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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a Dodge Ram 2500 with ABS. This system quit working around 36,000 miles. It pulls hard when you brake or kicks your foot off and will not stop. We have spent over $2,000.00 trying to fix the problem since the warranty was not honored and they would not acknowledge a recall. They serviced it several times starting with the most expensive, the module, over $700.00, then the sensors another $600.00, then they said we had the wrong tires and they were the problem, another $700.00 (a non issue as tires have nothing to do with brakes), then there were the wheel sensors and turned drums another $400.00. Plus the fact the oil gasket got sucked into the manifold leaving only 2 quarts of oil (another problem entirely). Way too much money to spend on brakes you still have to use being disconnected so the work properly. Unsafe to use if ABS is reconnected. It will not stop if you need to.
ABS braking system would jerk badly when applied. Problem became worse when towing a trailer. Have taken vehicle to dealership. Mechanic indicated nothing wrong, but had carriage bearing replaced 5 times. Was test driven with service manager and problem reoccurred. Was informed to remove ABS fuse. Problem existed without fuse, and caused extended stopping distance. Accident occurred due to lack of ABS power.
While driving about 65 MPH the right front brakes locked when making an emergency stop. This condition caused a rear end crash. This happened while pulling a 16 foot trailer and a dry sunny day. The problem was reported to the dealership. Dealership could not find a prolem with the truck. No repairs have been made to the truck. Please provide any further information.
My 99 Dodge Ram pickup has less than 70,000 miles and while driving it today a brake line ruptured, upon looking at the line, it appears to be of steel and is a mass of rust. Luckily no accident resulted, but I wonder if this has been a problem and if there is a safety recall, or should be. Thanks, dick carleton.
Brake problems; consumer took vehicle to dealer 4 times, but dealer couldn't find cause. When applying brakes pedal went down to floorboard, but there was no braking action. Accident occurred with $4100 damage. Consumer states that the horn is not working properly.
Dt: while driving on a major highway touched the brakes and the brakes felt soft. When exiting the highway applied the brakes, and foot went to the floor. Consumer noticed that the brake line broke. Consumer complained that the use of aluminum brake line caused it to rust.
Was traveling 45-50mph & would apply brakes, and they would lock up. Rear ABS brakes do not work properly. Rear ended another vehicle. Air bags failed to deploy due to a lack of brakes. Vehicle slide 100 ft before the impact happened. There were no injuries.
Consumer states: made a right-hand turn heard a bang wheel was hanging at an angle and right rotator was broken in half, the brakes pads were laying behind the truck, looks like spindle nugget had backed off of it.
On January 8, 2000, I was a passenger in a 1999 Dodge Ram pickup westbound on interstate 44 near milemarker 274 in missouri. A fenton fire department pumper truck cut from the center lane across the passing lane (which we were in) and tried to get onto the shoulder. This maneuver was done without any emergency lights, sirens, turn signals, etc. We had approx. 2 seconds to react and the driver only had time to slam on the brakes. We hit the right rear corner of the fire truck where it protruded into the passing lane at approx 50 MPH. The Dodge pickup we were in was totalled per safeco insurace company. Seatbelts saved our lives, but we were injured much worse than we would have been if the airbags had gone off. Neither airbag deployed during the accident. The airbags remained undeployed up until the vehicle was last seen on 1-13-2000. …
I noticed my vehicle's brakes were grabbing in the morning after sitting all night. The grabbing would stop after a couple applications of the brakes but it was apparent something wasn't right. I took my truck to jack powell Chrysler Dodge and was told I needed a brake job. The brake job would correct the problem. I brought my 99 Dodge 2300 diesel into the above dealer for a brake problem on 2-17-05. They charged me 568.00 for the work. Since that time I've been back to the same dealer on four additional occasions for the same problem. By 7-2-05 the problem returned. I have been back to this dealer on 9-22-05 for the same problem. I had a fourth occasion but can't find the po at this point. I have now left the vehicle at this dealer as of 12-23-05 for the fifth time for the same problem. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries May leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on September 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Brake complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 88 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Dodge Ram, 21% of the model year's 412 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (46 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Ram brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-185 (control unit/module, Apr 12, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Ram brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.