1999 Dodge Ram Pickup Ram 1500 Sport 502 L V8
Summary:
Needs to be thoroughly redesigned
Faults:
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.
General Comments:
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.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 5th September, 2002
10th Feb 2003, 15:42
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???
12th Nov 2002, 07:32
I also have a serpentine belt that sqeeks for 10 minutes until everything warms up.
Randy.