10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
18 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 2
Average Mileage:
802 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 brakes problems

brakes problem

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1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #46

Dec 161998

Ram 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At approx. 7500mi. Problems began with brakes and vibrations. These problems still occur along with severe and dangerous engine stalls at any speed. After contacting diamler Chrysler I am shocked to find that hazard for my family and any innocent bystanders. It would just be nice if $42,000 could buy something that runs and stops with out risk of major injury or possible death..

- Conyers, GA, USA

problem #45

Dec 071998

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Excessive wear of rotors/pads, and calipers. Problem commenced at 6,270 miles, again at 21,000 miles, and reoccurred at 33,000 miles. Dealer informed consumer that they were done with repaires.

- Mount Airy, MD, USA

problem #44

Mar 172000

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When brakes are applied vehicle pulls to the right. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle several times, and the problem still exists.

- Steurevant, WI, USA

problem #43

Dec 161998

Ram 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ABS control module failed causing lock up, replacement did not rectify ABS failure/lock up. Mjs

- Hesperia, CA, USA

problem #42

Feb 022000

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Right front brakes wore out faster then other side. Consumer could hear noise coming from brakes. Noise due to inside brake pad lining wearing down to metal. Manufacturer warning system failed, driver/owner unaware problem existed until failure occurred.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #41

Oct 101999

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When applying the brakes on wet pavement/gravel/snow or ice, anti-lock brakes locked up and vehicle kept moving without stopping. Driver was involved in a rear end crash because of the brakes. The problem was reported to the dealership. Dealer tried to correct the problem numerous times. However, problem continues to exist..et.

- Amberg, WI, USA

problem #40

Feb 092000

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

These are the last two of the seven incidents of total brake failure for this vehicle. All incidents occurred at speeds of 25 - 60 mph. 6 of the 7 were during normal stopping conditions; 1 emergency stop. When stepping on the brake pedal there is no braking action. The pedal does not go to the floor. Stepping on the brake pedal 1-2 more times and the brakes then grab. 1 incident failed to stop at a stop sign; 1 neccesitated veering out of lane.

- Pine Bush, NY, USA

problem #39

Oct 051999

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
The vehicle makes right turns upon braking, at any speed. Of course the faster the speed the more dangerous the problem, esp. If you are also making a right turn or there are any imperfections in the road such as dirt, gravel, bumps, or holes, at which this point the steering wheel jerks, sometimes completly from your hand, whih was experienced buy the tech. Dodge asked to test drive w/ me. I was told Chrysler is aware of the problem but is unable, ( does not know how ) to fix the problem, they will put my name on a list and when they figure out how to fix it and to engine noise they will call me. I asked them to put in writing my truck was safe to drive ( knowing it isn't) they refused but again said Chrysler is aware. When I bought the truck we were aware of this problem, but they assured me they would fix it 5 times in the shop now they tell me they can't, and will not talk the truck back, I'm out 26,000.00$ and I need a truck for my business. I just want my truck fixed or replaced, or them to purchase it back so that I may purchase yet another truck.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #38

Jun 011998

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
Severe brake pull, nearly uncontrollable when braking from highway speeds.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #37

Mar 201998

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
The brakes pull to the right when applied creating a very dangerous driving hazzard. The truck has been to three different Dodge dealers in a total of seven (7) times in an attempt to obtain a satisfactory repair. The dealers have done steering alignment and replace brake parts on many occausions. However, the problem is a factory design deficiency which is not repairable at the dealer level. Dodge should be forced to redesign the front brake - steering system to correct this problem in a nationwide recall. This problem has become a joke in the automotive industry. The dot should proceed to force Dodge to redesign the brake system and correct the problem. This brake pull problem is a serious driving hazzard which causes the vehicle to steer unexpectantly into other traffic lanes when the brakes are applied. The dealers admit that they cannot make a satisfactory repair given the existing parts available from the factory. The other dealers have been: Valley boulder Dodge, 2100 30th street boulder, co 80301, tel: 303-381-1184 and prestige Dodge, 200 alpine street, longmont, co 80501, tel: 303-651-3000. The Colorado "lemon law" is not effective since the amount given is trade is less that normal trade-in negotiationed amounts. The dot should proceed to recall all Dodge 1998 Ram pickups. Sincerely, kent R. rieske, 5086 cottonwood drive, boulder, co 80301. Tel: 303-530-1551.

- Boulder, CO, USA

problem #36

Oct 101999

Ram 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Breaks failed at 45 mph. Rear-ended car in front. Airbags never deploved. 2 passengers in van hurt, driver in front car hurt.

- Beach Haven, NJ, USA

problem #35

Nov 261999

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Intermittently when brakes are applied pedal becomes hard, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has duplicated problem, but doesn't have a clue what is causing it.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #34

Nov 231998

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Anti-lock brake malfunctioned.

- Foothill R, CA, USA

problem #33

Oct 251999

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The anti-lock brake system is not working properly. Front brakes have pads, and the back brakes have ABS brakes. When consumer applies brakes the front of the car will skid, and vehicle wiil not stop. He has taken vehicle back to the dealer.they told him brakes were working just fine. The vehicle can not make a quick stop, even on loose gravel. The consumer had an accident as the result of brake failure.

- West Valley City, UT, USA

problem #32

Oct 201999

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
When applying the brakes the vehicle will slow down and then go free for about 10 feet. Dealer has seen and replaced the brakes twice, and problem still exists.

- Logan, UT, USA

problem #31

Sep 301999

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
When applying brakes, vehicle will pull hard to right. Or if vehicle has been serviced it willthen pull to left. Rotors are being replaced within 6-9 months.

- Norcross, GA, USA

problem #30

Sep 291999

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
When applying brakes vehicle severely pulls to the right or the left. Also, the front brake pads and rotors are prematurely wearing out, cause unknown. Vehicle checked for alignment and problem still exist.

- West Patterson, NJ, USA

problem #29

Nov 111997

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When applying the brakes the truck pulled/skidded, and made a loud sound. This happened when applying the brakes under a panic stop. The truck would not stop in the amount of time that it should stop. Truck has been serviced 5 times for brake problems. On Aug 20, 1999, had a rear end crash. Dealer was not able to duplicate the problem with the ABS.

- Forest Grove, OR, USA

problem #28

Aug 291999

Ram 1500

  • miles
Vehicle was in the shop being repaired for brakes when the entire brake system, including rotors went out, and truck was pulling to one side.

- Birchville, MI, USA

problem #27

Aug 271999

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
No summary

- Annandale, MN, USA

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