indicated that when applying the brakes, the vehicle would sometimes jerk forward and a section of the dashboard would detach and fall to the floor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 168,859.

Filed Mar 11, 2013 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · MD

This is the second time my brake line sprung a leak - drivers side rear. I am seeing many other complaints about the same issue / location.

Filed Mar 13, 2010 · Brakes · 105,000 miles · NJ

While driving in lowes parking lot going about 10 miles I went to stop the brake pedal went all the way to the floor I managed to stop without hitting anything after investagation found the brake line had rusted all the way throught this could have been deadly if this happen on the highway after talking to co workers I found 4 more dodges with rusted out brake line all rusted brake line was replace by me as I do not trust dealerships repair shops.

Filed Jan 20, 2010 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram 1500. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions when the "anti-lock brake system" (ABS) illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle has been taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The failure was contributed to battery acid leakage onto the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v185000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). However, the safety recall excluded the dodge ram 1500 series. The contact experienced the identical failures as mentioned in the recall defect. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction at this time. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2008 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · SC · crash · 1 injury

Got my truck feb.14,2000 and in 2001 I had to start replacing front driver side brakes. I did this approximately 2 times a year. It always seemed to be the ones on drivers front wore out others where fine. On oct.12,2004 a rainy night going home the truck started to shimmy when I used brakes. When I was going to turn right the brakes locked up on front and threw truck into embankment now wife messed up her neck due to impact. I did not file report cause no one else was at fault. The problem became more frequent. I continued replacing pads until recently. On july 28,2008 I changed everything except brake boost and master cylinder. The shimmying is back after 3 months. The vehicle pulls when I use the brakes and will throw you into other lane or off the road. I have had several close calls with other vehicles on the road through the years as I tried to repair the trouble. I have not received any recalls on this problem, but am tired of replacing pads. I have not fixed body damage from 2004 till I get this problem fixed. I have had others tell me of similar problems with their dodge trucks. What can be done to fix this?

Filed Jul 24, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · 140,000 miles · NC · crash

Vehicle's braking system seemed not to be working properly, taking longer distances to stop. A check of equipment showed all mechanical parts to be fit, and adjusted correctly. Continued to drive vehicle but then had small accident involving braking while going downhill. At this time it was determined I had no brake lights. Diagnostics of the brake light problem determined the combination switch in the steering column was the culprit and had failed, causing loss of brake lights and failure of the transmission to go into coast mode when the brake pedal was applied. This also results in the cruise function to not cancel when brakes are applied. There is no indication of failure through the instrument cluster for this fault. This seems to be a regular problem, as this part is back ordered at the chrysler dealership. Because of the seriousness of this fault I feel it should be a safety recall, especially since there is no factory part available to repair the condition. My vehicle is still not repaired.

Filed Jul 12, 2008 · Brakes · 102,000 miles · OH

Noticed brakes very spongy on 1999 dodge ram while coming to a stop light. Was able to stop without accident, although stopping distance was about 15 feet past the line. Was near home, so drove very slowly to my residence with very little braking ability. Found brake fluid dripping from driverside vehicle frame. Upon further investigation found severely corroded brake line had ruptured. I replaced the brake line and have since found that this is a common occurrence on these vehicles, as indicated on many internet forms for these trucks. I still have the corroded brake line.

Filed Jan 24, 2007 · Brakes, Steering · 29,000 miles · NJ

Tl* - the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram 1500 truck. While driving at 50 MPH the brakes failed. The mechanic advised him that the hydraulic lines rusted, and the entire braking system must be replaced. There were no warning indicator lights before or after the incident occurred. 50 miles prior to incident the vehicle passed safety inspection. A year ago while leaving his driveway a bolt for the steering idle arm fell off the vehicle. The rusted brake area was not exposed and rusted near the gas tank.