Dt: the contact complained about brake failure on four different occasions. There were no warning signs, indicating a problem with the brake system. When brakes fail there is also loss of steering control. When the brakes are applied the pedal will go all the way to the floor. The only way to stop the vehicle is to apply the hand brake. The dealer tried to repair the vehicle on three different occasions. After a period of time the brakes will fail again. The dealer suggested the problem could be within the power booster pump and the master cylinder. *ak updated 11/19/05.
2001 Dodge Ram: brake failure
7 of the 318 complaints about the 2001 Dodge Ram describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
Dt: while driving down a hill the brakes went out. The contact was able to get it safely off the highway. This occurred on august 15, 2005. The contact took vehicle to a mechanic. They said that it was due to the way that the van was built. He said that it caused the battery to leak and burn a whole in the brake line. The vehicle is still at the mechanic's shop. The contact was concerned that someone else could have an accident due to the problem with the vehcile's structure.
The brake pedal went to the floor while traveling on the highway. This caused consumer's vehicle to rear end a tractor trailer, lost control of the vehicle, and flipped twice , landing on the shoulder of the highway. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained head and back injuries, and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The vehicle was towed.
When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and rear ended another vehicle. Both air bags did not deploy. No injuries. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. Please fill in additional information.
Consumer states that the brake calipers seized while driving resulting in loss of brake function, almost causing a collision.
Two times while backing out of my garage my power steering and brakes went out. The first time resulted in a power steering fluid leakage. After ten minutes the truck was able to be driven to the dealer where the power steering pump was replaced. The second time I was also backing out of my garage and lost both the power steering and power brakes. This time the manufacturer had to have the truck hauled to the dealer. The power steering pump was replaced. Dealer told me that the brakes and steering are run off the same gearing on the front of the engine. This truck seems to require constant correction to the steering to minimize wander.
1500 quad cab, brake failed at 50-60 MPH. There was a grinding noise. Dealer determined that bearings on right wheel were grounded to dust, no grease was visible.
Service bulletins that may apply
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
Questions about the 2001 Dodge Ram brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 2001 Dodge Ram?
7 of 318 owner complaints about the 2001 Dodge Ram (2%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2001 Dodge Ram?
There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2001 Dodge Ram
No deployment 25Pulling 17Ball joint 12Stalling 9Grinding brakes 7Fire or smoke 7Power steering loss 7Check engine light 5Engine failure 5Knocking 5
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