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 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In Muskogee County.By the grace of God, I finally gain control of my vehicle, after applying the brakes that failed on me, to avoid an accident, I pulled over to inspect my vehicle. I did a walk around inspection and noticed left rear side a puddle of oil on the ground, a oil leaks right next to the fuel tank inside the frame. After getting into my vehicle I noticed, my ABS light come on. So, I had it tow home. Prior to this I did not have an inspection to see it was safe to drive and I did not report this to the police.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the brakes seized and could not be depressed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the brake pedal was pulsating abnormally when depressed. The contact then crashed into a tractor as a result of the brake failure and caused minor damage to the vehicle. The contact spoke to the manufacturer and was instructed to take the vehicle to the dealer to be inspected. The dealer advised the contact that one of the headlights was damaged and that the vehicle could only be inspected by an engineer sent by the manufacturer. The contact was awaiting inspection by an engineer. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 85,025.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact ordered a coni-seal master cylinder, part number mc250130 (na) from national automotive. He bench bled the component and noticed that it was contaminated and caused the brake fluid to have a reddish discoloration. There were also huge particles in the fluid accompanied by large lumps of debris in the master cylinder. The debris could cause substantial damage to the brake system. The manufacturer sent a new identical component, which also failed. The serial number, part number, and location of the component were unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 147,000. Updated 5/19/08 the consumer stated the parts were defective right out of the box. Updated
While driving my 2000 Dodge Ram 2500, I experienced a brake failure while approaching an intersection. Incident occurred 7/13/08. The truck has 38,000 miles & well maintained. While performing a post incident inspection, I discovered the rear brake line behind the fuel tank had ruptured. There is no evidence of physical damage aside from heavy corrosion. This corrosion extends approximately 18" from the rear brake line junction block (picture available). While researching online to purchase a replacement line, I noticed large number of similar complaints posted in various forums (which was quite disturbing). The fuel line, along with the frame rail adjacent to the failed brake line has no signs of corrosion.
When I adjusted the steering wheel to a different position an apparent electrical failure shut down the engine and the power steering and power brakes rendering the truck almost uncontrollable at that speed. This catastrophic failure was replicated at different speeds and while stationary. Apparently any movement of the steering wheel will shut off complete power to the engine and cause a total loss of power to the vehicle.
While driving, the consumer applied the brake pedal and it went down to the floor. Consumer somehow stopped the vehicle without incident. Consumer determined the rear brake line was rubbing the cab floor which caused the brake line to wear and leak brake fluid.
Brakes were applied at 10 MPH, and ABS pulsed once. Then, front of vehicle started to slide, and rearended another vehicle. Brake pedal felt normal. This happened once before, no incident. Dealer stated ABS system was working as it should.
Brakes failed unexpectedly. No accident. Got out of truck to check and saw brake fluid running out of hole in the top of the frame behind auxiliary fuel tank. Was able to carefully limp home with it.
I ordered a new replacement master brake cylinder for my 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up truck. It was ordered through national automotive lines in shellbyville il. The master cylinder they sent was from coni-seal of lakewood, nj 08701. When I went to bench bleed the master cylinder prior to installing it on my vehicle, the front brake fluid reservoir fluid turned red while bleeding it. I also got red stringgy debris about an 1/2 to 3/4 inch long from the inside of the master cylinder. The part # is mc250130. Do not use this part!!!!!! As you know any foreign matter in the brake line could cause a brake to stick, not apply, or it could get into the anti-lock brake system and cause it to fail or malfunction. Both parts displayed the same problem, so it appears the factory is doing something wrong, or someone is deliberately putting something in the master cylinder. …
Vehicle experiencing problem with brake making loud bumping noise, and grabbing from rear wheels when brakes were applied. Vehicle has been in dealer's shop on five occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Transmission fluid has high aluminum according to sample analysis, the transmission had been replaced prior to this. Rear axle also has a high level of iron and chrome in fluid according to the sample analysis.
Brake complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Dodge Ram 2500, 14% of the model year's 211 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Dodge Ram 2500, though it has 1 recall for other components. 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 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.