Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 51 | 7% | 35,000 miles |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% | 57,000 miles |
| 2010 | 16 | 3% | 35,000 miles |
| 2009 | 34 | 5% | 59,000 miles |
| 2008 | 27 | 5% | 44,000 miles |
| 2007 | 21 | 4% | 51,000 miles |
| 2006 | 39 | 5% | 26,000 miles |
| 2005 | 40 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2004 | 53 | 5% | 36,000 miles |
| 2003 | 73 | 6% | 12,000 miles |
| 2002 | 36 | 4% | 25,000 miles |
| 2001 | 59 | 5% | 74,000 miles |
| 2000 | 31 | 6% | 85,000 miles |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 1998 | 64 | 12% | 145,000 miles |
| 1997 | 53 | 15% | 95,000 miles |
| 1996 | 46 | 15% | 84,000 miles |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% | 122,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Malfunction of electronic stability control while in 4x4 driving in heavy snow. Almost hit a light pole, could have caused significant harm. Unknown. No. No precursors. Hit a pot hole while on the on ramp unloading the suspension and the truck started to yaw clockwise. Applied throttle to have front end pull truck straight. ESC applied brakes and chopped power inducing a significant yaw rate counterclockwise driving the rear of the truck into the hard snow bank perpendicular to vehicle travel. Another excessive clockwise yaw occurred at this time. NO throttle control and brakes unresponsive. 1. Had the driver been allowed to retain throttle control upon initial yaw this was easily recoverable. 2. Anti-lock brakes, needed to be disabled so the truck could slide across the snow and not into the ditch when the second clockwise yaw started. 3. This caused minor body damage to the vehicle.
In approximately 2019 I received multiple warning lights including "Serv 4WD", TCS disabled, and ABS warning lights. Had it looked at by the dealer who replaced wheel sensors and performed diagnostics. All lights cleared exept TCS disabled warning which is indicationg that the TCS system is not functioning and has a collateral effect of the cruise control not being able to turn on. I have paid to have this remaining indication diagnosed on two different occasions, each leading to a dealership recommendation to replace the Hydraulic Control Unit / ABS Module at a cost of approximately $1500 and a wait for backordered parts exceeding one year - all with no guarantee of this fixing the problem. My truck has been in this condition for about 5 years now. …
Driving up to closed garage door going approximately 2 mph. Catastrophic brake failure and vehicle went through garage door. 1. Total brake failure due to failure of "hydraulic control unit, Anti-lock brake system. A. Unit was replaced by PTL Tire & Auto in Ham Lake because of safety issue. B. Part available for inspection - unknown (PTL Tire & Auto is looking to see if they still have the part.. C. PTL can write a letter regarding the failure. 2. Total brake failure while driving up to garage door. 3. Confirmed by independent service (PTL Tire & Auto) 4. Vehicle was not inspected except for independent service. 5. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?
Hydraulic control unit, anti-lock brake system failed which resulted in "no brakes". Truck went through garage door. Could have happened on the road or stopping for pedestrian's. Problems reported to and confirmed by an independent service. The hydraulic control unit has not been inspected. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. The hydraulic control unit was kept by the independent service and can be inspected. Parts have been replaced.
The contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the ESP, traction control, and ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the tire pressure pump was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they stated that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the part was no longer available. The failure mileage was 108,000.
We have had our truck taken to Nyle Maxwell in Taylor Texas and they have were suppose to check the truck because two lights came up on the dash board which dash ESP ABS and traction control light.The shift stick was stuck in park. They towed it to there shop but the lights were off and the gear shift was working. I drove off the lot had to stop at a light and my truck veered left sharply. They have looked at this problem twice. They are not finding anything but it is my truck I drive with my kids. We need so help. They also had to fix the ac and the serpentine belt because that broke while I was driving after they said it was good and safe to drive.
The brakes locked up twice since purchased the vehicle. The left side locking up would have caused me to veer into oncoming traffic. Years late when the right side locked up would've have veered right causing an accident. This last time the brakes aren't releasing. This happening 3 times has reproduced itself. The 1st time I took it to a dealership. No warning lamps were showing or any symptoms for this happening. I've purchased the lifetime warranty on this vehicle.
On June 9,2018 at approximately 10:20 am I entered and parked in my driveway. The vehicle's shifter was placed into park and the engine was shut off. I exited my now parked vehicle and went inside at 10:21. Prior to exiting the vehicle the vehicle slightly rocks and the and the parking gear engages indicating the vehicle is in park. Moments later, 6 minutes at 10:27 am June 9, 2017 the vehicle rolls backwards from a stationary position and struck the brick mailbox at the end of the driveway causing unrepairable damage to the mailbox. The vehicle sustained damage to the tailgate bumper and undercarriage. The neighbor across the street was outside during the incident and witnessed the event and notified me. The home security camera captured the above described of events. …
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), the ABS electronic control unit (ECU) May cause a loss of front to rear brake balance, and the rear brakes could lock up prematurely during certain braking conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS ECU. The recall is expected to begin during the week of July 17, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 1500 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (73), 1998 (64), 2001 (59), 1999 (56) and 1997 (53) model years. Brake complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 1500 brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 06V-038 (control unit/module, Feb 9, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 1500 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (135 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (101).
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.