2004 Dodge RAM 1500: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · AZ · crash · 2 injuries

While applying urgent braking at full pedal force due to another vehicle changing lanes in front of the vehicle at a much lower speed, the ABS system failed to function, causing the vehicle to skid for two to three seconds over an unknown distance. After approximately two to three seconds applying full force to the brake pedal and skidding, the pedal suddenly released all resistance against the driver's foot and was able to become fully-depressed against the floorboard/firewall of the vehicle. At the moment of the event, the vehicle gave a violent shudder and all braking power was lost. The vehicle continued forward without brakes until striking another vehicle and coming to a full stop, resulting in multiple injuries and a total loss of the vehicle. Post-collision, the vehicle's brake pedal was able to be pressed completely to the floorboard/firewall of the vehicle with very little resistance. The approximate speed when braking was initiated was between 45 and 50 miles per hour. Police responding to the collision estimated that the vehicle was traveling at approximately 15 miles per hour at the final point of collision with the second vehicle involved according to the police report.

Filed Aug 25, 2014 · Steering · 67,000 miles · AZ

Steering vibrations or shudders when maneuvering at low speeds, making turns etc. Not consistently but intermittently seems to get worse with time. Seems to only do it when in motion and not when at a stand still and turning wheels.

Filed Jun 15, 2009 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · 00

I also have a 2004 dodge that has had rotor damage for no apparent reason! I purchased my truck in 2007 with 56,000km. It now has 100,000km and I have had to have the rotors resurfaced twice and completely replaced once. I have also had the brakes done twice. My truck is only used for highway driving, never any towing or hauling and there is no feasible reason for the rotors to be wearing so quickly. I as well have a shudder in the front when breaking on the highway or over 50km/hr. I have had this checked and they cannot find a reason. A heads up to anyone with these trucks get your spindle nuts checked! I took my truck in because it had an odd squeak all of a sudden and they found that my spindle nut was extremely loose! If I had continued on the highway without getting it checked immediately I very well could've died as my entire front driver's side wheel would've apparently come off! Also for those of you who have had unexplained stalls when driving get your egr valve checked. I had the same problem and that is what it turned out to be. I have not had any further problems since having it changed about 8 months ago. I love my truck and generally am a fan of dodge however this rotor issue needs to be addressed as it is obviously a defect.

Filed Aug 11, 2005 · Brakes · 13,000 miles · MO

There was no "incident" however a dangerous situation was caught and cured before an "incident" occurred. I own a 2004 dodge ram 1500 4x4. Somewhere around the 13,000 mile mark on the truck I started noticing a shudder in the steering wheel while braking at highway speeds. I finally had my 15,000 service done at 18,697 miles. During that service I had the dealer look into the shudder. It was determined the front rotors were out of round and needed to be resurfaced. This is the issue. Those rotors had absolutely no reason to need servicing at all with that low amount of miles on the truck. The truck had never been used for towing or any other heavy work or braking. There is definitely a manufacturer defect indicated. Also, the dealer did not replace the brake pads when they resurfaced the rotors as according to the dealer, this was dodge policy on warranty work. However, according to ase standard, it is imperative to replace pads when resurfacing a rotor or to resurface the rotor when replacing the pads. I would suggest an investigation into the number rotor resurfacing services that have been performed on this model of dodge truck with less than 30,000 miles. Disc brakes and rotors should last no less than 40,000 miles.

Filed Aug 1, 2005 · Brakes · 10,500 miles · TX

Component: service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor details: 2004 dodge ram 1500 quad cab hemi. At 10,000 miles lots of steering wheel shudder while braking. Many with same complaints. Had same problem with previous chrysler product and brake repair stated the rotors are built to minimum tolerances. This is why the rotors warp. I see people are getting charged to fix this obvious manufacturers defect. Also, in emergency situations could be life threatening.

Filed May 17, 2005 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · FL

2004 dodge ram 1500 quad cab hemi. At 10,000 miles lots of steering wheel shudder while braking. Dealer replaced rotors, pads and calipers under warranty. At about 17,000 I start getting the same problem. Dealer repaced again. This seems to be an epidemic and I see people are getting charged to fix this obvious manufacturers defect.

Filed Sep 9, 2004 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · CA

Vehicle has approximately 16,000 miles on it. At approximately 11,000 miles, the brake rotors became warped. Initially, the condition was barely noticeable and progressive escalated until it became a violent shudder. The rotors were resurfaced at the dealer at approx 12,300 miles (at my expense). The vehicle has again begun to show signs of this occuring. Refer also to complaint numbers 10059615, 10087061, 10086270, and 10087061.