Dodge RAM Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 670 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Dodge RAM across 13 model years. The 1996 model year has the most (170). The words owners use most often: “applying brakes” (12% of reports).
- 670service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 76mention a crash
- 31mention an injury
- 5related recalls
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Applying brakes: mentioned in 81 of 669 complaints (12%)
- Brake pads: mentioned in 47 of 669 complaints (7%)
- Stopping distance: mentioned in 41 of 669 complaints (6%)
- Anti lock: mentioned in 35 of 669 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 41 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 670 complaints, 76 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 31 an injury.
Dodge RAM service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 RAM | 3 | 12% | 14,100 |
| 2007 RAM | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2005 RAM | 5 | 13% | 11,000 |
| 2004 RAM | 5 | 9% | 23,000 |
| 2003 RAM | 4 | 8% | 10,000 |
| 2002 RAM | 13 | 11% | 33,000 |
| 2001 RAM | 32 | 10% | 30,000 |
| 2000 RAM | 23 | 16% | 72,000 |
| 1999 RAM | 82 | 22% | 60,497 |
| 1998 RAM | 107 | 22% | 93,500 |
| 1997 RAM | 78 | 20% | 82,500 |
| 1996 RAM | 170 | 27% | 112,725 |
| 1995 RAM | 147 | 24% | 52,688 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (5)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Model years: 2010
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Model years: 2009, 2010
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Model years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2000
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 1995, 1996
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local…
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and place the vehicle in park. The contact exit the vehicle…
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…
At 39,000 miles right rotor became warped behind turning had to replace. A friend had same then happen on same kind of vehicle. Dealer claims maintenance item. Never had to have rotor replaced on new vehicle before. Brake pads we fine. Vehicle about 4omph would pulsate while braking and steering…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAMs have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 670 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the Dodge RAM. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge RAM service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 5 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Dodge RAM?
The most frequent phrase is “applying brakes”, in 81 of 669 complaints, followed by “brake pads” (47).
Other Dodge RAM problems
- Power Train problems (560)
- Air Bags problems (322)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (305)
- Steering problems (304)
- Suspension problems (293)
- Electrical System problems (277)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (171)
- Structure problems (163)
See all Dodge RAM problems.