Three problems related to service brakes have been reported for the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driving 30 mph sudden strong smell of gasoline then visible white fog of vapor rose from defrost vents (defroster/fan not on) pulled over immediately but brake pedal went to floor with no activation of brakes. All this happened quickly, within 10 seconds used emergency brake to stop vehicle to evacuate 10 year old daughter and self barely in time. Bystander shouting that it was on fire. Fire erupted from under hood and spread into cab. Fire dept. Called by bystander as we used fire extinguishers unsuccessfully. Truck was engulfed and destroyed. Recalls were addressed spring of 2003. A later recall not realized by us includes fix for antilock brake controller corrosion that could cause fire. Geico claim # 0480694490101028 but no compensation, as not covered for fire. Fire dept. Took a report, police said no collision so they didn't. I don't currently have the fire dept. Report but may be able to obtain it.
The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the engine, the vehicle would operate as normal. The contact also indicated that the headlights would intermittently dim and the rear passenger side tail light failed causing the bulb to be replaced. In addition, the contact indicated that when applying the brakes, the vehicle would sometimes jerk forward and a section of the dashboard would detach and fall to the floor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 168,859.
When attempting to stop and the brakes are applied going over a series of bumps a reduced braking affect is achieved and possibility of crash is increased.