1996 Dodge RAM Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 173about this part
- Share
- 28%of 625 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,724miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 173 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge RAM, 28% of the 625 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,724 miles. 21 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle vacuum system became contaminated with oil. This effected the vehicle's hav system, brake booster and deteriorated all the vacuum hoses which caused the brakes to fail intermittently. A recall was initiated for this problem but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN. The dealer recommended that the consumer install an external brake booster check valve and hose, replace vent and defroster actuator. The customer declined the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10056106, filed 2004-01, 98,449 miles“While driving at any speed vehicle took a long time to slow down when the brake pedal was pressed. Brake light stayed on, and oil was leaking into the vacuum system.”
NHTSA complaint #10044508, filed 2003-10, 127,000 miles“The brakes have not been 100% since I purchased this vehicle. I took the vehicle to the dealer at41,000 miles and complained about low pedal . I was told that the pads and shoes were fine. At about 50,000 miles, the brake booster failed and the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. Squealing noise from under the hood was found to be the water pump.”
NHTSA complaint #703282, filed 1999-02“Excessive pedal effort required to stop vehicle in normal braking situations. Front brakes smoke during hard stops or in stop and go traffic. It also gives off a burning smell. Brought back to dealer 2 times and they state that it is normal . I just found out that in 1997, Dodge changed the master cylinder on this truck to a larger unit. The rest of the brake system components are the same. I would think that this would solve my problem.”
NHTSA complaint #701866, filed 1999-01“The ABS and the brake light illuminated. The vehicle brakes even when not in motion. The service writer says consumers vehicle needs a cabs computer module. The front rotors needed replacing because of what the dealer claims to be pitting. A friend in formed consumer that it was because of air bubbles in the casting when the rotors were made.”
NHTSA complaint #564365, filed 2002-02Related recalls
- 97V068000Apr 28, 1997Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines. The engine driven vacuum pump can allow engine oil into the vacuum hoses due to the absence…Covers: Dodge RAM 1995–1996
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 3 | 12% |
| 2007 | 2 | 12% |
| 2005 | 5 | 13% |
| 2004 | 6 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 8% |
| 2002 | 13 | 11% |
| 2001 | 34 | 11% |
| 2000 | 24 | 16% |
| 1999 | 82 | 22% |
| 1998 | 113 | 23% |
| 1997 | 80 | 20% |
| 1996 | 173 | 28% |
| 1995 | 150 | 25% |
| 1994 | 91 | 19% |
| 1993 | 16 | 30% |
| 1992 | 8 | 14% |
| 1991 | 10 | 20% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM
135 complaintsEngine cooling
57 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsTires
29 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM
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