BrakesPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jul 27, 2026
Vehicle experienced severe, premature component failures posing direct safety hazards while operating a commercial work van: 1. Parking Brake Seizure (01/25/2025 @ 49,197 miles): The parking brake pivot assembly completely seized, causing the rear brake assembly to lock up and rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads. Replaced under Invoice #CHCS490962. 2. Catastrophic Transmission & Drivetrain Failure (05/15/2026 @ 66,082 miles): The transmission suffered recurring fluid leaks beginning at 49,197 miles (pan leak reseal) and 51,648 miles (complete front pump replacement). At 66,082 miles, the transmission suffered complete internal failure (burnt fluid, clutch metal material), resulting in total loss of reverse power and gear slipping while operating. Both front strut mounts failed on the same visit. Experiencing brake lockup and sudden total loss of transmission control under 66,000 miles on a commercial vehicle presents significant safety risks to vehicle operators and traffic.
- NHTSA ID
- 11753014
- Incident
- May 15, 2026
My van began making a loud squeaky sound, louder at low speeds and less at higher speeds. It sounded like it was coming from the wheels or undercarriage. There were no dash warning lights, alarms, or any other indicator of a serious issue. I drove the van around town for a few days approximately 30 miles. The van is heavy and I live in a hilly area, so I use the parking brake fairly often. I applied the parking brake within that week on an incline, and when I released the parking brake and drove forward, the squeak was louder then ever, so much so, people stared. There were no error or warning message on the dash or elsewhere. The parking brake indicator had come on normally while engaged and went off when it was released. I drove it directly to the local Ram dealer, as it seemed worse, hoping it was just in need of minor lubrication. It had just been serviced at the same dealer a few months earlier and I was told "it was like new with its low 12,500 miles". I explained the new noise and that I didn't want to cause damage by driving it, although there were no warning lights on. My van is still under the original warranty for a few more months. Even though they were booked, an employee went out and felt by the rear driver's side wheel and said it was really hot and likely a frozen brake caliper. They were able to fit me in and discovered the parking brake was frozen, which was causing the noise. They ordered the parts to repair, disengaged the parking brake, and said it was safe to drive as the main brakes were a separate system. They said not to apply the parking brake again as it would hang up as before. -The dealer ordered the parts over a month ago, but said the brake parts are not only on back order, but with no estimated shipping date, meaning they aren't even manufacturing them. -I am driving without a parking brake in a heavy vehicle in a hilly area with no pending solution and heading into winter weather. This is a safety issue! Please help ASAP.
- NHTSA ID
- 11625522
- Incident
- Sep 25, 2024
Every time the vehicle is driven downhill for an extended period, such as over a mountain pass, the brake system light comes on and can only be turned off by stopping the vehicle and turning the car off. This has happened every time I go over a mountain pass for the last 1-1/2 years. I have reported this to the Ram dealer and have been told that this is a known issue on Ram Promasters and that there is no resolution by multiple technicians. It is disconcerting every time it comes on, but I worry that when I really have a brake issue I will not know it since the brake light comes on all the time already.
- NHTSA ID
- 11564652
- Incident
- Jan 10, 2024
The back brakes are locked up. The identical issue on the same 2021 promaster 3500 we have. I'll submit a separate request
- NHTSA ID
- 11537348
- Incident
- Jul 21, 2023
Back brakes are locked up. Identical issue on the same 2021 promaster 2500 we have. I'll submit a seperate request
- NHTSA ID
- 11537346
- Incident
- Aug 4, 2023
Most times when going down long grade over 6 + percent a dash warning comes on about service brake system. Once we get to flat area and turn ignition off the message goes away. We haven't had an issue braking. We are on Facebook group with other promaster 3500 and over 80 other similar vehicle owners stated this happens to them. Everyone says it's a "known problem" and not an issue and just ignore. We are worried what happens if it really is a problem. It happens every time we do mountain driving. I'd say over 10 times this year.
- NHTSA ID
- 11466828
- Incident
- May 1, 2022
After van was put in reverse, when put in forward, the left rear caliper seized up and wheel would not turn. Was able to free wheel after putting in forward and reverse a few times. Seized again later that day. Was able to free up again and drive to dealer. Dealer stated rear and front driver-side calipers were not functioning correctly and will need replaced. Currently, van is at dealer awaiting repair. There was no accident. I don't recall any warning lights.
- NHTSA ID
- 11439264
- Incident
- Oct 22, 2021
On August 5, I descended on California Highway 88 East from the Carson Pass; less than 1 mile down a warning appeared to “Service Brake System”. The warning disappeared but the “brake” light on the instrument cluster remained on. I took the vehicle to Carson Dodge on August 6. The dealer performed diagnostics and made two repairs based on generated codes (C1223-68 & P0556). I picked it up on August 13 and drove about 200 miles; the warning re-appeared each time I drove it. I returned the vehicle to Carson Dodge on August 16. The “brake” warning was visible both times it was in for service. The 8/16 work order shows the same problem codes as the August 6 work order. The 8/16 order states that the technician was told by Star (Dodge technical support) that the warning was “normal operations caused by extended braking from a high altitude” so no repairs were required (and ignoring the two codes). I contacted Dodge Customer Service on 8/16. Jagen, a Promaster Case Manager called on 8/17 and told me that he investigated the issue and the “Service Brake System” safety warning was normal when going downhill. I asked if it was normal then where this was published; he said it was proprietary information and not published. I asked if he would provide confirmation in writing; he refused. “Jim”, a supervisor, called on 8/24; he repeated that going downhill would result in the warning light coming on and this was normal operations. That a safety warning consistently appears in normal driving on ordinary roads (e.g. from South Lake Tahoe to Carson City on Highway 50) and is “normal operations” is absurd. If I ignore this warning as “normal operations”, then how do I know when there is an actual problem? If normal, why isn’t it published anywhere? I am unable to confidently use the vehicle as I can’t know if the brakes will function. Brake reliability is a life-threatening safety issue, yet Dodge is telling me to ignore the vehicle’s safety warnings.
- NHTSA ID
- 11430380
- Incident
- Aug 5, 2021
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.