1999 Dodge Ram Pickup Ram 1500 Sport from North America - Comments

Complete brake system failure at 7,000 miles, required replacement of all components.

Thermostat seal leaked at 29,000 miles.

Idle control computer module went out.

Fog light switch never worked from day one.

Serpentine belt squeaks at cold startup, has been replaced five times (it still squeaks occasionally to this day).

Front rotors discovered to have 'rust pits' in them. These cannot be machined and require replacement (37,000 miles after the first new set was installed).

Rust is already forming on door window trim.

Brakes will still occasionally go out, pedal will drop to the floor during hard braking. I've been back to the dealership three times, problem cannot been identified or corrected by them. Last incident resulted in a car crash.

I am currently pursuing 'Lemon Law' litigation against Dodge based on the dealerships inability to correct the brakes. Brake failure resulted in a car crash. After inspection, second and third party opinions believe there is a faulty master cylinder and/or problem with the power brake assist (similar to the recall Dodge had on their 2000-01 Neons). Dodge is claiming ignorance to these symptoms in order to avoid a liability.

Otherwise, I was very happy with the interior and styling of this truck.

Dealership service and reliability was the worst I have ever encountered, so much for 'five star service' as they claim.

I will never purchase another Chrysler product again.

I also have a serpentine belt that sqeeks for 10 minutes until everything warms up.

Randy.

The squeak that I see everyone commenting on is not the serpentine belt. I have replaced two tensioner pulleys and have fixed the problem both times... but the length of the fix is undetermined. First tensioner solved problem for 1 yr. 2nd tensioner solved for 1-1/2 yrs... still working good.. but could go at any time.!!! Also to comment on the rear end problems I've had. 98 ram 1500 is in for its second set of differential bearings... First fix was 3 9/01/02 months ago...we'll have to see how long the second set lasts... have friends that have had the same problem... Chrysler service manual even states that the "whining" in the rear end is usually the bearings... well if they knew this when they printed the book... then why don't you fix it in the trucks before they make it to the consumers???

I also have had problems with brake fade. I believe it's a problem with the ABS.I have also had problems with the transmision not wanting to shift properly, it feels like first gear is gone, wont down shift if i hammer it. Then i shut the truck off for awhile and its fine.Go rfigure a trans problem on a Chrysler....

I own a dodge ram 1500 qc.

Costant problems with ABS system, trans.sensors and leak at thermostat seal.. too bad I still owe 12,000 on this piece of crap.. no prblems until warranty ran out..

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Quad 4x4 black on black leather, with the wood grain dash. Bought it with 30,000 miles on it and I have to say it's been the best rig I have ever owned. I hate hearing about how many people out there are unsatisfied or had nothing, but problems. I've had it for 4 years at 98,000 miles, and still running like Brand New.

Brian

Seattle.

I agree with the guy above. I own a 1999 RAM SPORT 4x4.I've put this truck though the worst conditions possible... never had a problem. At 109000 I did replace the water pump and it is getting it's first serpentine belt as we speak. I know bad maintenance on my part, but a hell of a truck!!

The brakes on most cars/truck including my Jeep Wrangler and Dodge 1500 quad cab did this, it turned out the brakes needed bleeding, there was air in the brake lines, hope this helps...

Trucks as they age get water in the brake fluid. Tell tale sign of this is fluid that looks like apple cider. The water will cause ABS light to stay on, and ABS system to malfunction. Fix it by flushing your brakes every 50000 miles.

I own a 1995 Dakota 4X4, a 1997 2500 V10, and my GF owns a 2001 1500 sport 4x4. My dakota has been put through hell since I bought new and I have never had any serious problems with it and I have towed well over the max towing limit. And my 2500 hauls huge cattle trailers. My Gf claims that she NEVER has had any braking problems with her DODGE. In my opinion DODGE is the best line of trucks you can buy. AND DODGE offers the most HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE offered in any truck. So all these problems you people are having just sound lke you don't know how to take care of your vehicle. Like I said I have put my Dakota through hell, but it will still beat any chevy, or ford at the line because I take care of my truck. Maybe if you guys did the same you wouldn't have a never buy a chrysler attitude. If you treat your chevy or Ford like you do your DODGE I bet you a million they would break down so fast you wouldn't be able to throw money at it fast enough.

I bought my '99 Quad Cab with about 25k miles on it. Since then I have replaced the air conditioning system probably twice and and am on my third trani. I use it for work and travel a bit sometimes pulling about 3-4k pounds. It has now over 165k miles and I still get 15-18mph over the road on long hauls, depending on the weight. Over all I'm pretty please with it's performance and longevity. I always have it maintained and inspected religiously, but still realize that nothin' last for ever. I don't mind throwing a thousand or so bucks into it each year for maintenance. I've got one more year of depreciation on it and then I might be looking for a Nissan Titan. I've been hearing good things about them.

Steve.

I own a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport.

It is the BEST truck I have ever owned. It has about 96,000 miles and still runs like brand new. No squeaks or anything. Never had any transmission problems, which surprises me because I have replaced a couple in my dodge grand caravan. Brakes never failed on me or locked up. The thermostat went out once, but it had 94,000 miles on it so that's not bad at all, and only took a couple of hours (including going to the parts store). I love this truck and I will defiantly get another one.

I have a 99 dodge ram 1500. It's got 197,000 miles on it and the only problem I've ever had with it was the belts squealing. All I do is turn the engine off and start it back up and it's fine. I've had the truck since it was brand new and it's been through the worst possible conditions and it's still going strong. Every two years since I bought it have had the transmission taken out and looked at and never has there been a problem. Almost 200,000 miles and I've never been happier.

BRAKE FAILURE FOR NO APPARENT REASON;

I had a 1997 1500 and thought it was a good truck. I traded for a 2001 2500, and have had some issues with it:

Brake pads on rear are for a 1500, and I only get about 20000 miles per set.

At 61000 miles the brakes failed. There is no apparent reason, just that recently you can hear the ABS working on dry pavement when there is no reason for it to be activated. Most of the time the brakes work fine, except for the excessive wear, but every once and a while I am in a situation which is dangerous and requires the brakes to work.

Also on this truck the catalytic converter has gone out.

The transmission lines have rusted out, and may have caused damage to the transmission, and presently the vehicle turns like it is 4 wheel drive when it is not making me fear a very expensive repair is coming.

It is not the worst vehicle I ever owned; that would have to be a 1987 F350