Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 14 | 5% | 45,000 miles |
| 2011 | 10 | 3% | 47,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% | 85,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% | 77,000 miles |
| 2007 | 15 | 4% | 50,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% | 83,000 miles |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 2004 | 18 | 3% | 69,000 miles |
| 2003 | 20 | 3% | 77,000 miles |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% | 101,000 miles |
| 2001 | 34 | 7% | 93,000 miles |
| 2000 | 29 | 14% | 78,000 miles |
| 1999 | 72 | 23% | 63,000 miles |
| 1998 | 44 | 20% | 146,000 miles |
| 1997 | 39 | 18% | 133,000 miles |
| 1996 | 80 | 27% | 125,000 miles |
| 1995 | 61 | 23% | 125,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Driving down the interstate at approximately 70 MPH when the vehicles in front of the truck slammed on brakes. I was roughly 30 ft behind the vehicle in front of me. I slammed on my brakes and the pedal felt spongy before going to the floor. The tires did not lock up, and the truck slowed 20mph in about 30 ft. The truck made impact with a Chevrolet tahoe at 50 MPH. The airbags failed to deploy and the seatbelt failed to lock, throwing my knees into the dash. The Chevrolet tahoe was totaled. The current estimate to repair the Ram is $5,448. The bumper, driver fender, grille, and hood were damaged. Upon removing those items the shop found almost every bracket in the front end had been broken and the frame horns bent upwards from the collision. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to secure the driver. The contact sustained neck and lower back injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and a collision center where the vehicle was repaired for the body damage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,994. ..updated 12/11/17
I am having problems with the factory installed brake controller on my 2011 Ram 2500. The controller will not send enough power to the trailer to stop it even with the brake controller set to the max. I have had the trailer checked and towed it with other trucks with no problems. I contacted Dodge about the problem and was told that they were no problems reported. Upon checking with a local Dodge dealer I was advised that others had the same complaint. I also found a update for the brake controller which didnt help. This is very dangerous and Dodge was told. I am going to have to put a aftermarket controller in my vehicle to tow the trailer safely. My concern is safety. Why did Dodge lie about problems with the factory brake controller and did change it in 2012 so you have more control and why were they a update for the brake controller that Dodge didnt tell the owners. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and making a left turn, the braking system malfunctioned and the vehicle would not immediately slow down. Additionally, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on four separate occasions and occurred while the RPM was below 700 RPM. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. No repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. A dealer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 75,000. Failure occurred after braking and going about 20 MPH after the RPM's drop to about 700.
The vehicle shut off while driving on 2 separate occasions causing complete loss of all functions. This occurred immediately after the vehicle was serviced a haley auto group (certified Dodge dealer) for a recall item (p65/NHTSA 14v-635) and bulletin item (25-002-14). The vehicle's computer system did not show a code as to cause on either occasion and the issue has not been resolved. The information was reported to Dodge for technical assistance and a case manager assigned (case # 27675333), to which a resolution was never reached. Unfortunately, after paying hefty expenses for experimental parts the issue was not resolved and the truck was sold to the dealership. I accepted an offer at a steep financial loss to myself because to the dangerous shut downs I had experienced first hand while driving. …
Totally integrated power system tips failure ... I did the recommended 10,000 mile fuel filter replacement and turned the ignition key "on-off" three times without starting the vehicle as outlined in the owners manual. I now have at least 10 warnings on my vehicle: check engine light, brakes, trailer, will not start, no air conditioning, headlights stay on, only driver side of brakes work, diesel regeneration required power will be reduced.....etc. Local dealership stated the totally integrated power system tips short circuited. They say it will cost at least $1,200.00. After reading all of the complaints and problems these vehicles are having with the tips, there must be a recall. In fact the dealership told me that he has seen the tips sort circuit just because the owner washed their vehicle and water got inside the tips.
While going on vacation pulling our 28' travel trailer with our 2009 Dodge 2500. The front brakes locked up on the freeway, almost causing us to almost go into the ditch. We safely pulled on to a side road, and found that the front brakes were smoking and very hot. After bring it to the dealership, it was discovered that the rubber brake lines had failed [collapsing]. It was inspected, and found that the rear brakes were not working at all, and the front brakes had locked up on the calipers. The dealer informed us that they have been aware of this happening to some 2009 Dodge 2500 service brakes. The truck has 85,250 miles on it and in good condition. This is a huge safety concern with us that needs to be addressed by Chrysler Dodge. Our truck has been in the shop for 3 weeks and costs will be over $1000.00 to repair it.
Front left caliper fell off - locked up wheel - drove into ditch. There was absolutely no work completed on the truck brakes, tires, etc. Prior to this occurring. The caliper bolts fell out, found one on road, caliper locked up against caliper locking front tire and pulling truck into ditch. No injury or damage to truck other than flat spot on tire. Replaced tire with spare. Dealer repaired and said never had that problem before. Still not secure with truck or if any others are like this? If going at a faster speed could be deadly!
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 2500 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (80), 1999 (72), 1995 (61), 1998 (44) and 1997 (39) model years. Brake complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 2500 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 2500 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (141 mentions), followed by the foundation components (40).
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.