DODGE B150 PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Brake System Issues:

  • Brake failure upon application.
    
  • Calipers failing, causing the vehicle to pull to the right.
    
  • Rotors failing.
    
  • Right front mounting clip pinching the brake hose, preventing fluid return and causing the right front brakes to pull and calipers to lock up.
    
  • Brake calipers and rotors damaged, requiring replacement.
    
  • ABS rear brakes locking up, with pulsation in the pedal and rearend skidding.
    

• 2. Steering and Suspension:

  • Steering wheel feeling very loose and failing to respond, leading to poor vehicle control.
    
  • Steering wheel box leaking due to a seal malfunction or design defect.
    
  • Wheel bearings (made in China and Mexico) failing frequently and prematurely, some being bad out of the box.
    
  • Lower steering shaft being loose, resulting in poor steering control.
    
  • Steering wheel center hub attach points breaking, almost causing loss of vehicle control.
    

• 3. Clutch System:

  • Clutch cylinder breaking off the firewall due to poor mounting engineering and constant use.
    
  • Hydraulic clutch cylinder detaching from the firewall mounting when depressing the pedal, preventing gear shifting.
    
  • Plastic threads of the master cylinder housing fatiguing and breaking loose from the firewall.
    

• 4. Engine and Power Loss:

  • Unexpected vehicle surging between 50 and 60 MPH.
    
  • Sudden loss of power without warning, with the engine revving high but the van slowing down rapidly.
    
  • "Check Engine" light appearing with a P0720 code, indicating an output speed sensor (OSS) malfunction.
    
  • Vehicle randomly shutting down.
    

• 5. Structural and Body:

  • Front crossmember rusted.
    
  • Gas tank straps rusted through.
    
  • Sliding door falling off (occurred twice).
    

• 6. Tires:

  • Left rear tire blowing out while driving at highway speeds.
    

• 7. Safety Features (Airbags):

  • Airbag deploying at a low speed (3 MPH) during a frontal collision and catching fire.
    

• 8. Visibility:

  • Driver's side exterior mirror mounted too high, obstructing view when making a left turn.
    
  • Blind left side increasing when using windshield wipers in inclement weather.