1996 Dodge RAM 2500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 27%of 291 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500, 27% of the 291 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on a city street, I lost my power steering, causing me to almost have a rear end collision with the vehicle in front of me. I had my truck towed to a local dealership, they found my brake system to be contaminated and told me that all parts of the system with rubber in them would have to be replaced. After about a week and a half, I was informed that they could find all the parts except one, the combination or proportioning valve. …”
NHTSA complaint #11208414, filed 2019-05, 175,000 miles“I went to stop at a red light under normal conditions and the brake petal went to the floor and I rear ended an SUV. My vehicle was towed to a repair shop to find that three of the four brake lines rusted out and the one that stayed intact was leaking. I did heavy damage to the SUV as well as pushed in my bumper and damaged the hood. Also the application of the emeregency brake did nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #10167911, filed 2006-09, 125,000 miles“While operating my 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 ext cab 4x4 diesel, I suddenly lost the normal braking, on the vehicle I swerved to the right to avoid hitting another vehicle, just barely missing another in slowing/stopping(only had front brakes). The rear steel brake line had rusted through, located inside rear frame rail drivers side, next to fuel tank,where the bracket holds the line next to the frame. This vehicle is only 8 years old, and extremely well maintained(maintenance records available) I also noticed that the other coated (zink) lines are also rusting. The line was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078878, filed 2004-06, 134,604 miles“When braking at any speed, the brake pedal felt hard and braking distance was extended. The consumer noticed the hose to the brake booster was oily. There was a recall, but this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10047970, filed 2003-12, 94,000 miles“When the brakes were depressed, the front end of the vehicle vibrated. Which was caused by a failed disc brake, the dealer replaced the disc brake , however the problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10014938, filed 2003-04, 55,000 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 14 | 5% |
| 2011 | 10 | 3% |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 15 | 4% |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% |
| 2004 | 18 | 3% |
| 2003 | 20 | 3% |
| 2002 | 13 | 8% |
| 2001 | 34 | 7% |
| 2000 | 29 | 14% |
| 1999 | 72 | 23% |
| 1998 | 44 | 20% |
| 1997 | 39 | 18% |
| 1996 | 80 | 27% |
| 1995 | 61 | 23% |
| 1994 | 42 | 25% |
| 1993 | 17 | 44% |
| 1992 | 10 | 31% |
| 1991 | 8 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500
44 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTires
24 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEquipment
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology