1997 Dodge RAM 2500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 18%of 213 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500, 18% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,500 miles. 1 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.
“I purchased a 1997 Dodge 2500 ram pickup truck in november of 1996. Within a few weeks I experienced a brake failure when I hit the brakes hard. I managed to change lanes to avoid an accident and tried many times after that to get the brakes to fail. But it didn't happen again until almost a year later. Same result, no accident and couldn't repeat the problem. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for some warranty work and reported the brake failure to the service manager. They tested the vehicle many times and still could not produce brake failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157233, filed 2006-05, 191,110 miles“Traveling at 40 MPH, heard a pop , rear break line ruptured, due to early corrosion of galvinized brake lines. No rear brakes. Was able to get of road. Dealership asked if its a northern truck, says it's non-warranty. Repair pending - estimates range from $600 to thousands (dealer)”
NHTSA complaint #10106354, filed 2005-01, 97,950 miles“Vehicle lost braking while applying the brakes at 25 MPH. Consumer was able to stop the vehicle without any incidents. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the problem was an erupted metal brake line due to corrosion. Dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. Broken brake line was replaced. The rest of brake lines had to be replaced because of severe corrosion and danger of bursting.”
NHTSA complaint #10106943, filed 2005-03, 118,000 miles“Brakes pulled hard right, replaced brakes and had them serviced, now they pull hard left. Requires major steering correction to maintain intended vehicle course. Occurrs every time brakes are applied, and I fear a collision every time I use the brakes. Servicing has not helped, problem lies within the design of the brake system.”
NHTSA complaint #744147, filed 2001-04“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge RAM 2500. The contact attempted to apply the parking brake, but the brake failed to engage. The regular brakes work, but the parking brake does not. The vehicle cannot be parked on an incline because it will roll. Dodge has not been notified. The current and failure mileages were 133,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10201106, filed 2007-08, 133,000 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 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
32 complaintsTires
26 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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