2013 Ram 1500: brake failure

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · 132,000 miles · MO

Component or system that failed / malfunctioned The brake system (pads, calipers, hydraulic fluid) failed three times in less than 90 days. The right-side tie rod end also separated from the steering assembly. Both components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk The brakes repeatedly lost all stopping power while driving, with the pedal going to the floor and the reservoir emptying within minutes. On one occasion, the brake pads and caliper fell off the wheel assembly, confirmed by the dealer’s own shop manager. The tie rod failure caused uneven tire wear and a highway blowout, forcing an emergency tow. These issues placed me, my child, and other drivers at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Premier Auto (the dealer’s affiliated garage) confirmed and attempted repairs three times. On the third visit, the shop manager (Mike) stated that the brake pads were so low they had fallen off, causing the calipers to overextend and leak. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by others? Yes. Premier Auto inspected and repaired the brakes multiple times. Dobbs Tire & Auto later inspected after the blowout and diagnosed additional electrical issues. Documentation, invoices, and photos are available. Were there warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms? The brake warning light illuminated and the pedal sank to the floor during failures. No prior warning lamps appeared before the tie rod separation or blowout. The failures occurred suddenly while driving.

Filed Sep 19, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

ABS brake Module was diagnosed by the dealership as having a short. I have random brake failure (no accidents to date), speedometer gauge does not work, odometer does not work, cruise control does not work, parking sensors do not work. Dealership told me that a replacement is not available until March of 2024.

Filed Sep 26, 2022 · Brakes · GA · crash

My newly purchased vehicle was in the parked position, I took the key out of the car, the Gearshift was hit and the vehicle rolled down my hill in my backyard, hit a tree and was totaled. The Antilock brakes failed on me.

Filed Dec 9, 2019 · Brakes · 27,026 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. The contact stated that the brakes failed to release and the cylinder was not releasing the brake fluid. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the rear brake pads were overheating and produced a very strong burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician released a little bit of the fluid. Afterwards, the vehicle was able to drive normally. The contact called huntington beach chrysler dodge jeep ram (16701 beach blvd, huntington, ca 92647, (714) 841-3999) and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,026.

Filed Feb 18, 2019 · Acceleration, Brakes · 30,631 miles · CA · crash

I pulled into the driveway behind 2 parked cars. I stopped and put my truck in park and when I took my foot off the brake the truck revved up and went forward, I stepped on the brake to stop the truck, but the brakes failed to stop the truck from running into the 2 cars. As I kept pressing the brake the truck's engine was revving and the tires were burning rubber, I kept pressing the brake and the truck would not stop it was out of control. The truck rammed into both cars pushing one of them into the side of the neighbor's yard. All this happened while the truck was in park. I pulled back to reverse so I could get off the car and when I took my foot off the brake the truck continued revving this time going in reverse, again I kept pressing the brake, but the truck would not stop it was out of control. It went in a half circle going into the neighbor's front yard knocking down a 6 inch wall, some bushes and running into a tree. The truck stopped and turned off by itself after hitting the wall, the bushes and the tree. This incident caused a lot of damage and totaling one of the cars. I don't know what caused the truck to go forward while in park, the brakes not to work and the engine revving up. I believe the parts affected are the brakes, the power train and speed control.

Filed Aug 27, 2018 · Acceleration, Brakes · 137,000 miles · MI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. While driving 57 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck and would not release. The contact applied both feet in an attempt to depress the brake pedal and stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would not stop accelerating and there was a complete loss of brake functionality. The contact managed to pull off the road and placed the vehicle in the park position. The contact smelled a burning odor and noticed smoke rising from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to bill marsh chrysler dodge and jeep (408 west miles road, kalkaska, michigan 49646, 231‑258‑9192) to be diagnosed, but there were no warning indicators illuminated or diagnostic trouble codes present. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000. *tt updated 10/9/18

Filed Jul 20, 2018 · Brakes, Engine · 100,000 miles · KY

Driving vehicle when digital instrument cluster went black and engine stopped total loss of braking and steering assist. Loss of control of vehicle which rolled to stop. No collision or damage to vehicle. Vehicle restarts and driveable no digital information displayed. Dealer says digital instrument cluster failure. Concern definite safety risk if happened in traffic or when turning or stopping. Did the failure of the digital instrument cluster kill the engine or did something else kill the engine and the cluster. If the vehicle is driveable is it safe to drive or can expect repeat of same incident?

Filed May 17, 2017 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · TX

For the past several months I've noticed either drive train surging or brake failure at low speeds while parking - the truck seems to lurch forward unexpectedly. I thought it might have happened while pressing the brake pedal over a few seconds or possible shift issues while parking but I haven't been able to purposely duplicate it. Tonight while driving about 35 MPH I slowed behind a vehicle making a turn when the brake pedal went to the floor with no braking. I backed off the brake pedal and reapplied pressure (maybe rapidly a few times - not sure) resulting in some braking and some squealing that sounded like tires skidding although the slowing was gradual and not abrupt. I made the turn behind the other vehicle and drove about another 1/4 mile home with no other problems and normal brake action. I've noticed that over the past few months there's a vibration when braking which may be related. The truck has about 85,000 miles on it, oem brakes and no problems noted during vehicle inspection at 80k service. The brake fluid reservoir is full. Most of my driving is highway commuting with relatively little braking.

Filed Nov 5, 2013 · Transmission · TX

2013 dodge ram. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle rear differential failure. *smd the consumer stated while driving, the left rear wheel locked up. The rear axle sheared off, and the brake caliper broke off, at that point the vehicle had no brakes. The wheel and tire were punctured by the caliper bracket, and went into an uncontrollable spin. The vehicle finally came to an abrupt stop against the freeway cement center divider. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The consumer believed that some gears either in the rear differential or transfer case broke before the axle sheared off of the vehicle. According to the technician, the transfer case was noisy and locking up, the transmission was also noisy and not functioning properly. He also stated the rear differential was making a howling noise and had extensive vibration. The technician believed the damage to the vehicle was caused by some type of gear failure. The broken axle showed stress fractures/cracks due to possible metal fatigue. The dealer stated the damage to the vehicle was caused by the driver.