135 of the
644 complaints about the 1998 Dodge RAM are about the
braking system — 21% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
93,500 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM VAN WITH AFTERMARKET BENDIX BRAKES (MODEL NUMBER: 13481).THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND, CAUSING THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE OR THE BRAKES IN REGARD TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10444690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesObetz, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10325497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenedy, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #10108778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorville, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. IN THE PROCESS, THE VEHICLE HOPPED UP AND DOWN. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER MALFUNCTIONING.
NHTSA complaint #10072219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,100 milesAustin, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10070595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesSilver Springs, NVCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED. SCC PH
NHTSA complaint #10003775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MOCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
HAVING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKES WORKED ONE MINUTE AND THE NEXT TIME TOTAL FAILURE. IN 2001 POWER STEERING PUMP AND GEAR BOX WERE REPLACED DUE TO TOTAL FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #768651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bremerton, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
THE BRAKE FLUID RESIRVOIR WAS EMPTY, BUT THE BRAKE WARRNING LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A FLUID LEVEL SENSOR INSIDE MASTER CYLINDER. THE DEALER REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER.
NHTSA complaint #8018203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Leandro, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
THE BRAKE CYLINDERS HAD BEEN LEAKING AND WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER IN 2000. THEN AGAIN IN DECEMBER OF 2001 WE HAD BRAKE3 TROUBLE AND THE CALIPERS AND CYLINDERS HAS BRAKES BEGAN TO SQUEAK. WE HAD JUST HAD EVERYTHING DONE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AGO. WE ASSUMED THAT AT THE WORST THE PADS NEEDED CHANGING. WE TOOK IT IN THE NEXT DAY. WE WERE INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT THE WARNING SYSTEM BUT THAT THE CALIPERS WERE FROZEN AND HAD WORN OUT SO QUICKLY THAT THE BACK CYLIDERS WERE SHOT TOO. WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR BRAKES COULD HAVE GONE OUT COMPLETELY AT ANY MOMENT THERE WASN'T ANY WARNING. THANKFULL THAT WE DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT WE SPENT THE $800.00 TO FIX EVERYTHING. THE CALIPERS, ROTERS, CYLINDERS, PADS, EVERYTHING. THIS IS THE KICKER THAT NEXT WEEKEND FIVE DAYS LATER WE WERE COMMING HOME FROM OUT OF TOWN AND GOING DOWN A LARGE HILL THEY BEGAN TO SMOKE. AND WE TRIED TO PULL OVER. WE HAD NO BRAKES!!! THANK GOODNESS THERE WAS NO ONE IN FONT OF US. WE SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR AND GRADUALLY CAME TO A STOP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. I AM STLL WAITING TO SEE WHAT THE PROB. IS NOW. I HAD CALLED DODGE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY SORT OF PROB. OR RECALL WITH THE BREAK SYSTEM BEFORE AND THEY SAID NO. THEY WOULD FIX IT BUT CHARGE US TO DO SO. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS. OUR LIVES HAVE BEEN IN JEPORDY TWICE AND WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY. IT IS OBVIOUS THERE IS A PROB. LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE WHY ARE THEY NOT DOING ANYTHING. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FIRST. WE HAVE TRIED IN VAIN TO FIX OUR TRUCK TO WORK PROPERLY WITH NO LUCK. I ONLY WISH WE COULD AFFORD TO BY ANOTHER TRUCK. I AM AFRAID THAT MINE AND MY FAMILY'S LIVES ARE IN JEPORDY. WHEN WILL DODGE STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FIX THIS PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #762367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Leandro, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
THE BRAKE CYLINDERS HAD BEEN LEAKING AND WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER IN 2000. THEN AGAIN IN DECEMBER OF 2001 WE HAD BRAKE3 TROUBLE AND THE CALIPERS AND CYLINDERS HAS BRAKES BEGAN TO SQUEAK. WE HAD JUST HAD EVERYTHING DONE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AGO. WE ASSUMED THAT AT THE WORST THE PADS NEEDED CHANGING. WE TOOK IT IN THE NEXT DAY. WE WERE INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT THE WARNING SYSTEM BUT THAT THE CALIPERS WERE FROZEN AND HAD WORN OUT SO QUICKLY THAT THE BACK CYLIDERS WERE SHOT TOO. WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR BRAKES COULD HAVE GONE OUT COMPLETELY AT ANY MOMENT THERE WASN'T ANY WARNING. THANKFULL THAT WE DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT WE SPENT THE $800.00 TO FIX EVERYTHING. THE CALIPERS, ROTERS, CYLINDERS, PADS, EVERYTHING. THIS IS THE KICKER THAT NEXT WEEKEND FIVE DAYS LATER WE WERE COMMING HOME FROM OUT OF TOWN AND GOING DOWN A LARGE HILL THEY BEGAN TO SMOKE. AND WE TRIED TO PULL OVER. WE HAD NO BRAKES!!! THANK GOODNESS THERE WAS NO ONE IN FONT OF US. WE SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR AND GRADUALLY CAME TO A STOP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. I AM STLL WAITING TO SEE WHAT THE PROB. IS NOW. I HAD CALLED DODGE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY SORT OF PROB. OR RECALL WITH THE BREAK SYSTEM BEFORE AND THEY SAID NO. THEY WOULD FIX IT BUT CHARGE US TO DO SO. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS. OUR LIVES HAVE BEEN IN JEPORDY TWICE AND WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY. IT IS OBVIOUS THERE IS A PROB. LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE WHY ARE THEY NOT DOING ANYTHING. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FIRST. WE HAVE TRIED IN VAIN TO FIX OUR TRUCK TO WORK PROPERLY WITH NO LUCK. I ONLY WISH WE COULD AFFORD TO BY ANOTHER TRUCK. I AM AFRAID THAT MINE AND MY FAMILY'S LIVES ARE IN JEPORDY. WHEN WILL DODGE STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FIX THIS PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #762367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Senoia, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
RIGHT FRONT INSIDE BRAKE PAD LOCKED AGAINST THE DISC CAUSING CONTINUOUS WEAR. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE INSIDE PADS DO NOT HAVE "SQUEALERS" AS DO THE OUTSIDE PADS SO THERE WAS NO ADVANCE INDICATION OF IMPENDING FAILURE. DAIMLER/CHRYSLER HAS INFORMED ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO DECLINE MY REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD JUST EXCEEDED THE TIME/MILEAGE LIMITATIONS OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY AT THE TIME ($357.78) EXPENSE WAS INCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #759632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED WHEN DRIVING. DEALER HAS REPLACED CLOCKSPRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8005434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minsord, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS ARE WARPED, AND THERE IS VIBRATION. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8003759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sandwood, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STOPPING FRONT BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE, AND VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #8003692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sandwood, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STOPPING FRONT BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE, AND VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #8003692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tower Hill, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMERS VEHICLE RAN INTO A TRAILER ON HIS PROPERTY AND ABS WAS DEFECTIVE, ALSO BRAKE DRUMS WERE RUSTED, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT HEADACHE BAR AND FUEL TANK, TIRES, FUEL FILTER, STEERING STABILIZER, FRONT SHOCKS, REAR SHOCKS, AIR FILTER, REAR AXLE SEAL AND FLUID, REAR TRANSFER CASE SEAL AND U-JOINTS IN REAR DRIVE SHAFT FAILED AND REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #8001228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tower Hill, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
CONSUMERS VEHICLE RAN INTO A TRAILER ON HIS PROPERTY AND ABS WAS DEFECTIVE, ALSO BRAKE DRUMS WERE RUSTED, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT HEADACHE BAR AND FUEL TANK, TIRES, FUEL FILTER, STEERING STABILIZER, FRONT SHOCKS, REAR SHOCKS, AIR FILTER, REAR AXLE SEAL AND FLUID, REAR TRANSFER CASE SEAL AND U-JOINTS IN REAR DRIVE SHAFT FAILED AND REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #8001228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK AND MY WIFE CRASHED AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #754975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coal City, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #898784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodenville, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES DOWNHILL AND GOING OVER A BUMP ON PAVEMENT ABS SYSTEM RELEASES. WILL NOT GRAB AGAIN UNTIL VEHICLE IS ON LEVEL GROUND. TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES, SAID VEHICLE OPERATED AS IT SHOULD, AND ABS SYSTEM WAS FINE.*AK DISCONNECTING SPEED SENSOR, ELIMINATES THE PROBLEM, BUT IT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #896954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES WERE FAILING TO PROPERLY HOLD VEHICLE OR SLOW VEHICLE DOWN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT ANY SPEED. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #896864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, ID
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SEVERE BRAKE PULL TO THE RIGHT. WORSE WHEN UNEVEN OR RUTTED ROAD. HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK IN 5 TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY CAN RECREATE THE PROBLEM. DODGE NEEDS TO FIX THIS SAFTY HAZARD BEFORE IT CAUSE SOMEONE TO BE KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #749861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE WAS SET ON CRUISE CONTROL GOING 70 MPH. VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, AND ABS LIGHTS/ AIR BAG LIGHT/ SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO/ GAS GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY, AND TANK WAS FULL. CONSUMER TOOK IT INTO DEALER,AND CLOCKSPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER HAS NOT STATED IF IT WILL BE COVERED.
NHTSA complaint #893211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tuxedo Park, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 98V075000. BRAKE ROTOR MATERIAL STRENGTH IS NOT SUFFICIENT, CAUSING HUB FATIGUE FRACTURE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #888220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seal Beach, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 01V135000 FOR DODGE RAM B350 REGARDING BRAKE LINES. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT SHOWING ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS DEFECT. *AK VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE BRAKE PROBLEM. (RECALL APPLIES TO PLEASURE WAY 1995-2000 EXCEL AND LEXOR CLASS B MOTOHOMES).
NHTSA complaint #887695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evansville, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A NORMAL STOP, PEDAL TRAVELED TO FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALER FOR REPAIRS. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #885714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Water Valley, MSCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THEY LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, CAUSING A COLLISION. MINOR INJURIES SUSTAINED.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #884819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontonagon, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING, PEDAL FEELS HARD WHEN PUSHING DOWN. HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER SHIP YET.
NHTSA complaint #883967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson City, MICrash
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WAS IN NEUTRAL WHILE WARMING UP. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON. ALSO, CONSUMER WENT INSIDE OF HOUSE, AND WHEN SHE CAME BACK OUT VEHICLE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED DOWN STREET/ HIT A TIRE WALL, AND WENT INTO A ENBANKMENT.
NHTSA complaint #881163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meadville, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON WET PAVEMENTS THEY LOCK UP, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS THREE TIMES, AND BRAKE CALIPERS ONCE. MANFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #877538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.