55 of the
1,369 complaints about the 2004 Dodge RAM 1500 are about the
braking system — 4% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
25,000 miles.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure, and the brake lines were rusted. The contact was trapped in the desert for hours with his dog. The contact stated that two independent mechanics had determined that the idler pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that six injectors and the ECM needed to be rebuilt. While driving, the vehicle went into the death wobble, and several linkages were damaged. Additionally, the front seat belts were inoperable with the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was repaired under warranty previously, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 228,510.
NHTSA complaint #11728619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
Mechanic said TIPM went bad. All gages guit working, check engine light stays on wind shield whipers turn on & off, engine stalls,all lights randomly turn on and off head lights turn signals exc. Transmission and 4 wheel drive say repair. Anti lock breaks acting up. Mechanic said this is happening alot for 2004 Dodge Ram trucks.
NHTSA complaint #11489776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesFredricksburg, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE, THE CHECK ENGINE, THE ABS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT AND VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10893038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesScottsdale, AZCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE APPLYING URGENT BRAKING AT FULL PEDAL FORCE DUE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE CHANGING LANES IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT A MUCH LOWER SPEED, THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED TO FUNCTION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID FOR TWO TO THREE SECONDS OVER AN UNKNOWN DISTANCE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO TO THREE SECONDS APPLYING FULL FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SKIDDING, THE PEDAL SUDDENLY RELEASED ALL RESISTANCE AGAINST THE DRIVER'S FOOT AND WAS ABLE TO BECOME FULLY-DEPRESSED AGAINST THE FLOORBOARD/FIREWALL OF THE VEHICLE. AT THE MOMENT OF THE EVENT, THE VEHICLE GAVE A VIOLENT SHUDDER AND ALL BRAKING POWER WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD WITHOUT BRAKES UNTIL STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND COMING TO A FULL STOP, RESULTING IN MULTIPLE INJURIES AND A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. POST-COLLISION, THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE PEDAL WAS ABLE TO BE PRESSED COMPLETELY TO THE FLOORBOARD/FIREWALL OF THE VEHICLE WITH VERY LITTLE RESISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED WHEN BRAKING WAS INITIATED WAS BETWEEN 45 AND 50 MILES PER HOUR. POLICE RESPONDING TO THE COLLISION ESTIMATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR AT THE FINAL POINT OF COLLISION WITH THE SECOND VEHICLE INVOLVED ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #10817076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOrange Beach, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS TRUCK HAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES. I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WERE ACTING STRANGELY -- SPONGY AND NOT BRAKING PROPERLY. THEY WERE THE ORIGINAL BRAKES. ON 8/4/2015, I TOOK THE TRUCK INTO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO HAVE RECALL WORK DONE FOR AIRBAGS. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP INDICATING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I AGREED TO THE WORK. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP THE TRUCK, I WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY HAD A GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY EVEN PUTTING THE BRAKES BACK TOGETHER AND THAT SOMETHING WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY ON MY TRUCK WHEN IT WAS BUILT! SINCE THIS INCIDENT, I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE WHO OWNS THE "SAME" TRUCK AS MINE -- 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 HEMI -- AND HIS BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED IN HIS DRIVEWAY YESTERDAY! I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO MAKE "OFFICIALS" AWARE OF THIS IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS AN UNKNOWN, ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEMS OF 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 PICK-UP TRUCKS.
NHTSA complaint #10786089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesMetairie, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN I PURCHASED THIS DODGE RAM 1500 HEMI 5.7 IT HAD A BAD ENGINE. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS FIXED, I NOTICE THE TRUCK WOULD JUST STOP RUNNING OR STALL AND NO ENGINE LIGHT. I WOULD START IT BACK UP AND IT WOULD KILL AT ANYTIME I WOULD SLOW DOWN TO TURN OR SLOW DOWN TO STOP. THIS WOULD HAPPEN 2 TO 10 TIMES A DAY. THEN NOT FOR A DAY OR TWO. WHEN I LOOKED ONLINE THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM. THIS CAN KILL SOMEONE AND I HAD TO STOP MY SON FROM USING THIS TRUCK. BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID HE WOULD GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS MATTER. UPDATED 9/15/15 *LN.... UPDATED 09/30/15*BF
NHTSA complaint #10746483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,156 milesOneonta, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
POPPING AND GRINDING IN REAR END POPPING IN THE CV AXLE FRONT TIRES LEANING IN AND WEARING ON INSIDE WITH NEW TIRES AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT HAVE ADDED NEW CALIPERS ROTORS BRAKES 2 NEW CV AXLES AND THE PROBLEM STILL NOT FIXED
NHTSA complaint #10744002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,500 milesMoscow Mills, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 35 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO POWER TO MY BRAKES OR STEERING AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. I MANAGED TO PULL OVER PLACED IT IN PARK AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS REMAINED WORKING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THIS SCENARIO HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION I WAS SITTING AT STOP LIGHT AND IT TURNED GREEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR THE AND THE TRUCK ROLLED BACKWARDS AND ALMOST HIT THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME SINCE THERE WAS A SLIGHT DECLINE TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. AGAIN ALL ELECTRICAL WAS FINE, BUT THE ENGINE QUIT. FOR ALL SCENARIOS I DID NOT EVEN KNOW THE ENGINE STOPPED BESIDES THE BRAKES AND STEERING HAD NO POWER. THE ENGINE JUST SIMPLY STOPPED RUNNING,
NHTSA complaint #10734676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWalterboro, SCCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND DID NOT EFFECTIVELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED ACROSS THE ROADWAY AND ENDED UP IN A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE BODY AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 11/18/15*LJ UPDATED 1/12/16 *JS UPDATED 01/26/16.
NHTSA complaint #10725322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesCottonwood Heights, UTCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH, I HEARD A LOUD "SMACK!" BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. LUCKILY, I'M PRETTY STRONG AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER. THE ENGINE WOULD START BUT NOT TURN OVER WITH 4 OR 5 ATTEMPTS. IT STARTED ON THE FIFTH OR SIXTH TRY BUT WOULD NOT IDLE. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET IT TO START AND ON MY WAY TO THE MECHANIC, I COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS BROKEN IN THE ENGINE. AFTER INSPECTING THE ENGINE AND LOOKING INTO IT, IT'S BEEN DETERMINED THAT A VALVE SPRING BROKE AND SENT THE VALVE THROUGH THE PISTON AND INTO THE CYLINDER, EFFECTIVELY CEASING THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE TRAVELED AT FREEWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10703253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesValparaiso, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE REAR END SEIZED, WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE SLIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT, THE REAR BRAKE CABLES, AND THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10692604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesAromas, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK ABOUT 2.5 MONTHS AGO USED WITH 59XXX MILES ON IT. THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES NOW. THE FIRST TIME I WAS COMING OFF THE FREEWAY APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT. AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN WHEN I HIT ABOUT 20 MPH MY TRUCK COMPLETELY STALLED. ALL POWER WAS ON AFTER STALL, BUT I HAD NO BRAKES, NO STEERING, AND NO ENGINE. LUCKILY IM A STRONG GUY AND HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO KEEP A STRAIGHT LINE AND VERY FORCEFULLY APPLY THE NON POWERED BRAKES. IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP SO I KIND OF SHRUGGED IT OFF. IT HAPPENED A FEW MORE TIMES SINCE THEN, SAME SYMPTOMS: SLOWING DOWN FOR A TURN OR A STOP.... ENGINE DIES, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES, DEAD TRUCK, STARTS RIGHT UP. HOWEVER LAST NIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY IT STALLED ON ME A QUARTER OF THE WAY THROUGH A LEFT HAND TURN AT ABOUT 15 MPH. I COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL HARD ENOUGH TO FINISH MY TURN, I COULDN'T APPLY THE BRAKES HARD ENOUGH TO STOP IN A SAFE AMOUNT OF TIME, I DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. I HAD TO QUICKLY APPLY MY EMERGENCY BRAKE. STOPPING JUST IN TIME ABOUT 1 FOOT SHORT OF DRIVING INTO A GUARDRAIL WITH A STEEP EMBANKMENT ON THE OTHER SIDE. I AM LITERALLY SCARED TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK NOW, SCARED FOR MY LIFE AND OTHER PEOPLES LIVES. APPARENTLY THERE SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS STALLING, BUT NO RECALLS TO MY KNOWLEDGE OR DEFINITIVE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED... PLEASE HELP! RESPECTFULLY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10668425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,865 milesSevierville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS LIGHT COMES ON THEN STAYS OFF AND THEN COMES BACK ON AFTER SO LONG.
NHTSA complaint #10621405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ruston, LACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAD THE TRUCK OFF, IN PARK AND E-BRAKE ENGAGED. A FRIEND OF MINE WAS WATCHING MY CHILD WHILE I WAS PULLED AWAY AND SHE HAD LET HIM PLAY WITH STEERING WHEEL (HE LOVES PLAYING WITH STEERING WHEELS). ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR THE SITTER SCREAMING AND TURN AROUND AND SAW MY TRUCK ROLLING DOWN THE INCLINED DRIVEWAY WITH MY TODDLER STILL IN DRIVERS SEAT AND DOOR OPEN. I DID WHAT ANY SANE MOTHER WOULD AND TRIED TO RUN TO JUMP IN AND HIT BRAKE BUT ENDED UP BEING DRAGGED BY THE TRUCK AFTER IT HIT A POTHOLE BEFORE CROSSING INTO A MAJOR ROAD. WHEN THE TRUCK FINALLY CAME TO A REST AFTER CRASHING INTO A LARGE FENCE WITH TREES BEHIND IT, I MANAGED TO GET MY CHILD OUT OF TRUCK AND NOTICED THE E-BRAKE WAS STILL ENGAGED. THE TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A SHOP YET BUT WILL BE SOON. THIS IS THE ONLY INCIDENCE OF THIS MALFUNCTION WITH MY TRUCK THAT I KNOW OF AND IVE HAD IT SINCE 2009. HOWEVER, I HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUES WHERE MY BRAKE LINES POPPED OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE CHECKED OUT. I NOW HAVE A CERVICAL SPINE INJURY, SPRAINED WRIST, SPRAINED ANKLE, SEVERE ROAD BURN WHERE I WAS DRAGGED, AND MULTIPLE BRUISES, KNOTS AND SCRAPES. WE WERE JUST LUCKY IT HAPPENED AFTER 5 O CLOCK TRAFFIC HAD CLEARED OUT. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT FILED AND MY DOCTORS HAVE TOLD ME I NEED TO LOOK INTO GETTING AN ATTORNEY.
NHTSA complaint #10582972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,900 milesMassillon, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING SATURDAY, 11/23/2013, I NOTICED A VIBRATION AND HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN I TURNED THE CAR WOULD CROAK OR MOAN. I COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS WRONG BECAUSE MY BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY SPONGY AND HAD TO BE PRESSED IN FULLY IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR. I BEGAN TO HEAD HOME WITH THE TRUCK AS I DID NOT WANT A SAFETY HAZARD WHERE I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IN ORDER TO STEER STRAIGHT, I HAD TO HOLD MY STEERING WHEEL APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES LEFT. UPON GETTING THE TRUCK HOME I IMMEDIATELY SAW MY PROBLEM. MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS SITTING IN THE WHEEL WELL ON AN ANGLE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE WERE POURING OUT OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND RUBBER GOO WAS LEAVING A TRAIL WHERE I DROVE. I JACKED THE CAR AND REMOVED THE WHEEL, AND COULD SEE EVEN MORE. MY WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY WAS SEPARATED AND BROKEN. THIS CAUSED MY TIRE TO SIT ON THE HUB CROOKED AND LEAN AGAINST MY CONTROL ARM. THE HEAT FROM THIS FRICTION WAS SO INTENSE THAT IT MELTED MY CV BOOT, WHICH IS WHY I HAD A RUBBER GOO TRAIL. IT ALSO MELTED THE ABS SENSOR ON THE WHEEL HUB ITSELF. CAUSING MY ABS TO GO OUT. THE HUB ITSELF HAD A PIECE COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF, AS IF A WELD BROKE. THE HEAT ALSO WARPED MY ROTOR, AND CRACKED MY BRAKE PADS IN THAT SIDE. LUCKILY, I DID NOT HAVE ANY WHEEL SEPARATION OR TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM, CAUSING CRASH OR INJURY. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO UTILIZE BRAKING AND DRIVE HOME AT ABOUT 20MPH WITH HAZARDS ON. THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN RECALLED IN SEVERAL YEAR DODGE RAM 1500S, INCLUDING 2004, 2006, AND OTHERS, FOR BEARING ISSUES. HOWEVER DODGE CLAIMED IT WAS ONLY A FAULTY PART IN 2WD APPLICATIONS. NOW WE KNOW THIS IS NOT TRUE. I HAVE A 4WD RAM THAT HAD THE HUB ASSEMBLY FAIL AND A PARTIAL BRAKING FAILURE. I AM OUT OF ROOM, BUT I HAVE PICTURES OF THE PARTS BROKEN ON THE CAR, AND PICTURES OF THE REMOVED PARTS AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10553985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,093 milesShreveport, LACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
HUB ASSEMBLY FAILED AND BRAKES GAVE OUT WHICH ALLOWED VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN CRASHING INTO A TREE.
NHTSA complaint #10524711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,656 milesHarper Woods, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND MY TRUCK STALLED WHILE MOVING ALMOST CAUSING ME TO REAR END THE PERSON AHEAD OF ME SINCE I LOST ALL CONTROL OF MY BRAKES AND POWER STEERING. FROM WHAT I'M READING THIS HAD HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF RECALL AND ITS TOO DANGEROUS OF A SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10481017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesFort Worth, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
AT 80,000 MILES CITY DRIVING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HUBS FAILED. LEFT HUB LOCKED UP ALMOST SENDING ME INTO CENTER CONCRETE WALL. DAMAGE TO FT END WAS EXTENSIVE. CALLED DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT IF I HAD 2 WHEEL OR 4 WHEEL ABS, GIVE THEM MY VIN NUMBER.. LOOOOOOONG STORY SHOT, THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT TELL ME IF I HAD 2 OR 4 WHEEL ABS. I HAD TO PULL APART TO FIND OUT. ITS A SHAME THE VERY PEOPLE THAT MAKE THE TRUCK, CAN'T TELL YOU WHATS ON THE TRUCK. $500.00 LATER 2 WHEEL ABS HUBS LEFT AND RIGHT, REPLACED BY MYSELF. NOT TO MENTION THE UNDER CARRIAGE DAMAGE DONE DUE TO HUB LOCKING UP. SENT TRUCK TO AUTO SHOP TO REPAIR FRONT END DAMAGE. BEWARE..IF YOU'RE HEARING A NOISE IN FRONT THAT SOUNDS LIKE A BIG BOLT IN YOUR TIRE AND THERE IS NOT, GET THE HUBS LOOKED AT RIGHT AWAY. THIS IS HOW MY ISSUE AND COSTLY REPAIRS STARTED.
NHTSA complaint #10444282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesSherwood, AR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TRUCK BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WHEN STOPPING FOR MORE THAN A FEW MINUTES. TAKEN TO THE SHOP AND THEY REPLACED COOLING FAN MOTOR AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR. THREE WEEKS LATER IT DID THE SAME THING AND ALL PARTS WE'RE REPLACED AGAIN. THIS TIME IT HAS LASTED FOR SIX MONTHS BUT TRUCK HAS BEGUN TO OVERHEAT AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10435418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesNorth Berwick, ME
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM 1500. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO GEAR HE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE RUBBER FLEXIBLE HYDRAULIC HOSE LINE FITTING FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE FLEXIBLE LINE . IN JUNE OF 2010 WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE THEY STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE CORRODED AND CAUSED THE PARKING BRAKE TO FAIL. THE DEALER CLEANED AND RELEASED THE PARKING BRAKE. HE ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING HYDRAULIC HOSE LEAKING; HOWEVER, THE DEALER PLACED THE HOSE CLAMP IN ORDER TO STOP THE LEAKING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000. UPDATED 1/19/2010 *CN UPDATED 03/28/11
NHTSA complaint #10361688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,212 milesRogers, ARCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I WAS DRIVING ON THE BYPASS AND WAS TURNING ON TO THE OFF RAMP WENT TO SLOW DOWN BECAUSE OF RED LIGHT AND OTHER TRAFFIC BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND HAD TO SWERVE INTO THE DITCH TO KEEP FROM HITTING OTHER TRAFFIC BRAKES WOULD STILL NOT ENGAGE THEN I HIT A ADVERTISEMENT SIGN AND IT STOPPED ME THE AMBULANCE CAME AND TOOK ME TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE I STAYED FOR 7 DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10311732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesMattawan, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2004 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP, EVERY WINTER I HAVE OWED THIS VEHICLE, THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING SYSTEM LIGHTS COME ON, WARNING OF ABS FAILURE. EACH TIME IT HAS BEEN "FIXED" THE DEALER HAS CLAIMED IT IS DUE TO MOISTURE IN THE SYSTEM....CAN'T BELIEVE THE SAME THING CAN HAPPEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10311399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesSt.paul, 00
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I ALSO HAVE A 2004 DODGE THAT HAS HAD ROTOR DAMAGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON! I PURCHASED MY TRUCK IN 2007 WITH 56,000KM. IT NOW HAS 100,000KM AND I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS RESURFACED TWICE AND COMPLETELY REPLACED ONCE. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE BRAKES DONE TWICE. MY TRUCK IS ONLY USED FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING, NEVER ANY TOWING OR HAULING AND THERE IS NO FEASIBLE REASON FOR THE ROTORS TO BE WEARING SO QUICKLY. I AS WELL HAVE A SHUDDER IN THE FRONT WHEN BREAKING ON THE HIGHWAY OR OVER 50KM/HR. I HAVE HAD THIS CHECKED AND THEY CANNOT FIND A REASON. A HEADS UP TO ANYONE WITH THESE TRUCKS GET YOUR SPINDLE NUTS CHECKED! I TOOK MY TRUCK IN BECAUSE IT HAD AN ODD SQUEAK ALL OF A SUDDEN AND THEY FOUND THAT MY SPINDLE NUT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE! IF I HAD CONTINUED ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT GETTING IT CHECKED IMMEDIATELY I VERY WELL COULD'VE DIED AS MY ENTIRE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WOULD'VE APPARENTLY COME OFF! ALSO FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE HAD UNEXPLAINED STALLS WHEN DRIVING GET YOUR EGR VALVE CHECKED. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT IS WHAT IT TURNED OUT TO BE. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS SINCE HAVING IT CHANGED ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO. I LOVE MY TRUCK AND GENERALLY AM A FAN OF DODGE HOWEVER THIS ROTOR ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10273824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesColdwater, MIFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE CONTROLLER IN MY 2004 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. THE WIRING HARNESS COMPLETELY MELTED THROUGH WIRES AND ALL, AND THE BRAKE CONTROL MECHANISM ITSELF MELTED AND BURNED. THE PART WAS INSPECTED BY CHRYSLER BUT IN THEIR DETERMINATION SINCE I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER HAS TOLD ME THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE TECH'S THAT THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THAT THE BRAKING CONTROLLER IS DRAWING MORE AMPERAGE THAN IT SHOULD BE. CHRYSLER HAS TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY WILL DO IN THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10265629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,200 milesWoodlyn, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHENEVER I BRAKE OVER 30MPH PULSATING FROM THE FRONT END AND THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS BACK AND FOURTH. ON HIGHWAYS IT IS EVEN WORSE GOING OVER 55MPH REPLACED ROTORS AND BRAKES AND STILL DOING THE SAME THING. NEXT IM REPLACING THE CALIPERS ROTORS AND BRAKES WITH AFTERMARKET UPGRADES AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10206547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,600 milesBAY City, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS MODULE FAILED. WATER LEAKING FROM HOOD CAUSED ABS CONNECTOR TO CORRODE UP RESULTING IN FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENTATION PANEL (ALL GAUGES) INCLUDING WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND OVERHEAD INFORMATION CENTER. NO ANTI LOCK BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10184157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. George, UT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY HUSBAND BOUGHT OUR 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 (HEMI) IN JAN 2004 AND HAS ABOUT 130,000 MILES NOW. WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BREAKS AND ROTORS JUST LIKE EVERY ONE ELSE ON HERE IN MARCH OF 2005 WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE ON AND THE TRUCK LOST ALL POWER. THE RPM WENT TO ZERO BUT THE TRUCK WAS STILL RUNNING . TO GET THE RPM TO COME BACK ON WE WOULD HAVE TO TURN OFF THE TRUCK AND RESTART THE TRUCK. EVERY TIME THE ELECTRICAL LIGHT WOULD COME ON, ALL WHILE IN TRAFFIC AT 65-70 MPH. THIS WENT ON FROM MARCH 2005- JAN 2007. WE HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND THEY COULDN'T GET ANY CODES TO COME UP. THEN IN JANUARY 07 WE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY TO STOP AT A STORE AND HAD TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO THE STORE. THE TRUCK MADE A LOUD POP NOISE AND DIED. WHEN MY HUSBAND STARTED THE TRUCK BACK UP IT WAS SPUTTERING AND WOULDN'T STAY RUNNING WITHOUT KEEPING THE TRUCK ABOVE 2000 RPMS. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY DAD WHO IS A ROBERTSON TIRE REPAIR TECH. HE COULDN'T GET ANY CODES TO COME UP. THEN ABOUT 45 MIN AFTER LETTING THE TRUCK SIT HE RAN THE CODES AGAIN AND GOT ABOUT FIFTEEN CODES. WE REPLACED ALL THE SENSORS AND IT DIDN'T HELP SO WENT TO THE DEALER AGAIN. THEY COULDN'T GET ANY CODES AND COULDN'T TELL US WHAT WAS WRONG. WHY IT WOULDN'T STAY RUNNING. SO I JUST THOUGHT I WOULD FILE MY COMPLAINT AND LET EVERYONE KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ITS DONE STALLING WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER DODGE.
NHTSA complaint #10183927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesBlenheim, 00Crash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS FAILED, WHEELS LOCKED UP, VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE IS A WRITE OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10178687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesWest Monroe, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE A 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB HEMI, AT 10,000 MILES LOTS OF STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION WHILE BREAKING. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND LEFT IT WITH THEM JUST TO GET A CALL BACK TELLING ME TO COME GET IT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT JUST THAT IS WAS FROM CONDENSATION (LOL). THE AT 14,000 MILES CALLED THEM AND TOOK IT BACK IN AND WE GOT THE SAME STORY. THEN WE WENT THROUGH THE SAME THING 2 MORE TIMES AND THEN AT 30,000 MILES WE TOOK IT BACK IN THERE AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH IT AND THAT I WOULD NEED A WHOLE BREAK JOB BUT THAT THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE MY WARRANTY WASN'T GOOD ANY LONGER. WELL OUR INSPECTION WAS UP AND IT WOULDN'T PASS WITH THE BREAK PROBLEMS SO LOTS OF $$ WE HAD TO PUT INTO IT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT YOU CAN SPEND TOP DOLLARS FOR A TRUCK AND THEY REALLY WANT YOUR BUSINESS BUT WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG WITH IT THEY DON'T WANT TO KNOW NOTHING OR FIX IT. THE DEALER SHIP ISN'T VERY NICE AND LOVES TO FIGHT WITH PEOPLE. NEEDLESS TO SAY THAT THIS IS A LEASE AND I WILL BE TURNING IT IN WHEN MY LEASE IS UP AND THEY CAN HAVE ALL THE PROBLEMS. I WILL GO SOME WHERE ELSE FOR SURE.
NHTSA complaint #10174398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesMahwah, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
2004 DODGE RAM 1500 - BRAKE ROTOR FAILURE THE BRAKE ROTORS HAVE FAILED 3 TIMES ON THE VEHICLE. THE ROTORS WERE FAILED BY 9000 MILES, 18000 MILES, AND 24000 MILES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FIRST TWO WITH OEM EQUIPMENT. DODGE CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND THAT THIS IS CONSIDERED A MAINTENANCE ITEM. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY ON HIGHWAY TRAFFIC FOR THE 18000 TO 24000 MILE INTERVAL. THE 24000 MILE ROTOR REPLACEMENT WAS DONE WITH PERFORMANCE AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10174174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.