833 of the 16,087 complaints filed about the Dodge RAM 1500 are about the braking system — 5% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2003.
833
Complaints
5%
Share of all complaints
97
Crashes
20
Fires
SERVICE BRAKES
Refused to perform recall T79 and customer satisfaction notice L41 emmisons. Received text message as evidence that said They are not obligated to repair my vehicle under recall, and that I would have to pay for the repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11749427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while exiting a parking lot and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal floored, causing the contact to roll to a stop on the side of the road. The ABS and Brake Warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive at 2 MPH to their home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the brake line had blown and replaced it where it had failed. Approximately 6 months later, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated again. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed no leaks. When restarting the vehicle, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. While driving at an unknown speed, the ABS and brake lights illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to Meineke Car Care Center to a certified mechanic. The following morning, the lights were not illuminated. The vehicle was returned to Meineke Car Care Center, who stated that it may have been a computer glitch causing the lights to illuminate, then turn off when the vehicle was restarted. The contact had the brakes replaced as routine maintenance; however, after doing so, while driving in the rain at approximately 25 mph and attempting to apply the brakes, the brakes failed, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain injuries or require medical attention. The contact assumed the other driver had injuries, but could not confirm. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive at a slow speed to their home. The ABS and Brake lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to Meineke Car Care Center, where it was diagnosed that the other brake line had blown. The front end and brake line, which had blown was repaired. After the vehicle had been repaired, when coming to a stoplight, the failure occurred again, causing the vehicle to crash a second time. There were no injuries, air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact drove the vehicle to Meineke Car Care Center, who was
NHTSA complaint #11717773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving my 2001 Dodge Ram 20-30mph and experienced a total power loss, power steering, power brakes and clock reset. My husband was also in the pickup and can attest to issue. I am an older person so had a very hard time stopping the vehicle and attempting to steer it to the side of the road. Traffic backed up behind me before I could put on my warning blinkers.Eventually, I turned off and on the pickup and everything worked somewhat normally but the vehicle went into limp mode. I got home, had the vehicle towed to the dealership. I explained issue, requested a total diagnosis of everything that was wrong but most importantly, I wanted the total power loss issue diagnosed, pinpointed and resolved. because I don't feel safe driving until issue is truly diagnosed and fixed. I gave them my lifetimecarmaxplus warranty . The techs found a list of parts that needed to be fixed besides the power loss problem, but told me they couldn't fix the total power loss because no codes had been thrown. I explained that since there was a total power loss it was reported by other Dodge techs that no codes could be retrieved. I asked the service manager to ask his tech what diagnostics were used and to what extent to determine the problem. He said he would call me after talking to his tech but never did. I went to the dealership 2 weeks later and asked what he found out from his tech. He was confused and apparently never did anything more about the situation. I called Chrysler warranty, they gave me a case number but again seemed oblivious to the total power loss and fixing this major safety issue. No one has attempted to address the problem or offered to have another mechanic inspect the vehicle. There were no codes that I saw on the dash and I did try to immediately retrieve any but none came up. The front passenger window locks also had been working intermittently 2 mos prior. My husband reported vehicle going in limp mode briefly 2 days prior to ...all electrical issues
NHTSA complaint #11703467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake line broke on my Dodge truck and all the brake fluid leaked out. Fortunately this didn't happen while driving on the highway. I discovered no brakes when I got in the vehicle to leave. I have a long driveway. As I was driving the slight grade down to the main road, I hit the brakes and they went to the floor. I was able to turn around in my yard before all the brake fluid was gone and get the truck back to my barn. I got under the truck and took a picture. I discovered that the brakes had rusted and leaked out the fluid. No one has inspected it or confirmed it. The truck is not safe to drive and sitting in my barn
NHTSA complaint #11674243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Adjustable pedals move side to side 2-3 inches making breaking unsafe by allowing foot to slip off of break onto the accelerator,
NHTSA complaint #11666533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown this truck was not involved in an accident however it came close with steering /brakes the Engine Faulty Wiring Harness caused major issues it wasn’t until recently I saw a video of how to fix the problem you can view these videos online I will say Dodge is Responsible they did have buybacks this too I had No Knowledge of no recalls either however I recently address it to the dealership who sold me this truck the Service Manager told me it’s my issue not theirs they took care of it years ago this is the reason I am sending my complaint I was informed your department will look into this matter to get a resolution on this serious matter thank you. I have some photos the video would not download you can see it if you put 2012 Dodge Ram Engine Faulty Wire issues . Yes I spent $3000 for a mechanic to wire it this should had been fix by Dodge Chrysler not me and it still needs to be fix.
NHTSA complaint #11663405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
On my way home. Going through in town (slow)traffic all of sudden I notice I had no power steering & no brakes, no please pull out , I noticed if I keep my rpm about 1500, I would get a little power steering & brakes back!, 4 miles to get home , I drove home slowly What happened was I lost my serpentine belt tensioner!!! .MY MAIN Purpose, for my truck is to toe my fifth wheel RV!!, I live in the north west of US, LIKE! in the mountains!! Terrified that it won’t happen again!😳☹️
NHTSA complaint #11648222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I have had to have the ABS and HCU modules replaced twice. This is a known issue and Fiat Chrysler is only repairing and reimbursing 2017 to 2018 trucks. Both of my repairs were at Dodge dealerships and are documented.
NHTSA complaint #11645119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
We have had our truck taken to Nyle Maxwell in Taylor Texas and they have were suppose to check the truck because two lights came up on the dash board which dash ESP ABS and traction control light.The shift stick was stuck in park. They towed it to there shop but the lights were off and the gear shift was working. I drove off the lot had to stop at a light and my truck veered left sharply. They have looked at this problem twice. They are not finding anything but it is my truck I drive with my kids. We need so help. They also had to fix the ac and the serpentine belt because that broke while I was driving after they said it was good and safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11629770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Dodge Ram 2002 ABS brake module failure. No recourse for repairs. Dodge has rendered this part obsolete and although they have the technology to repair or replace it they neglect to help thousands of vehicle owners.
NHTSA complaint #11625032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
In approximately 2019 I received multiple warning lights including "Serv 4WD", TCS disabled, and ABS warning lights. Had it looked at by the dealer who replaced wheel sensors and performed diagnostics. All lights cleared exept TCS disabled warning which is indicationg that the TCS system is not functioning and has a collateral effect of the cruise control not being able to turn on. I have paid to have this remaining indication diagnosed on two different occasions, each leading to a dealership recommendation to replace the Hydraulic Control Unit / ABS Module at a cost of approximately $1500 and a wait for backordered parts exceeding one year - all with no guarantee of this fixing the problem. My truck has been in this condition for about 5 years now. A quick Google search will show that there have been multiple instances of faults of this type affecting the HCU/ABS modules with the problem becoming particularly prevalent in the 2017-2018 model years. Thousands of complaints have been submitted and Class Action Lawsuits started, but it appears FCA has yet to adequately address this potential safety issue caused by a defective part that is known to them.
NHTSA complaint #11596489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
As I was driving and started to come to a stop, my brakes lost all pressure. I was able to safely stop on the side of the road. When I checked the vehicle, I found that the rear driver side brake line had been severed due to it rubbing against the wheel. I checked the passenger side and saw the same mark, but the line has not been severed yet.
NHTSA complaint #11582820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
This has been a issue going on several months . I can be driving down the road on any Giving day , road conditions wet or dry .I was driving 57 mph and vehicle in front of me hit the brakes ,causing me to hit mine as of sudden , but instead of stopping the brake pedal shifts toward the gas pedal causing me to brake and hit the gas at the same time. No I didn't wreck but came close as I corrected it very quick. This could have xausd me to run into on coming traffic and seriously caused fatal injuries or death. Thank God it wasn't raining . Vehicle hasn't been inspected because I don't have the money to have it inspected . The brake pedal I checked and you can take your hand and the pedal will go side to side over the gas pedal . There was no warning light or check engine light for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11577712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The ESP/BAS warning lights came on. I had the truck diagnosed and the Automatic Braking System has failed. Chrysler/Fiat has discontinued the parts necessary to repair the vehicle and they don't appear to be available in the US anymore. If it cannot be repaired, this poses a dire crash/accident risk to me and my family. I can't imagine a manufacturer not providing parts for such a significant safety risk. Thanks for your time.
NHTSA complaint #11565198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes don’t work well. The steering sucks And had death wobble.
NHTSA complaint #11544605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
On interstate whole hub assembly with tier flew off and it’s been very hard I just payed for car I worked for and lost it please help
NHTSA complaint #11506891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Malfunction of electronic stability control while in 4x4 driving in heavy snow. Almost hit a light pole, could have caused significant harm. Unknown. No. No precursors. Hit a pot hole while on the on ramp unloading the suspension and the truck started to yaw clockwise. Applied throttle to have front end pull truck straight. ESC applied brakes and chopped power inducing a significant yaw rate counterclockwise driving the rear of the truck into the hard snow bank perpendicular to vehicle travel. Another excessive clockwise yaw occurred at this time. NO throttle control and brakes unresponsive. 1. Had the driver been allowed to retain throttle control upon initial yaw this was easily recoverable. 2. Anti-lock brakes, needed to be disabled so the truck could slide across the snow and not into the ditch when the second clockwise yaw started. 3. This caused minor body damage to the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11501101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the ESP, traction control, and ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the tire pressure pump was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they stated that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the part was no longer available. The failure mileage was 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11494138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes locked up twice since purchased the vehicle. The left side locking up would have caused me to veer into oncoming traffic. Years late when the right side locked up would've have veered right causing an accident. This last time the brakes aren't releasing. This happening 3 times has reproduced itself. The 1st time I took it to a dealership. No warning lamps were showing or any symptoms for this happening. I've purchased the lifetime warranty on this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11490417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.