2003 Dodge Ram rear speed sensor will fail, causing erratic speedometer behavior and dashboard ABS and emergency brake lights to come on. This sensor is responsible for telling the ABS system the speed of the vehicle and how much pressure to apply when braking. Operating the vehicle with this sensor not working properly could lead to erratic stopping lengths, not to mention unreliable speedometer and odometer readings. This is evidently a recurring problem among many year models of the vehicle, and the same part number is used in many applications for daimler Chrysler vehicles. I am yet to get the part changed, but will have the repair shop keep the part.

- Murray, KY, USA

One day I was driving my Dodge Ram pickup. I was coming to a stop while applying my brakes the pedal went to the floor. I did get the truck to stop with out any crashes. Ever since then I have noticed brake noise. Now when I press on the brake pedal and I am on a slippery surface or going over a bump my brakes grind. I have taken the truck to two different Dodge dealers and both of them try to tell me that this is normal.

- North Wales, PA, USA

When applying the brakes vehicle bounced. Vehicle was not covered under warranty. Manufacturer had not been contacted.

- Plano, TX, USA

While driving the digital dashboard components went out. Vehicle was then driven to a dealership, who indicated that water had gotten into the anti lock braking system and shorted out the wiring. Dealership did not know how the water got into the system. ABS module and the wiring harness needed to be replaced.

- Hilliard, FL, USA

The vehicle would shimmy when braking at 50 mph or more, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasions. During that time the dealer made the following repairs: 1st. Turn both rear rotors. 2nd. Resurface both front rotors and 3rd. Replaced the caliper. But the problem continued.....

- San Antonio, TX, USA

10/25/02-bought new 2003 Dodge 1500 extended cab. 11/26/02, ABS light and brake light on. Dealership said "connection at cab had water in it, and dried off and sealed." 12/19/02, 3685 miles, took back because of ABS and brake light on. Short in brake switch and replaced the brake switch. 12/20/02 returned with ABS light and brake light on. Brake switch and rear ABS sensor shorted. Replaced both sensors and found water in the wiring connector. Disconnected, cleaned, dried and sealed. Returned to me on 12/24. 12/30/02, 4339 miles, ABS/brake lights on/RPM spiked. 8-way plug had water in it. "contacted star and was told to cut out plug and solder wires." Truck returned to me on 01/02/03. 01/24/03, 5864 miles, ABS and brake lights on/speedometer spiking at idle. Dealership checked codes, checked wiring, rear ABS sensor, connector, ABS controller connector, cleaned, sealed connector. Truck returned to me on 01/28/03. 08/20/03, 19775 milest, transmission wouldn't kick out of passing gear until 80 mph and when it did, made loud popping noise. Dealership said "transmission not upshifting, flash program transmission control." 10/11/03, 23180 miles, I was driving, power steering pump came out and caused me to lose control/run into ditch. Damage to bumpers and tailpipe. I had also noticed that day before the wreck that the transmission was kicking into passing gear at 40 mph. Had towed to nearest dealership on 10/13/03. Would not give me a rental-I had bought the truck from a different dealership. Dodge sat on this truck for five months leaving me without a vehicle, saying that they were sending an inspector out to look at it, inspector would be there any day. Dodge would not replace bumpers and did not fix/return to me until 03/09/04. Truck was still not right/acted like it was going to quit running when started. 09/09/04, ABS and brake lights on again/speedometer spiking. Over 36,000 miles, have extended warranty, going back to dealership tomorrow.

- Tunnelton, WV, USA

While applying the brakes a loud squeaking noise was heard from the front. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both front brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced due to warped rotors. Consumer informed the mechanic this was the second time that brakes and both rotors needed to be replaced, and the problem was not resolved.

- Smithsburg, MD, USA

At 5,000 miles, my brakes began to shake when braking. I suspect warped rotors due to the fact that so many other Ram have had this problem. I have taken the truck to the dealer and he just want to turn them. This is a recurring problem and decreases the life and effectiveness of my brakes. There needs to be a recall. This is unsafe and unacceptable. Why is Dodge allowed to sell vehicles with substandard parts? massive documentation about problem on dodgetruckworld.com.

- Sebring, FL, USA

En braking in rainy weather the ABS light and brake light illuminated and the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. The consumer contacted the dealer. The rear wheel speed sensor was replaced.

- Beaumont, TX, USA