1999 Dodge RAM problems
Owners have filed 496 complaints about the 1999 Dodge RAM with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 19.2% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 11.7%.
Complaints496
Crashes52
Fires9
Injuries51
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 19.2% · 95
Power train 11.7% · 58
Engine and engine cooling 9.5% · 47
Steering 9.1% · 45
Suspension 8.3% · 41
Air bags 8.1% · 40
Electrical system 4.4% · 22
Tires 4.2% · 21
Severity
Of those complaints, 52 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire, 51 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Dodge RAM in this data, 1999 sits 6th by complaint volume. 1996 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 7 in the last three years against 5 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 78,000 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Service brakes, hydraulic
The brakes have been pulling to either the left or the right when stopping. This happens at all speeds but is always worse at higher speeds or when loaded. They have replaced the pads three times, roters twice and have aligned the rear wheels, and the problem continues to be the same. The brakes are sluggish and when stopping quickly causes severe pulling and seems to not stop as quickly as could be. Service brakes, hydraulic
Brakes started to fail at 8000 miles. At 18000 miles the brakes were repaired by the dealer. Tech found rear drums out of round. Front rotors were turned. The problem prior to repair was bad vibrations when applying brakes. Truck now has 37000 miles and the problem is begining again. Started to notice vibrations at about 25000 miles. Will dealer or mfg. Cover this problem at this point? Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…