Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | |||
| 01/31/2011 | 113000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that when he depressed the brake pedal, it became spongy and extended to the floor. the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately and he was forced to tap the pedal continuously. the front and rear disc pads were replaced. the master cylinder and the calipers were replaced and the rotors were bled but the failure recurred. the dealer was not notified of the failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 113,000. | |||
| 01/31/2011 | 113000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that when he depressed the brake pedal, it became spongy and extended to the floor. the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately and he was forced to tap the pedal continuously. the front and rear disc pads were replaced. the master cylinder and the calipers were replaced and the rotors were bled but the failure recurred. the dealer was not notified of the failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 113,000. mah | |||
| 01/31/2011 | 113000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated when he depressed the brake pedal it became spongy and extended to the floor. the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately and he was forced to tap the pedal continuously. the front and rear disc pads were replaced. the master cylinder, the caliper was replaced and the rotors bled but the failure continued to recur. the dealer was not notified of the failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 113,000. mw | |||
| 09/10/2012 | 145000 | 1 | |
| Loss of braking ability - brake line failure due to rust/corrosion behind gas tank on driver's side of vehicle. *tr | |||
| 09/10/2012 | 145000 | ||
| Loss of braking ability - brake line failure due to rust/corrosion behind gas tank on driver's side of vehicle. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | |||
| 1 | |||
| While driving at any speed the vehicle vibrates. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the dealer informed the driver that the brakes needed to be replaced. the driver noticed that the gas line and brake lines were rusty. *mr | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 04/13/2005 | 40 | 8 | 05/30/1997 |
| A long list is available at humes of waterford,pa. the most amazing failure of the vehichle was when the driver's door flew open while driving around the bend and i was lucky thaat no oncoming traffic was coming. humes(dealer) fixed it by a horrible weld on the latch.*ak | |||
| 03/21/1997 | 08/10/1996 | ||
| Brakes, rotors, transmission, and alignment malfunction. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 04/10/2011 | 152000 | ||
| Hard break line for rear breaks broke where corroded when i depressed the brake pedal causing me to loose brake pressure and caused my brakes not to work narrowly avoiding an accident. | |||
| 09/23/2010 | 153000 | ||
| 1997 dodge ram 1500, left rear brake line failure located behind the fuel tank | |||
| 08/15/2008 | 134000 | 1 | |
| Brake failure due to brake line failure behind the fuel tank and behind the passenger side front wheel. *tr | |||
| 07/20/2004 | 2 | ||
| Intermittently, and an on-going problem when applying brakes. the pedal would go to the floor and causes pulsation and extended stopping distance. the vehicle has been at the dealership on different occasion replaced the master cylinder. the extended stopping distance recurred. *la | |||
| 08/31/2003 | 70000 | 1 | |
| While driving 25 mph brakes failed. in order to stop the truck driver had to shift to first gear, then apply the emergency brake.*ak | |||
| 07/25/2003 | 77300 | 1 | 04/01/1997 |
| The consumer stated during a panic stop, it took longer for the vehicle to stop. *ak *jb | |||
| 08/10/2002 | 1 | 08/10/2002 | |
| The distance in which vehicle needs to stop is longer than other similar vehicles. it is most noticeable in moderate to hard braking. when the brakes are applied, the pedal feel is average but the brakes do not seem to grab and stop the vehicle as it should. i have had numerous close accidents due to poor braking. the brakes do not lock-up on the vehicle, not even to the point where abs will need to release the rear wheels. i have completely replaced all brake components and has not improved at all!! as well as spend hundreds of dollars on diagnostics work with no answer as to the cause (but the dealer does know there is a problem)!! this is not the fault of the dealer, they have been fair, but have run out of places to look. they have called chrysler star hotline, etc. but still no resolve. if anyone has a fix for this or a course of action to take, please let me know! i love the truck, but it is extremely dangerous to drive. *jb | |||
| 05/01/1997 | |||
| Brake malfunction. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 09/15/2000 | 44000 | 4 | |
| Consumer having problems with there brakes and it is hard to stop vehicle. dealer notified. *ak *ts | |||
| 10/31/1999 | 10 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Estremely poor brake response. during moderate braking or with a light trailer/load it takes extremely long to stop the vehicle. only has rear abs, it has never gone off. you cannot lock the tires except on ice/snow or loose gravel/sand. been in one accident, numerous other close calls. the brake pedal can be pressed to the floor. dealer says nothing is wrong, several brake jobs done, now running with ss rotors and ceramic pads with no improvement. i have a friend with the same make/model/year that has 44 mudders and can stop on a dime.*ak | |||
| 12/10/2001 | |||
| Consumer took vehicle to dealer to have brakes done and a gear box put on, and consumer found out that fornt coil springs were busted due to defective steel. *ak | |||
| 04/15/1999 | 12 | ||
| Ongoing and intermittent failure of braking system;. vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on twelve occasions. various parts and repairs have been made, but the problem still reoccurring. please provide us with any further details on this matter. *ak | |||
| 05/15/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1999 | |
| Truck acceelrated upon putting into drive.....the pedal went to the floor ....could not stop it. the abs activated and vehicle crashed into a building....it squeeled the tires as soon as i stepped on pedal and it went to the floor......crashed into a building and it was still revving at full throttle.........can you help us......we dont want to drive it again unless we know what caused it to do this.........the exterior damage is being repaired but we still dont know why it did that........thankyou... *ak | |||
| 09/01/1996 | |||
| As per nhtsa #sb049106,bulletin #96-40,sequence #152.the description in this report describes how my truck has driven since i received it.i went through all the hoops and rings that the dealer and the regional manager required and finally ended up in arbitration only to be told that my truck didnt have a problem,what i felt (and experenced) was inherent to the vehicle and all the vibration, clunking and hesitation just bothered me more than anyone else was because i was sensative to it.after 2 years of battling with this and brake problems(which i will say ,they fixed after 32000 miles and $400+ of my money) i couldnt afford the time off to continue battling. not once was this buletin ever brought up,infact,during arbitration,if was asked if any bulletins refered to problems like this and the answer was a flat no.i still have all my records and copies of the dealer service records.i'll try to call monday,07/19/99.my home #is 623-878-2138(recorder/fax) cellphone is 602-321-0921.thank you phil lobins. *ak | |||
| 05/15/1998 | 5 | 08/01/1997 | |
| I have had extensive brake problems with my 97 dodge ram. there has always been a rattle from the front driver's side wheel area. there has also been a intermittent brake pull to the driver side. it became a serious problem after the brakes were replaced at 12000 miles. the truck has also had excessive pad wear. the first set was replaced on5/15/98 with 12314 miles on the truck. the second set was replaced on6/1/98 with 13093 miles. the third set was replaced on 8/13/98 with 16336 miles on the truck. the fourth set of brakes was replaced on 4/6/99 with 25323 miles on the truck. counting the original set of brakes, which started squealing at approximately 12000 miles, i have had five sets of front brake pads and three sets of rotors put on this truck. not to mention that the intermittent brake pull has not gone away. even after installing this last set of pads. i went to arbitration. i had witness statements, but the arbitrator denied my claim to have daimler chrysler purchase my truck back. i have also had many close calls when the truck would pull to the left into oncoming traffic. the truck has also bounced off of the center median more than once. the pattern is always the same. i get the truck back from a brake repair and it is fine for one to two weeks. after a short while, one to two weeks, the truck starts to make a rattling noise from the front drivers side wheel well, then the brake pedal will get soft. then the intermittent brake pull starts all over again. i would appreciate any help that you could give me. i have lost confidence in this vehicle, and will not drive it any more than i have to. i also will not let my wife drive it or loan it out to any friends. *ak | |||
| 3 | 01/03/1997 | ||
| Abs brakes failed 3 times, once resulting in a collision. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 01/22/2000 | 1 | ||
| After replacing transmission, transmission failed again. consumer was driving approximately 65mph and vehicle just gradually started slowing down. consumer coasted to side of road with engine still running, but not able to go in any gears. transmission was replaced 1-22-00. *ak vehicle experiences several transmission problems, there have been recalls amongst the repairs, driveshaft broke while driving, consumer states that chrysler corp has no records of a transmission being sent to new country dodge where the replacement took place, transfer case was retorqued, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer many times prior to complete transmission failure and dealer could not remedy problems. clunking noise under vehicle, dealer replaced front swaybar links. o2 sensor replaced. consumer stated at times he hadto hit the starter with a hammer to get it to work, ignition coil failed, and battery failed. vehicle stalls when coming to a stop, check engine light illuminated. excessive amounts of fuel used, distributor cap was replaced, vehicle also backfiring. brakes grinding, front brake pads were metal to metal, rotor was scored badly, dealer replaced front pads and both rotors. *slc | |||
| 03/01/1997 | |||
| Unable to stop truck safely. brake pedal depressed to the floor,truck comes to stop very,very slowly.lt225/75r standard size tires replaced w/sport appearance pachage p265/75r16 by manufacturer. tires too large for brake system?*ak | |||
| 11/26/1997 | 5 | 08/19/1997 | |
| Whenever brakes are applied they would coast vehicle, not stopping right away. brakes would not catch or lock. pedal goes to floor. no pulsating. *ak the rear brakes were adjusted, causing the braking action to become worse, front pads were replaced and later found to be glazed and brindled. *slc | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer states frontal brakes were replaced. *slc | |||
| 08/18/1999 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| 1st taken to dealer for improper tire wear @ 30704 miles / dealer claimed tire rotation problem / calipers were faulty instead / rotors failed at 38728. *ak | |||
| 05/15/1998 | 5 | 08/01/1997 | |
| I have had extensive brake problems with my 97 dodge ram. there has always been a rattle from the front driver's side wheel area. there has also been a intermittent brake pull to the driver side. it became a serious problem after the brakes were replaced at 12000 miles. the truck has also had excessive pad wear. the first set was replaced on5/15/98 with 12314 miles on the truck. the second set was replaced on6/1/98 with 13093 miles. the third set was replaced on 8/13/98 with 16336 miles on the truck. the fourth set of brakes was replaced on 4/6/99 with 25323 miles on the truck. counting the original set of brakes, which started squealing at approximately 12000 miles, i have had five sets of front brake pads and three sets of rotors put on this truck. not to mention that the intermittent brake pull has not gone away. even after installing this last set of pads. i went to arbitration. i had witness statements, but the arbitrator denied my claim to have daimler chrysler purchase my truck back. i have also had many close calls when the truck would pull to the left into oncoming traffic. the truck has also bounced off of the center median more than once. the pattern is always the same. i get the truck back from a brake repair and it is fine for one to two weeks. after a short while, one to two weeks, the truck starts to make a rattling noise from the front drivers side wheel well, then the brake pedal will get soft. then the intermittent brake pull starts all over again. i would appreciate any help that you could give me. i have lost confidence in this vehicle, and will not drive it any more than i have to. i also will not let my wife drive it or loan it out to any friends. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 07/26/2000 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Rotors rotted. unable to resurface had to be replaced due to uneven wear. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS | |||
| 05/13/1999 | |||
| Due to improper under engineering for the size of vehicle, the rear brake shoes burn, which causes extended stopping distance and may resultin a crash. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 09/24/2009 | 1 | ||
| Brake line corroded on drivers side rear behind gas tank. replaced. *tr | |||
| 12/17/2005 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Dt: the contact stated while driving the brake pedal went to the floor. upon inspection, the steel line separated near the gas tank. the gas tank will actually have to be dropped to verify. the vehicle has not been to a mechanic, and there have been no repairs made. *ak | |||
| 10/28/2005 | 59626 | 1 | 09/30/1996 |
| While driving my truck in a busy shopping center, approximately speed of 20 mph, i applied my brakes to stop at a stop sign. the brake pedal went to the floor. i had no brakes as i proceeded through the crosswalk in front of a department store. just a few seconds before, i had pulled out of the parking space, applying my brakes to put the vehicle in drive and again applied my brakes at the end of the parking row . each time, no indication of any problem, braked felt and worked as normal. i was able to avoid the pedestrian in the crosswalk and negotiate the parking lot to an area where i could come to a stop and inspect the vehicle. i found the front reservoir of master cylinder empty of brake fluid. i went to a local grocery store and purchased dot3 brake fluid to fill the reservoir and see if i can get any pedal back. was not able to attain any pedal pressure. when i checked the reservoir it was empty again. i located the fluid on the ground under my gas tank. the brake line above the gas tank had rusted through. i had the vehicle delivered to a goodyear repair shop, for repairs. the brake line that runs the length of the vehicle, to the rear end had to be replaced and the system was bled. the brakes are working normally again. i requested and have possession of the very rusted brake line. it appears to have a white id tag with 52055 on it. again, i want to stress that the rust was above the gas tank, not visible when conducting my normal vehicle maintenance - inspections. vehicle history: i am the original owner of this vehicle and it has never been off road. several years ago, i did use this vehicle to tow a 15 foot fiberglas boat. the vehicle is a 1997 1500 ram with 59600 miles. i work from home for the past 2 years and this vehicle does not see a lot of use, hence the low mileage. when i was working at my former office, i had an 11 mile round trip to work plus personal mileage. *nm | |||
| 70000 | 1 | ||
| When the brakes were applied, the pedal went to the floor and the vehicle did not stop. the consumer had to down shift and use the emergency brake. the mechanic stated the main brake line rusted out. | |||