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Dodge Ram abs comes on

198 of the 3,966 owner complaints about the Dodge Ram describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1996 model year.

owner complaints
198
worst model year
1996
typical mileage
47,640
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 26, 2021 · Brakes · 220,000 miles · KS · fire · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and place the vehicle in park. The contact exit the vehicle to inspect the engine and without warning when the front hood was open 4-foot flames shoot out from the hood. The contact sustained burns to the right hand. No medical attention was sought. The contact ran to the rear of the vehicle open the trunk and poured water that he had in a bucket on the flames. No police report was made. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. No dealer was contacted nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Damages were to the wire harness, ABS module, and connecting rod. The failure mileage was approximate 220,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2005 · Brakes · 47,640 miles · NY

Dt: the contact stated while driving at low speeds less than 10 MPH, the ABS pump activated, causing difficulty in depressing the brake pedal. This occurred on dry road conditions and under normal braking. There were no warning indicators prior to the first incident. He took the vehicle to a nearby garage, who replaced the ABS sensor and the ABS modulator. The garage then took the vehicle to the dealership to have the codes put in for the ABS modulator. The vehicle had the same problem again. The manufacturer was contacted, and they told the contact to take the vehicle to the dealership. No repairs have been made. *ak updated 1/11/2006.

Filed Dec 22, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 7,380 miles · WA

The steering wheel was hard to turn while driving at a low speed. The vehicle wandered across the road. The vehicle has been to the dealer on three separate occasions. The dealer replaced the steering box on two separate occasions and made some other repairs, however the problem continued. *jb the consumer stated the brakes would grab, however the mechanic informed the consumer that was the way ABS worked.

Filed Nov 1, 2004 · Brakes · MS

The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for because the ABS light appeared on the dashboard. The mechanic informed the consumer that the sensor needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 50,100 miles · TX

My husband ordered this truck in late 1997. We purchased it new and have had numerous problems with the vehicle. The biggest problem we have faced is the transmission. Mid-april 1998 the first problems occured with slippage, the transmission cooling lines were replaced, one month later the torque converter went and repairs were made. Now at 51,000 miles and very little driving for the last 2 yrs (since my husband has been sick with cancer) it has blown again. The front seals are leaking profusely. The rear window was leaking so badly at one point the entire ceiling inside was soaded. The ABS computer went wacky on us early on also. The seatbelt has been twisted since we purchased the vehicle and we have not successfully fixed it. The extended warranty we purchased has gone out of business. I will not likely buy another dodge ever again. Mercedes takes the cake.

Filed Aug 27, 2003 · Acceleration, Brakes · AK · crash

The ABS light illuminated on the dash. Then vehicle suddenly accelerated towards traffic which resultedc in an a collision with another vehicle.

Filed Aug 7, 2003 · Brakes · 20 miles · AL

Consumer stated ABS light illuminated. Which was an indication the ABS was inoperative *ak *cb

Filed Jul 7, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · FL · crash · 1 injury

While driving approximately 45mph, had an accident by rear ending vehicle in front. Abs braking system had locked up. This caused the vehicle to skid into the vehicle in front. Air bags failed to deploy upon impact. Front end of vehicle was destroyed. Also, seat belts failed to restrain and driver suffered chest pains from hitting steering wheel, and had to be taken to hospital.

Filed Nov 14, 2002 · Brakes · OR

Consumer states he has ABS brakes and this am he attempted to brake and his system locked up on him causing him to run stop signs because his brakes did not work. He also states that his front brakes worked but his back one that did not work. Mr

Filed Sep 18, 2002 · Brakes · PA

While driving ABS brake and brake indicator light came on, indicating that brakes did not work properly when applied, causing extended stopping distance.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported July 7, 2010 · 20,626 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive jeep liberty, dodge nitro and ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare.
Risk
This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 10V315000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported January 11, 2010 · 20,045 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring; dodge avenger and nitro; jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 dodge ram truck. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.
Risk
This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 10V009000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported April 12, 2004 · 44,588 vehicles affected
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, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported February 12, 2001 · 2,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between the front tire/wheel and the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly. During full lock turns, it is possible for the tire or wheel to contact the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly.
Risk
This could ultimately result in wire damage and/or a hole in the brake line, affecting brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front brake hose assemblies, and the ABS sensor wire will be inspected and replaced if necessary. Owner notification began march 8, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 01V038000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: disc: rotorReported April 8, 1998 · 1,550 vehicles affected
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

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 28, 1997 · 58,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines. The engine driven vacuum pump can allow engine oil into the vacuum hoses due to the absence of an internal check valve. The oil can cause the hose to deteriorate and partially collapse, reducing the vacuum supply to the brake booster.
Risk
Reduced power brake assist can result increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will add a vacuum pump check valve to the vacuum pump. In addition, the vacuum hose connected to the vacuum pump will be replaced with a hose that is engine oil resistant.

Recall number 97V068000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Ram abs

Why does the abs come on in the Dodge Ram?

Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, pulls to one side and airbags did not deploy in a crash.

Which Dodge Ram years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1996 (70 complaints), 1995 (44 complaints) and 1994 (34 complaints).

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