Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This vehicle was a rental RV from Roadsurfer in [redacted]. Electronic issues caused a fault in the ABS brake system that eventually damage the front axle assembly, which was replaced during our vacation. The electronic issue was not addressed so the ABS brake problem continued throughout the trip, causing major safety issues as the brakes kept trying to set while driving at highway speeds. After the repair was completed, we went to an auto repair store to see if we could see codes that were being thrown, and there were multiple codes already present for this issue when we rented the RV. We also discovered an airbag sensor signal that had not been addressed. we then went to a dealer for this model Van and got an additional list of airbag and driver seat sensors that had active codes. The ABS brakes continued to have issues up to every 20 minutes during the entire six day vacation. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's Collision Avoidance / Automatic Emergency Braking engaged on highway. The van is available for inspection at anytime. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealership was unable to duplicate issue on a test drive, but an independent service center (Safelite Auto Glass) detected a fault code (C14A5-92) related to Lane Departure and Automatic Emergency Braking. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not at this time Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? …
The left brake actuator (68603568AA) literally fell apart on the vehicle at 40,000 miles. This triggered a warning on the dash and disabled emergency braking as well as cruise control. The local RAM dealers refuse to do anything about it because the warranty expired 4,000 miles ago, so we took it to an independent mechanic. They ordered the replacement part but informed us it was back ordered with no ETA and that there are no aftermarket parts available. After an exhaustive search, the mechanic was able to secure the factory part, only to find out the right actuator (68591375AA) was in a box labeled for the left side. I personally spent several days looking for another. I even called dealerships in Canada and was told it's on a "continent-wide backorder with no ETA." Finally, we were able to secure another, only to discover the exact same problem upon arrival. …
On 11/2022 my company purchased a 2023 Dodge Promaster Work Van from a dealership brand new. In March 2023 one of my employees was driving the vehicle and there was an electrical issue which caused the breaks to not respond, and we rear ended a car which then hit the car in front of them. We were only going around 10-20 MPH as we were coming to a red light and could not stop. We requested an investigation into the source of the issue as it should not be out fault that a brand new car's breaks failed. Chrysler corporate sent someone to look at the van. They concluded that after market LEDs were installed in the back of the van improperly, and it caused a short in the electrical system which caused the breaks to fail. Chrysler Corporate said it was not their issue and closed the case. …
Vehicle experienced severe, premature component failures posing direct safety hazards while operating a commercial work van: 1. Parking Brake Seizure (01/25/2025 @ 49,197 miles): The parking brake pivot assembly completely seized, causing the rear brake assembly to lock up and rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads. Replaced under Invoice #CHCS490962. 2. Catastrophic Transmission & Drivetrain Failure (05/15/2026 @ 66,082 miles): The transmission suffered recurring fluid leaks beginning at 49,197 miles (pan leak reseal) and 51,648 miles (complete front pump replacement). At 66,082 miles, the transmission suffered complete internal failure (burnt fluid, clutch metal material), resulting in total loss of reverse power and gear slipping while operating. Both front strut mounts failed on the same visit. …
Every time the vehicle is driven downhill for an extended period, such as over a mountain pass, the brake system light comes on and can only be turned off by stopping the vehicle and turning the car off. This has happened every time I go over a mountain pass for the last 1-1/2 years. I have reported this to the Ram dealer and have been told that this is a known issue on Ram Promasters and that there is no resolution by multiple technicians. It is disconcerting every time it comes on, but I worry that when I really have a brake issue I will not know it since the brake light comes on all the time already.
The subject vehicle, according to the third party administrator for the vehicle's insurance co. had a transmission malfunction. The vehicle is owned by a subcontractor for the purpose of delivery for a seller. The vehicle, according to the TPA, was put in park and the emergency brake was applied, as shown by the interior video camera, and the vehicle went in reverse while the employee was in the back of the van, getting the order ready to deliver. The vehicle travelled in reverse approximately 90 feet down a 40 degree grade, making a left turn into my yard, and slammed into my side porch, making a very loud noise as if there was an explosion. I was sitting approximately 30 feet away in my back yard, and several children were playing in the yard across the road from the accident location. …
The ABS warning light turned on when the vehicle reached approximately 82,033 miles. After driving about 100 additional miles, at around 82,133 miles, the braking system overheated and nearly failed, producing a burning smell and loud noise. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and left me stranded at night near Lonoke. I had to wait for the brakes to cool and then drive slowly to a repair shop the next morning. A repair shop confirmed that the braking system and parking brake were damaged due to lack of proper maintenance prior to sale. The full repair estimate was $1,257.34, but the dealership paid only $1,090.00 and refused to authorize the parking brake repair, leaving the vehicle unsafe. The vehicle had been driven less than 1,500 miles and for less than 15 days when this failure occurred. …
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram ProMaster vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through November 15, 2013. During manufacturing, a tool may have damaged one of the brake hoses which may result in a leakage of brake fluid from the brake hose.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the brake hoses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram Promaster years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (15), 2015 (10), 2021 (8), 2019 (7) and 2022 (7) model years. Brake complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Ram Promaster brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-034 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Feb 4, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ram Promaster brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles; 72% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (1 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › pads (1).
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.