Problems with 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2001 dodge ram. consumer writes in regards to vehicle steering wheel vibration, brake line replacement and front frame problems. *smd updated 07/27/15.....updated 11/19/15 *bf updated 01/12/16*lj updated 11/08/2017*cn

Leaving a gas station, i applied the brake to move into to drive, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. i was fortunate enough to be next to the garage/mechanic i use and drove it into his lot. they are fixing it today. i was very lucky i had to stop for gas at that time and this failure didn't happen at an intersection. i have had many vehicles over my thirty years of driving and have never had a brake line "rust" and fail like this. *tr

The brake line has failed. there is a pin hole leak. the metal brake line is between the gas tank and the frame of the vehicle. it has rusted out so much that it caused the line to fail. the line is hidden in the frame, which doesn't provide the adequate amount of space for the road wash to actually clean the line. it site on the frame and rusts away. this is a big safety issue if i was driving at speeds of greater than 25mph or started braking when i normally do. it happened in my drive way so no accident, but this can't be the right way to bring that line back to the rear of the vehicle. this line controls all the rear brakes. *tr

On my 2001 dodge 1500, there is a ton of rust on the underside parts. the frame and body aren't bad, but the things that attach are failing. the brake lines went, and the emergency brake all went at the same time, almost resulting in a wreck. the straps that hold the gas tank in place rusted out. the sheet metal attachment for the front axle is the latest. i's almost rusted out, and would have caused the front axle to detach if not replaced. ($$$$) yes, the truck is 10 years old and i live in nw pa where we use salt. critical parts need to be protected from rust or made from stainless. this truck could have killed someone, probably me! *tr

The brake line on my 2001 dodge ram 1500 blew out above the gas tank. i've discovered this seems to be a very common problem among owners with similar makes. definitely a safety issue. i'm at just about 160,000 miles. *tr

Driver's side brake line (behind fuel tank) on dodge ram 1500 v8 -5.9l blew out causing me to loose my brakes. this was due to corrosion. *tr

On friday september 17, 2010 i was driving down highway 231 in lafayette indiana, when suddenly i realized i could no longer use the brakes on my truck. i tried to slow my vehicle by braking but my brakes were not working so i just let up on the gas. at this point my brake light came on as did my abs light on the control panel. i was still about 40 miles away from my home and still had about 30 minutes of driving to do before i reached my destination. i drove about 20 miles an hour with my emergency lights on and was prepared to us my emergency brake if i needed to. thankfully there was construction going on at the time on parts of highway 231 at the time, so parts of highway 231 were slow going anyway. however, the loss of my brake system should never have happened. i made it successfully home without injuring myself or anyone else on friday september 17, 2010. however, my truck is only 9 years only and this incident should never have taken place. when i returned home all of my brake fluid was poring out and was completely out of the master tank under my hood. furthermore, looking at the brake lines, the hard lines that lead to this problem revealed that severe rust had lead to the total breakdown and actually caused the hard lines of my brakes to brake in half, while i was driving. this should never happen in a nine year only vehicle, that is very well maintained. i have since replace my brake system with all new parts and bleed the brake system. i have also told people with whom i now have other dodge's about my incident, to at least check their brake system for possible rust so they do not have to go through what i have gone through. i have kept the old part, at least for a while, in case i need to prove that this really did happen and these were really bad parts that chrysler installed on these trucks. most of all i would like to know why there were no recalls on this after there were so many problems with this same incident. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. when the contact tried to start the vehicle the brakes extended to the floor. the contact stated that a year ago the front brake lines on the vehicle were replaced. the rear brake lines were broken and covered with rust. the vehicle was being repaired when the complaint was filed. the dealer stated that they are aware of the failure. the failure and current mileages were 84710.

Having noticed a loss in brake fluid, it became a rust out brake line. this truck, has 107k miles. and this brake line is in the rear portion of the gas tank area, that connects to the rear system. this seems to be a problem with these dodge trucks. as have found others with the same issues. *tr

I have a 2001 dodge ram pu which apparently was poorly designed with car brakes---per my mechanic and the dealer. it's my opinion that dodge should reimburse me for the several brake jobs i've had to do since purchasing the truck and create a recall to have these undersize/unsafe brakes replaced. thanks. *tr

According to two mechanics, one being a dealer, my truck has brakes that were made for a passenger car, not a truck. the result is having to replace them about once a year or more, often having to replace the rotors, with several incidents of total brake failure. i have put about 4000 worth of brakes into this truck over the past few years. it seems to me that there should be a recall and dodge should be forced to replace these brakes with heavy duty equipment. *tr

On 8/19/2009, i was traveling east on rt 360 in chesterfield co, va in my 2001 dodge 1500 pickup truck. as i approached the light at turner rd, i apply the brakes but the truck was not stopping as normal. i struck the nissan in front of me in the rear. damage done to both vehicles but thankfully there were no injuries. it was later determined that the steel brake line that runs along the inside of the frame rail had burst causing the rear brakes to fail. the insurance company responded to the repair shop and inspected the old brake line. it appears from several dodge forums that this is a common problem with some model years but dodge refuses to address the issue. i believe this to be a very serious issue as the next victim may not be as lucky as i. *tr

2001 dodge quad cab pickup has failing wiring in steering column which makes truck die while driving . which in turn there is no power brakes or steering and no electrical functions that makes the truck run . dead on the road literally. who knows at what speeds this problem may occur. luckily, it happened to me while going slow and i was able to stop the truck. no known human deaths yet that i have heard of from this. if the problem is not fixed with wiring harness there will be deaths, i'm pretty sure due to this problem. i would like to do my best to keep my family and other families safe. this needs to be dealt with before someone does die unnecessarily in an accident that can be avoided by replacing the problem part of the pickup. *tr the bearing clutch, rear carrier bearing, axle seals, rotors, power steering pump, pinion carrier bearings were all replaced. also, the right turn signal and headlights failed. the center seat console bolting system fell out of the truck, the plastic dashboard panel and housing around the instrument panel was cracked in four places. the gasket on the water pump was leaking. the gasket, water and timing chain were replaced. the clutch failed, due to the wrong year transmission being installed in the vehicle. a 2000 transmission was installed in the vehicle, instead of a 2001. updated 10/15/14

The brake steel line which runs down the frame on the drivers side rotted out lucky my wife had just pulled out the driveway and was not at a high rate of speed if this happened on the highway someone could have been killed. *tr

Noticed a grinding and scraping sound from the front right wheel. upon inspection found that the outside brake pad had disintegrated and that the metal from the pad was grinding against the rotor. i also noted that the retaining clip on both the top and bottom of the caliper had worked out far enough to be scraping against the rim. the scraping from the retainer had left a noticeable grove in the inside of the rim. the rotor was scored from the brake pad and the rim was scored from the retainer that had worked loose. since the initial inspection i have noticed that the bottom retainer on the left front disk has worked loose in the same fashion as the right front and is scraping against the rim. *nm

When in panic stop brake pedal is hard , but brakes do not apply. almost feels like sliding on ice, also had this happen on 91 dakota. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 mph the right rear tire detached from the vehicle. afterwards the vehicle fell to the ground and was pulled to the side of the road. after the tire was located the vehicle was towed to a local independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic replaced the brake shoes and drums, wheel nuts and studs, combination spring kit and self adjuster kit. the manufacturer was alerted.*ak

Dt: caller said that while h driving and he smelled something burning and the steering wheel was pulling to the left. when he removed the wheel saw the front driver's side bottom slid for the brake shoes were not letting the shoe slid away from the rotor. dealer said there was no recall. manufacturer has not been contacted yet. *ak

I purchased a 2001 dodge ram 1500 quad cab, vin [xxx], from fowler dodge in oklahoma city. the vehicle was sold as is with engine problems. upon taking the vehicle to a mechanic, i was told that it will need over $2000 in repairs in order to be safe and reliable. the problems are as follows: #1 engine cylinder has burnt valve, not creating adequate cylinder pressure #5 cylinder has burnt valve, not creating adequate pressure #8 cylinder has burnt valve, not creating any pressure brakes rotors require replacement transmission slipping between 1st and 2nd gear headlights operate in full high beam only, all the time. faulty headlght switch the mechanic i took the vehicle to has reccommended that i get a lawyer, write to you and chrysler and give fowler dodge a chance to make the repairs under good faith. the mechanic also stated that on numerous dodge ram maintenance forums, this is a common problem. i have seen these first hand and it is true. i have seen posts with people stating that their dealer told them there was a problem with the cylinder heads which lead to burnt valves, requiring cylinder head replacement. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

While driving at 40 mph something under the 2001 dodge ram malfunctioned resulting in the consumer loosing braking and steering ability. the vehicle went off an embankment and hit a tree. *mr *sc the consumer believed the problem may have been a ball joint or tie rod end. *jb

While driving 45 mph the abs light came on and remained illuminated. vehicle was taken to the dealer, and dealer informed consumer that the abs module needed to be replaced. consumer anticipated this part to be a premature wear with less then 45,000 miles of wear.*ak

A few months ago my truck started to make noise that sounded like metal rubbing. i got it to the shop and they say it's the front left bearing and hub. i only have 53,000 miles and an extended warranty. however, the warranty will only cover the front bearing on a front wheel drive vehicle. my truck is rear wheel drive but the front bearings are not covered? why not, don't you need all of them to drive the thing. so it's now going to cost me $300+ to fix the left bearing. any they say the right one will need to be replaced soon also. what a waste, on both the truck and the warranty. this is the 3rd time it's been in the shop in 3 years. they have previously replaced the power steering component and the brake cylinders.*ak

Intermittently while driving at any speed air bag light and the abs light illuminated, and the other gauges become inoperative. consumer learned from a repair shop mechanic that the problem maybe the gauge clusters. the dealer was not notified.*ak

The right front brakes began to make an unknown noise when the brakes were applied. when the brakes were checked, the owner noticed that the brake caliper was pitted and not wearing evenly. the owner also noticed that the right front rotor had a problem. somehow, the vehicle was manufactured with two left calipers instead of a right and a left. please provide details. *jb

While braking master cylinder failed. consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. *ak

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's brakes have never worked properly since they bought it. the vehicle has had new brakes, calipers, rotors and the abs system was tested every time the brakes were repaired. the brakes only last for 2 to 4 months before the brakes develop problems. during these failures the steering was shaky.

Purchased vehicle 2003 with 32,000 miles. at 45,000 miles motor had to be rebuilt.new crankshaft, rod bearings, main bearings, oil pump. 2 days after picking up the truck after work was done, main seal went out and lost oil on highway on my way to work. everything covered under warranty, but it's just the fact that the truck still has problems with such low mileage and year. ongoing electrical problem. fuse for climate control, air bags, abs brakes, power windows, mirror defrost and reverse lights keeps blowing. has blown 5 times in the past 3 months. dealer replaces the fuse, says there is nothing wrong with it. *ak

The rear brakes on the vehicle do not function properly causing it to roll to a stop and almost hitting another vehicle. manufacturer has been notified by consumer.

When braking to slow down or stop there was a loud noise coming from the brakes. took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic informed the consumer that front brakes were warped. the problem could not be solved by the mechanic.*ak

Transmission, brakes, air conditioning. *ph

When the brakes were applied they locked up and caused extended stopping distance. the vehicle has been taken to the dealer several times but they indicated that the rear abs system functioned as designed. *ak *cb *nlm

When the consumer applied the brakes, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. *jb

Rear brakes locking up. abs option installed.

The vehicle was involved in a collision and the air bags failed to deploy. *ts consumer believed the brakes may have locked up.*jb

Consumer applied brakes at 35 mph, pedal went to the floor. dealer replaced abs sensor. on 26 august 2002 at 40-45 mph abs light came on, brake was applied, and pedal again went to the floor. vehicle is at dealership at this time. please provide additional information.*ak

Abs system on this vehicle will not stop in panic situations... excuses include consumer education, and vehicle design... brake pedal goes hard in panic stop, and will not allow vehicle to be stopped.. had to use the emergency brake... dealer no help... also, had to replace dragging brake pad at 24,000 miles... now the vehicle is back in the shop for no battery voltage, and, to check brakes... they said there is no problem with the brakes, and they are working as designed... help!!*ak

When braking vehicle will pull to the left, and it will be hard to control. dealer notified.*ak

Intermittently when applying brakes vehicle wheels would lock up and cause vehicle to skids before stopping. vehicle been to the dealer on four occasions, and the problem still reoccurring.*ak

Per dealer service advisor, my trucks wheel sub-assembly was damaged from an over-torqued center nut (during manufacture assembly). this condition caused the bearings to seize and superheat, they have been cutting into the axle and the heat expansion caused the brakes to fail (locked on, but steering has not been pulling). parts needing replacement include: axle; caliper; hub and bearings; rotor; center nut; center cap.

Truck brakes continue to go soft. the dealer(s) have worked on the brakes. changed master cylinder. at low speeds the pedal goes to the floor, but not every time. now the brakes are simply slow to engage. feels like you are going to put your foot through the floor. of course, the dealer has only been able to replicate the problem once! any other reports of problems? solutions? not comfortable driving the vehicle. have had to take the shoulder several times to avoid collisions. just started the legal route since chrysler has been less than cooperative. *ak

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

1. after exiting interstate, driver was backing out of a parking spot and applied brakes. driver noticed reduction in braking ability and "mushy" brake pedal. driver pulled back into parking spot to inspect vehicle. 2. brake line for driver side rear brake ruptured resulting in total loss of braking ability. brake line ruptured due to corrosion. 3. replacement of brake line was required. part is available. *tr

Brake system fails to operate properly when pressure is applied to brake pedal. while traveling at low speeds, brake pedal will have no resistance behind it, and fall to the floor intermittently. dealership has examined vehicle three times, and has been unable to duplicate problem or determine a cause. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak

My truck has an engine miss, that is confirmed by the manufactures own engineers who say there is no known solution. dc refuses to honor their comittment and has failed in their so called attempts at repair. the clockspring has twice been replaced, first after it broke two days after the dc rep inspected my truck but refused to do anything with the concerns. second time was the recall 982 which was performed on 7/9/01. the noise in the steering wheel has since returned and the steering at times gets tight while turning right. the first clockspring that broke was also after the vehicle steering wheel was turned to the right. the brakes will shudder when coming to a stop, and the dealer replaced the rear drums at one point but refused to procede further. on 5/13/01 coming to an intersection the trucks rear tires locked up and the truck entered the intersection approx. 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the truck, on 11/17/01while returning home i noticed a burnt odor at the rear of the truck, a further inspection showed smoke coming from the wheels, touching the rear wheel it was extremely hot to the touch. so hot in fact i pulled my hand away before i was burnt. front tires still show extreme signs of wear , dealer has refused to do anything further. in fact dependable dodge of vero beach on 5/14/01 told me dc ordered that no further work be done on my truck. they in fact stated they will breach their warranty. *ak

Dt: the front disc brakes have a five inch u shape metal clip on caliper. the clip backed out and cuts the wheel. consumer has to take a screwdriver and push it back in when he hears it clicking. consumer previously owned a 2000 dodge ram and it had the same problem. consumer has not taken this vehicle to the dealership. but on the previous vehicle they replaced the clip and wheel.*ak

When applying brake pedal pedal went to floor, and both abs/brake lights came on. vehicle intermittently lost brakes. vehicle taken to dealer for insepection. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak