2007 ram truck. Consumer states brake malfunction *tgw the consumer stated he took the truck to the dealership after almost rear ending another vehicle, because the brake malfunctioned. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. On december 15, 2010, the brakes failed again while hauling a trailer. The consumer lost control of the truck and the trailer and came close to causing a serious accident. The next day, the truck was towed to the dealer, but they were unable to find a problem.
Dodge Ram brake failure problems
136 of the 3,966 owner complaints about the Dodge Ram describe brake failure, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 136
- worst model year
- 1996
- typical mileage
- 36,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 39No deployment 9Pulling 7Grinding brakes 4Steering noise 2Jerking 2Adaptive cruise 2Water leak 1
What owners say
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.
The brake light on my truck had come on. I had taken the truck into the dealership to investigate the cause. This week while hauling a trailer behind the truck, the whole break caliper fell off of the truck. The bolts had not broken, but were simply gone. I had no brakes at all, almost causing a wreck. The dealership and chrysler were both contacted regarding the problem. The response was that brakes are not covered past 18,000 miles. The issue with the truck is not due to normal wear and tear. The brake shoes are in good condition. The brake mechanism simple fell off of the truck. This also was explained and the company said that it would not be covered under warranty.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. A grinding noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the brakes rotors needed to be replaced. Mechanic informed consumer that this problem occurred more than once, and had not been resolved.
While making a right turn steering wheel failed. A loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear. Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not be duplicated.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- 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, hydraulic
- 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/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, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- 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: 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
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- 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 brake failure
Which Dodge Ram years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (34 complaints), 1995 (32 complaints) and 1994 (16 complaints).
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