1999 Dodge RAM 3500 brakes problems

Filed Jul 13, 2016 · Brakes, Steering · 168,000 miles · AZ

Ever since we purchased the truck used from dodge dealer in tucson arizona we have had concerns with suspension and steering of the truck. When driving the truck steering is bouncy and unstable. We thought it was alignment so we took it in and truck continues the same. When pulling out 34' 5th wheel steering is very shaky and vibrates a lot. After years of bringing up concern with dodge dealer we took to another shop where they gave us a huge list of things needing too get fixed. We went back to dodge dealer where they gave us a 2nd opinion and came up with additional concerns with truck. We have changed shocks, struts, be all joints and other things with the suspension and truck continues to run the same way. But recently we got brakes, drums, and master cylinder since we ran out of brakes while pulling out 34' 5th wheel. All this things were recommended so that the truck would run well. We have spent thousands of dollars and issue is still unresolved. We would like someone to help us since all the recommended repairs have been done and still having same problem. We travel quite a bit with our animals and would hate to have a deadly accident due to truck problems. Please let us know what would be the best step to repairing our truck to safe conditions. Steering shaky and brakes failure even after all recommended repairs. Thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 6, 2016 · Brakes · 147,000 miles · NJ

I just got the truck and have had brakes act funny front brakes some times lock up pulls to the right, acts like your on ice, and some times like you step on a brick so I look it up on the internet to see they have had this going on from 1997 to today all the same things not 100 but 10000s of complaints about the same thing why has there not been a recall on this plus I have read of 100s having accidents when this happens I believe this is a ABS issue for a long time with all dodge trucks 1500,2500 3500, pickups I have look at the brake system but don't see why this is going on I have had this go on at all speeds 15 to 65 it comes and go's

Filed Mar 4, 2016 · Acceleration, Brakes · 147,000 miles · NJ

Runs out of fuel at 1/4 tank,breaks act like front breaks or on ice when coming to stop dry road , cruse control dont work with vacuum leak

Filed Nov 12, 2005 · Brakes, Fuel system · 115,000 miles · IN

Two primary safety related issues and many less important quality issues have plagued this vehicle. The problems began to mount immediately after the warranty lapsed. The most critical issue has been the corrosion and subsequent failure of the brake line that supplies the pressure needed for the rear brakes to operate. This issue rendered the rear brakes on the vehicle useless. Dodge corporate and two local dodge dealerships refused to address the issue, except by offering to sell a replacement brake line. The failure of the metal after only 5 years is unacceptable. The second major safety issue is that the nipples on the original fuel sending unit were made of metal and corroded through and began to spray fuel onto the exhaust system and the entire underside of the vehicle. This results is very poor mileage and a potentially fatal fuel leak. Between these two safety issues and the blatant dismissal of any responsibility of the dodge corporation I think something needs to be done. I have corrected the issue on my vehicle, but what if someone was towing a large trailer with a similar vehicle and the brakes failed? People could be killed. Additionally the fuel leak doesn't seem to be an issue that should ever happen. I believe that in systems as critical as fuel and brakes the material should be designed to last longer than 4 or 5 years regardless of the warranty. We have the technology to prevent this, its a simple material choice issue. The brakes and fuel lines could have easily and inexpensively been made of stainless steel or brass or any number of other non corrosive materials.

Filed Aug 13, 2002 · Brakes · TN

Brake pedal goes to the floor when braking. *ak brake lines wear on the frame until they rupture, there is no warning, part is the feeder line to the wheel cylinders on the front.

Filed Jul 11, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · WA

Front brake pads were replaced at 11,000 miles to stop the severe pulling when the brakes were applied---"lockup" started the front wheels lockup and the rears roll free---master cylinder was replaced--porportioning valve was replaced--rear drums were turned & rear shoes were replaced

Filed Jun 18, 2002 · Body, Brakes · OR

While driving at any speed and without warning, applied on brakes and vehicle would pull to the left or right. Dealer has been notified. Dealer has serviced vehicle before for same problem; however has not found remedy for malfunction.*ak consumer adds after front pads were replaced front/rear brakes continue to lock up. While opposite end wheels roll free. Many attempts made to correct problem, but lock up still happens frequently. Steering seems very loose and is hard to keep vehicle straight. Power steering gear and steering gear box was replaced however truck continues to wander. Driver side seat cushion saggs. Seat bottom cushion replaced. Cab sqwaks on uneven ground. Black smoke from exhaust when cold or warm. Clutch slips. Dealer could not duplicate. Dimmer on dash lights burns fingers. When turning on turn signals, wipers will activate and rapid flash is heard. Difficulty getting into first gear. Abs jams when under a hard stop and during cold start. Lumbar is inoperative. Tranmsission leaking oil. Replaced output shaft seal. Master cylinder replaced. Most gears difficult to engage. Reverse is very stiff. Shifting 2-3rd will cause shifter to lock up and won't move at all. No problem found. Overhead console inoperative and replaced.

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Brakes · WA

Front brakes lock up back brakes fail, no brakes on back after brakes were replaced.*ak consumer adds rear brakes lock up as well. Abs pulsates slowly. Rear brake shoes, master cylinder and proportioning valve were all replaced. However, problem still exists.

Filed May 25, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · AZ

Almost impossible to drive. The brake caliper were not properly attached. Bad ball joints which had to be replace.

Filed Apr 12, 2001 · Brakes · OK

While driving about 50 MPH keeper ring broke. Shaft that goes through brake and clutch pedals came out. This caused brakes to lock up, clutch engaged as well.*ak