Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 2500. The brake lines have rusted in three places. The failures occurred near the master cylinder and the frame rail. While approaching a stop sign at approximately 10 MPH, the brakes failed. The brakes also failed in his driveway and at a drive through window. The brake lines were replaced in parts since the dealer no longer sells the all of the original parts. The dealer diagnosed the failure and stated that it occurs as though it were normal wear and tear. The vehicle is considered an 8800 due to the weight class. The vehicle is up-to-date on its routine maintenance. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 94,000. Updated 03-04-08 *bf the rear brakes started to lock up ever since the brakes lines starting to deteriorate. Updated
1997 Dodge RAM 2500 brakes problems
39 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 118,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 39
- of this car's complaints
- 18%
- typical mileage
- 118,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip15
- Foundation components10
- Foundation components: disc5
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3
- Foundation components: disc: pads2
- Foundation components: disc: caliper2
- Power assist1
- Foundation components: master cylinder1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge RAM 2500 brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 2500. The contact attempted to apply the parking brake, but the brake failed to engage. The regular brakes work, but the parking brake does not. The vehicle cannot be parked on an incline because it will roll. Dodge has not been notified. The current and failure mileages were 133,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while parking the vehicle, the brakes were applied and the pedal went freely to the floor. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed the brake lines were deteriorated and there was brake fluid all over the engine. The dealership and manufacturer have not been alerted.
I purchased a 1997 dodge 2500 ram pickup truck in november of 1996. Within a few weeks I experienced a brake failure when I hit the brakes hard. I managed to change lanes to avoid an accident and tried many times after that to get the brakes to fail. But it didn't happen again until almost a year later. Same result, no accident and couldn't repeat the problem. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for some warranty work and reported the brake failure to the service manager. They tested the vehicle many times and still could not produce brake failure. The problem occurred eleven times more since the last failure and this time I had an accident. Fortunately, I was able to miss the stalled vehicle in front of me by changing lanes and hitting a car along side going the same speed. This resulted in property damage to both vehicles but no bodily injury. If I had continued straight into the stalled vehicle, going about 30-35 MPH, I would have caused serious bodily injury to the passengers of the stalled car. My truck has the diesel option and weighs over 9000 pounds. It would have crushed the stalled honda and injured all the occupants. To date, only normal parts replacements have been done on the brake system and the brake computer has never been replaced. The vehicle will be going in to the local dealer for replacement of the brake computer at my cost and my request for replacement.
Vehicle lost braking while applying the brakes at 25 MPH. Consumer was able to stop the vehicle without any incidents. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the problem was an erupted metal brake line due to corrosion. Dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.*ak broken brake line was replaced. The rest of brake lines had to be replaced because of severe corrosion and danger of bursting. *bf
Traveling at 40 MPH, heard a"pop", rear break line ruptured, due to early corrosion of galvinized brake lines. No rear brakes. Was able to get of road. Dealership asked if its a northern truck, says it's non-warranty. Repair pending - estimates range from $600 to thousands (dealer)
Emergency brake failure caused truck to roll backwards out of driveway through a board fence down a hill off of a 8 ft. Cliff landing on rear bending bumper down and shoving bed in the cab and landing inches from the river! Dt
When brakes are applied they go to the floor and do not hold. The master cylinder has been replaced 3 times. This is a reoccuring problem, and the consumer is afraid for her family. Consumer states that this problem occurs about every 10k to 12k miles. Consumer feels unsure/unsecure about this vehicle and feels that chrysler needs to address this matter before someone is possibly killed.
Brakes have failed 4 times with 49100 miles on van.
While driving 45mph the atni-lock rear brake warning light came on. A few minutes later, while pulling out at a stop sign the rear differential made a loud noise. The rear differential had "came out" for lack of a better term. I have all the parts and pieces from the differential. The pinion gear was in pieces in the bottom of the housing. The ring gear had several teeth missing and/or damaged. The anti-lock brake sensor/equipment was also damaged.the only parts that were not replaced were the axles and the housing. Cause of the defect is still yet undetermined.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 brakes
Does the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500, 18% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 118,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Dodge RAM 2500 have bad brakes?
The Dodge RAM 2500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1996 (79 complaints), 1999 (72 complaints) and 1995 (61 complaints).
Other 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 problems
Transmission 32Tires 26Suspension 20Electrical 19Fuel system 19Acceleration 15Engine 15Body 11Steering 10Airbags 9Lights 9Visibility 9Seat belts 3Seats 3
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