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 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving on a city street, I lost my power steering, causing me to almost have a rear end collision with the vehicle in front of me. I had my truck towed to a local dealership, they found my brake system to be contaminated and told me that all parts of the system with rubber in them would have to be replaced. After about a week and a half, I was informed that they could find all the parts except one, the combination or proportioning valve. I paid for the diagnostics test and had the truck towed to another local dealer-I needed a second opinion, not understanding why a dealership could not fix my truck. I told the second dealership my story, they did a diagnostic test of their own and came up with the same exact conclusion, including the fact that they could not find the combination valve. …
I went to stop at a red light under normal conditions and the brake petal went to the floor and I rear ended an SUV. My vehicle was towed to a repair shop to find that three of the four brake lines rusted out and the one that stayed intact was leaking. I did heavy damage to the SUV as well as pushed in my bumper and damaged the hood. Also the application of the emeregency brake did nothing.
The vacuum system was replaced twice due to oil contamination. Consumer was told about a recall on the check valve. Per manufacturer. This vehicle was not affected. However the check valve was missing on this vehicle. Recall# 97V068000. This caused the heater/A/C controls to fail and the vacuum hose leading to the master cylinder booster system. (full of oil and not functioning) the hose which lead to the brake booster was soft. The consumer had work done to the brake wiring system but immediately after the brake light had come on as the consumer was leaving the service dealer. The dealer didn't address the vacuum oil problem, but wanted to fix the unrelated problems. The air vent would not close while the vehicle was in motion.
While operating my 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 ext cab 4x4 diesel, I suddenly lost the normal braking, on the vehicle I swerved to the right to avoid hitting another vehicle, just barely missing another in slowing/stopping(only had front brakes). The rear steel brake line had rusted through, located inside rear frame rail drivers side, next to fuel tank,where the bracket holds the line next to the frame. This vehicle is only 8 years old, and extremely well maintained(maintenance records available) I also noticed that the other coated (zink) lines are also rusting. The line was replaced. Should this be happening????????? System has silicone brake fluid.*** I have the rusted brake line if someone needs to inspect it.*** if someone needs to see it.
Brake system still not functioning correctly as of sept 12, 1999. In mediation with one dealership, waiting for reponse. Have been told by my mediator that this seems like a manufacturer's defect. In 2 dealerships 12 times for brakes. No one has fixed them properly yet. I've been told by mediator to find out if the newer models have the same problem. If not, what was done to correct problem. Can this be retrofitted to my vehicle. If nothing can be done to repair this vehicle I'm taking chrylser to court for a replacement. Please advise or comment.
Just pulled away from green light when another vehicle pulled out also. Consumer's vehicle's engine roared after being hit. Traveled 30ft & hit telephone pole. Had no steering or brake control. The air bags failed to deploy upon impact with the pole. The right front end was only hit slightly.
After stopping about 4 or 5 times had no vaccum assist on the brakes, causing driver to rear end another vehicle and damaging the front bumper. The dealer was aware of the problem, and stated that a larger vacuum tank could be installed to correct prolbem at owner's expense.
Applying brakes vehicle would swerve left/right; another vehicle stopped suddenly, applied brakes (ABS) hard, but vehicle didn't stop; turned to avoid hitting vehicle, instead hit pole, air bag didn't deploy. Taken to dealership for repairs. Have invoices.
When braking at any speed, the brake pedal felt hard and braking distance was extended. The consumer noticed the hose to the brake booster was oily. There was a recall, but this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN.
The vehicle's ABS braking system failed at 25 MPH, causing the vehicle to skid and resulting in an accident. Previously manufacturer replaced the rotors, brake pads and determined the wheel cylinder was leaking.
Brake complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 80 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500, 27% of the model year's 291 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. 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 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.