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.
1997 Dodge RAM 2500 transmission complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 32 of 32, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Transmission slips after parked for three days.
While driving 70 MPH on highway vehicle went into neutral, and wouldn't go into fifth gear. Also, a nut fell out of transmission. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated it was common accurrence in that type of transmission. *ak
On four occasions after encountering rough pavement or railroad tracks the front end of the veh has started to shake violently, necessitating coming to a complete stop to regain control. Had steering damper and traction bar replaced at 36768 miles. Again at approximately 45100 miles had same violent shaking of front end when crossing railroad tracks. Feels as if truck is flying apart and out of control until able to come to complete stop. Selling dealer has recommended replacing steering stabilizer. Will
Vehicle was making a howling noise in rearend. Consumer was referred to contact a dodge dealer once independent mechanic completed repair. Mechanic had seen alot of problems with that model. Mecahnic had to replace both pinion bearing and axle bearings.
Oil leaks from rear axle and causes rear brakes to malfunction.
This is fifth time that his vehicle has been in repair shop for transmission. When shifting gears there is a clunking noise, and there is leaking underneath. Dealership is aware of problem.
The transmission failed prematurely.
While driving at freeway speed 5th gear suddenly lets go; acts like suddenly pressing clutch while at speed. Problem appears without warning, startles driver and leaves driver without power to avoid vehicles approaching in rear. Only response is to move to right without power to avoid accident. Had repaired by az dealer first time with "new redesigned" parts and same problem happened exactly one year later on 2/10/00 at 87615 miles. Problem fixed with same parts again by ca dealer. This is a safety issue. The truck is not capable of driving in 4th gear at freeway speeds (truck has 4:10 ring and pinion). Both transmission mechanics have repaired several vehicles with same problem.
On three occasions rear axle seal had leaked oil onto the brakes, causing brakes to malfunction. A technician found this out on a routine inspection.
Transmission failed to shift correctly under normal driving circumstances. Vehicle was still under warranty so we took it to wester dodge in seaside, ca for repair. Service dept changed the valve body, wasn't at seals had internally failed. Replaced the whole transmission. Two years later same problem arises at this time vehicle warranty is up. Dodge dealer refuses to repair and warrant problem. Took truck to certified transmission in gilroy, ca . They found that the seals were bad in transmission and broken bell housing and overdrive housing bolt holes were stripped.
The brake problem has been on going since the first few month of service. The first brake failure was at 9557 miles, the second failure was at 23,744 miles and the third failure of the brakes was at 29, 875 miles. The brakes have been replaced, rotors ground,, new rear axle seals, and new calipers, pads,and brake shoes have been installed. The problem still exists and the dealer in turlock auto center, turlock, ca. Is ordering new parts again making the fourth brakes on this pickup including the original ones.
Accelerator pedal is too loose or soft, and on a rough terrain pulling a trailer, it makes the truck start to hop. When it makes the truck hop, it causes the rear axle driveline seal to leak oil. The factory installed thermostat is faulty and makes the temperature go up and down by about 40 degrees. Had it replaced and it corrected the problem.
Transmission seal failure.
Front axle and brakes system have been replaced three times. When consumer was driving at any speed and applied the brakes the front end of the vehicle was bouncing. Dealer couldn't determine the problem.
Transmission failed.
Brake system failure caused caliper, pad, drum and shoe failed. Yh
Consumer has been experiencing problems with axle and driveshaft. Also, when applying brakes, their vehicle pulls to the right. The manufacturer has been contacted.
Brakes overheat and pull hard continually.
Transmission slips. Dealer contacted, put on computer and stated there was nothing wrong. Driving down a hill represents a big problem when pulling a trailer. It will not hold back. Consumer has to rely on brakes in order to come off of a hill. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak torque converter unlocks at any speed when decelerating, vehicle will not hold back even when in first gear, when towing a trailer and traveling downhill, the brakes have to be used, dealer states this is the way they are built.
Transmission has been serviced or repaired four times.
Transmission malfunction.
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