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 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. While decelerating to approximately 10 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and it extended to the floor. The brake failure LED her to cause a three vehicle crash. The contact was injured and a police report was filed. She noticed that brake fluid was leaking after the crash occurred. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and they stated that the brake lines failed. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The vehicle currently remains at the shop. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. The current and failure mileage were 35000. While driving 25mph, the contact engaged the brakes and crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle; however, it hasn't been driven since the crash. The police were not notified of the crash. There was also minor damage to the vehicle. The dealer has not diagnosed the failure. The contact received reference # 16187860 from the manufacturer.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 3 MPH and attempting to stop, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard and there was an increased in stopping distance. The contact discovered that the rubber brake line had separated from the plastic union causing the brake fluid to leak out of the brake lines. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Tl* - the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that he first had the brakes replaced at 36,000 miles. Periodically when applying the brakes the front wheels locked, and felt a very hard pulsating in the brake pedal. The contact stated that at 42,000 miles he replaced all four tires at the dealers prodding that the problem was with the tires. At 44,000 miles he replaced the electronic module after being told that this was the problem. The contact stated that after taking the car in approximately 5 times the same problem with the brakes recurred and never did work properly. The contact stated that weather was not a factor, and that he was driving at 30 MPH the times that he experienced problems with the brakes. The consumer stated the vehicle pulled to the left, there was a buzzing sound coming from the radio, the lower intake gasket was replaced. The ac blew warm air. …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 30 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the vehicle began to slide and the front wheels locked when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred without warning; however, the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Numerous gauges would not work while the vehicle was in operation. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the vehicle was operating properly. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to another authorized dealer for a second opinion. The technician stated that the braking issue was a manufacturer defect, but there was no resolution. The VIN was not accepted by the system. The failure mileage was 79,000 and current mileage was 81,000. Updated 05/05/09.
The brakes locked up, which caused consumer to pump the brakes. The brakes would lock up when the weather was damp, when not in use for an extended period and when using four wheel drive all the wheels would lock up. This would only happen at temperatures of 32 degrees or colder. The manufacturer was notified and referred the consumer to the dealer for repairs. The transmission leaked at the rear output seal extension housing leaked at the case split silicone seal, the rear transmission seal leaked on the extended housing seal at the transfer case, the radio control had become inoperative, the wipers shorted out, and the fog light switch had gone bad.
April 3,2001 service performed on brakes,replaced front pads,resurface rotors and repack bearing if necessary.service rear brake shoes and adjusters and alignment. Returned on May 3,2001 brakes pulling hard to right. Dealer serviced,machine rotors on truck deglazed pads.new tires and aligment on March 16,2003. Jan.31,2004 replaced front pads,calipers and rotor. Nov.17,2004 rotate tires.dec.22,2004 replaced front pads and wheel cylinders. Other service done on rotation of tires and aligment, but can not locate bill. Truck alway did and still pulls hard to the right when braking.
1999 Dodge 2500 4x4 diesel brake line corrosion LED to two failures resulting in no accidents. The brake line material used has no anti corrosion properties and corrodes in the midwest salt belt from purchase. The diesel lines adjacent to the brake lines are not corroded since they are made of a material which has corrosion resistant properties. All brake lines must be replaced. This is an extremely dangerous issue especially in towing or emergency braking situations. Professional opinion would be that the brake lines have only a 3-4 year safe lifetime.
Dt*: the contact stated the am/fm radio volume control would not work. Also, when raining hard, there was a leak inside the truck that stemmed from the roof of the vehicle. Third, the undercarriage was rusted. Fourth, the hydraulic brakes were fractured. The contact heard a leak noise and when the brake pedal was depressed, it went to the floor. The vehicle was parked in an idle position and there were no prior warnings. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer, who determined the brake line was rusted, fractured and needed to be replaced.
The hard brake line on my truck rusted through just behind the fuel tank causing loss of braking while driving. This appears to be a serious problem on most or all 1996 and newer Dodge trucks. After searching the web I found thousands of other Dodge truck owners with the identical problem. Is there a recall to notify owners and correct this serious problem? My truck has no other rust and has been garage kept since new. The entire brake line from the master cylinder to the rear of the vehicle needs to be replaced and the system bleed.
Brake complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500, 23% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (30 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 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 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 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.