Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When the brakes were applied, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance and rear ended another vehicle. The dealer kept the vehicle for over a month and could not duplicate or correct the problem. The consumer contacted Chrysler who sent an investigator to look at the vehicle. The lights on the dashboard were no longer illuminated, they just flashed.
I was traveling to town and as I entered the town as I started to brake I could feel that my brake pedal was feeling spongy and the pedal seemed to be going to the floor. I felt as though 90% of my braking was gone. I was able to stop safely though I had very little braking. I felt that I could not stop safely in an emergency. I returned home very carefully at slow speeds. After looking my vehicle over I saw that all the brake fluid was gone from both the front and rear compartments of the master cylinder. Under my vehicle it seemed to be wet from brake fluid between the fuel tank and frame rail where the brake lines run. The brake lines had rusted through and leaked out all fluid. I feel there May be 2 dangerous issues. 1 that if the front or rear line leaks, the remaining chamber of the 2 chambers in the master cylinder should not loose its fluid. …
1996 Dodge 1500 brakes failed. While braking at a toll booth the vehicle brakes failed and resulted in the vehicle hitting the rear of another vehicle. The consumer vehicle sustained damage to it's front grill, front bumper, the hood was pushed back, the radiator was damaged and possible engine damage. The consumer indicated that his back and neck felt tight after the crash. The other vehicle sustained heavy rear end damage. That vehicles occupant stated that his head and legs hurt.
Dt: when the brakes were applied, the brake line failed and the consumer had no brakes. The consumer was able to stop when he attempted to start the vehicle again. The brake line was repaired, and the consumer was advised to have all of the other lines inspected and replaced. When this happened, brake fluid leaked onto the muffler and produced a cloud of smoke. The brake lines, rear brake on the axle and the brake line from the bottom were replaced.
If driving with air conditioning on high, ingnition switch gets so hot it will burn your hand if you touch the bottom of collum, also you loose the engine in traffic. Brakes on rear not strong enough with load
Dt: the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact states that brake lines that carry the fluid from the master cylinder to the wheels rusted. The vehicle is from wisconsin, and this could have been because of the salt on the roads. One brake line has been temporarily been repaired, and the contact is worried about the brake line rusting on the other side. The contact's vehicle ran into a ditch because the brakes did not work. ; he had to be pulled out of the ditch. The line rusted to the point where it formed a hole in the line. The vehicle is in florida now. And the contact does not feel he will have the rust problem again because he is not living in a salt state . The ABS brakes have not work since the brake line was temporarily fixed.
Consumer took vehicle dealership on 3-17-98 for repairs on brakes. Dealership said brakes were fine. Second time dealership said they adjusted the brakes. But consumer marked nut on wheel to see if dealer was repairing vehicle, and the marks lined up still. Consumer took vehicle to dealership a third time, dealer said they replaced brake pads and shoes, and turned the rotors. When driving and braking vehicle pulls left real hard, almost sideways. At the mediation board hearing with ncfds the board decided that the truck was unsafe . The claim number for his case is 66985167fl against chhrysler.
The exhaust system and the radio were repalced with no problems from the dealer, the brake system I replaced myself, the transmission was repaired by the dealership with a $100 deductable after contacting chysler, the pitman and idler arm have not yet been repaired, I am not driving the vechicle
Front brakes making a noise like they were rubbing metal to metal. Brake pedal got soft, adjusted rear brakes and machined drums. Deglazed shoes on 12-31-,1-7-97 mileage 1207, brakes making a clingiing nosie. No brake power,replaced master cylinder. Brakes not working.
While applying brakes at 35 MPH vehicle would slow down, but not stop. Vehicle would continually go on, even with both feet on pedal. Vehicle been to dealer shop on six occasions, and unable to locate problem. Feel free to provide any futher information.
Brake complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500, 15% of the model year's 298 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.