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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When driving down highway felt intermittently loss of steering, brakes felt weak, noise when turni g. Repair shop said bearings gave and needed brakes. Then lost alignment, steering,would not respond properly...mechanic said due to rust, bearing failed again, frame is rotted by steering box and helping to spread under pressure..lucky to be alive , he said...no repair parts available and Dodge, aware of the problem, said sorry...no recalls have been issued...many complaints of this frame for due to a/ c drainage and radiator overflow..now unrepairable paper weight....mechanic said previous welding / repair was attempted which says knowledge prior to me buying this faulty, unsafe vehicle..
On 08-21-01 our truck was in for repairs to the steering column. At that time we asked the service representative if there was a recall on the driver side air bag and they said no. I saw on the news about 2 months ago that there was a recall on the 2000 Dodge Ram quad cab. The ABS did not work because we slid about 70 to 100 feet. We did go to the place the truck was purchased and told them that the air bags nor did the ABS work they had no comment. I want someone to investigate and find out if the service department or the manufacturer is responsible for these things not working.
The parking brake on this truck has had problems since I purchased the truck. The cable has completely snapped twice, causing the 5-speed black truck to roll into the middle of the street, in the middle of the night, and there it sat all night (we were unaware the cable snapped). The dealer does not know why this keeps happening, and they don't report the problem to the parent company. I, myself, made daimen Chrysler open a ticket, but I imagine it's closed now. They only keep them open for a month. The dealer (greg adams) told me this is the only truck that's had this problem, but since he didn't report the problem with my truck, I figure other dealers don't report the problems they see, so who knows? I never know when the brake will snap, and although no one has been hurt yet, it's an accident waiting to happen. I hope that you can look into this problem. Thank you.
Excessive wear on rotors that I believe is unsafe and a manufacturers defect - minimum allowable rotor spec is 1.215 - right side is 1.166, left side is 1.164 - original pads still have more than 1/8 inch on each of the 4 pads - I was going to have pads chaged on 7/28 and that is when I was advised that the rotors had to be replaced - I never had a vehicle that wore out the original rotors before the original pads ever wore out - I shoul be able to "true" rotors once or twice before having to replace the rotors as long as the pads do not wear out before replacing same - manufacturer will do nothing - claims that the 12 month/12,000 mile warranty is their total responsibility in this matter - I disagree.
While wheel alignment was done mechanic noticed front rotors were worn down to nothing, metal to metal. Replaced rotors and front disc pads. At this time, rotors need to be replaced again. Ball joints and tires were replaced, consumer states problems with the rear but did not specify, also did not specify types of tires. Vehicle experiencing problems with the transmission. Intake gasket replaced. New carpet in the cab was installed. New bumper and grill was installed. Consumer also states problem with the ABS along with the rotors and disc pads.
1.body jumps at different speeds unable to steere.2.odometer reading didn't move for approx- 1st 200 miles.3.engine knocks. 4. Shifting linkage and gears grind. 5. Transmission slips and front axle grinds. 6.salesman said I was approved and did qualify for any vehicle in the lot with $10,000.00 down.called finance company after purchase and was approved for the vehicle I originally wanted.7.brakes need to be replaced all the way around. Thank you, [redacted]
I had my brakes overhauled and had to have the rotors exchanged because of a defect the manufacturer knew about but failed to notify consumers. The brake rotors are machined to such close tolorances, that they would have to be changed at the first repairs. I have talked to service people whom have had them changed at less than 30 k miles. I feel an recall should be made by the manufacturer or the extra money refunded by the manufacturer.
Consumer received recall 01v-038 and informed dealer that repairs needed to be complete due to the brake line was rubbing against a tire, vehicle was taken to dealer for recall repairs and dealer stated repairs were complete, however consumer checked and found that nothing had been done, the service manager stated that they did not see leaking fluid and therefore thought that it was okay, consumer is finally getting repairs complete. Yh
While making a right turn steering wheel failed. A loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear. Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not be duplicated.
Brake line on rear drivers side of the vehicle rubs against a rod in vehicle, causing a hole, 3/16th of an inch deep, to form in brake line. Dealer tied brake line to vehicle so that line would not rub against rod. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Some vehicles May have inadequate clearance between the front tire/wheel and the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly. During full lock turns, it is possible for the tire or wheel to contact the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hose assemblies, and the ABS sensor wire will be inspected and replaced if necessary. Owner notification began March 8, 2001.
Brake complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Dodge Ram, 16% of the model year's 159 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Ram brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-185 (control unit/module, Apr 12, 2004); NHTSA recall 01V-038 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Feb 12, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Ram brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 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.