Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed. The brake indicator light also illuminated. The brakes also failed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for a diagnostic test and the contact was informed that the braking system was functioning properly but the failures were causing by an electric component. The vehicle was at the dealership for repair at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 115,000.
1998 Dodge Ram: brake failure
15 of the 482 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
While driving,the consumer tried to avoid another vehicle that was coming inside of the lane. When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and hit a guard rail and flipped into a ditch. Both air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained head injuries. The driver went to the hospital on his own. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. Please provide additional information.
Vehicle brakes failed. Scc ph
Having total brake failure. Brakes worked one minute and the next time total failure. In 2001 power steering pump and gear box were replaced due to total failure.
The brake cylinders had been leaking and were replaced by the dealer in 2000. Then again in december of 2001 we had brake3 trouble and the calipers and cylinders has brakes began to squeak. We had just had everything done less than 6 months ago. We assumed that at the worst the pads needed changing. We took it in the next day. We were informed that it was not the warning system but that the calipers were frozen and had worn out so quickly that the back cyliders were shot too. We were told that our brakes could have gone out completely at any moment there wasn't any warning. Thankfull that we did not have an accident we spent the $800.00 to fix everything. The calipers, roters, cylinders, pads, everything. This is the kicker that next weekend five days later we were comming home from out of town and going down a large hill they began to smoke. And we tried to pull over. We had no brakes!!! Thank goodness there was no one in font of us. We shifted into a lower gear and gradually came to a stop at the bottom of the hill. I am stll waiting to see what the prob. Is now. I had called dodge to see if there was any sort of prob. Or recall with the break system before and they said no. They would fix it but charge us to do so. I did some research and have found that there is so many complaints about the same problems. Our lives have been in jepordy twice and we have been lucky. It is obvious there is a prob. Looking at the complaints of the same nature why are they not doing anything. Do people have to die first. We have tried in vain to fix our truck to work properly with no luck. I only wish we could afford to by another truck. I am afraid that mine and my family's lives are in jepordy. When will dodge step up to the plate and fix this problem?
The brakes didn't work and my wife crashed and the air bags didn't deploy.
While driving accelerator pedal stuck when brakes were applied. Pedal went to the floor and failed to stop vehicle, causing loss of control. Please give any further details.
Vehicle has antil-lock brakes. When consumer applies brakes brake pedal goes to the floor, and there is pulsation within the brakes. Also, transmission doesn't have speed/gears slip, and there is a leak underneath the hood.
Vehicle experienced total brake failure, the consumer found that the calipers are made of plastic and feels the failure was caused because a minor amount of heat damaged the plastic pistons, which didn't allow them to slide properly in their cylinders, this didn't allow the pads to retract from the disc brake, causing additional heat build up.
These are the last two of the seven incidents of total brake failure for this vehicle. All incidents occurred at speeds of 25 - 60 MPH. 6 of the 7 were during normal stopping conditions; 1 emergency stop. When stepping on the brake pedal there is no braking action. The pedal does not go to the floor. Stepping on the brake pedal 1-2 more times and the brakes then grab. 1 incident failed to stop at a stop sign; 1 neccesitated veering out of lane.
The anti-lock brake system is not working properly. Front brakes have pads, and the back brakes have ABS brakes. When consumer applies brakes the front of the car will skid, and vehicle wiil not stop. He has taken vehicle back to the dealer .they told him brakes were working just fine. *ak the vehicle can not make a quick stop, even on loose gravel. The consumer had an accident as the result of brake failure.
1. Mirror vibration on drivers side to the degree that you cannot see to make safe lane changes. 2. Alarm inoperable at times and dome light does not iluminate so you cannot see if someone is hiding in your vehicle. 3. Rough ride 4. Popping noise in front suspension 5. Nuts that hold down the seats damaged when carpet repaired 6. Brake failure while pulling our boat 7. Pinging noise in engine like it is about to blow up
Service bulletins that may apply
- Brief information on the use of asbestos fiber brake linings
- Information regarding accelerated brake lining wear, front versus rear
- Vehicles listed on this bulletin are eqipped with rear height sensing proportioning valve that adjust...
- Condition with park brake release handle does not fully return to rest position
- Concerns with park brake release handle does not fully return to rest position
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
- Risk
- This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V185000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.
- Risk
- This fracture can result in crack propagation around the wheel mounting bolt circule ultimately resulting in a wheel separation.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and if necessary, replace these rotors.
Recall number 98V075000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Ram brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
15 of 482 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram (3%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
There are 2 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Dodge Ram
No deployment 36Pulling 25ABS 11Headlights 10Airbag light 9Premature wear 8Stalling 8Transmission failure 7Adaptive cruise 6Grinding brakes 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Check engine light 5Engine failure 5Loss of power 5Slipping 5Tire blowout 5
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