# 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 — SERVICE BRAKES
> NHTSA complaint `1171250` · 2015-04-02 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** DODGE
- **Model:** RAM 1500
- **Year:** 2004
- **Manufacturer:** Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- **Component:** SERVICE BRAKES
- **Miles at failure:** 172,000
- **Speed:** 70 mph
## Narrative
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH, I HEARD A LOUD "SMACK!" BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. LUCKILY, I'M PRETTY STRONG AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER. THE ENGINE WOULD START BUT NOT TURN OVER WITH 4 OR 5 ATTEMPTS. IT STARTED ON THE FIFTH OR SIXTH TRY BUT WOULD NOT IDLE. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET IT TO START AND ON MY WAY TO THE MECHANIC, I COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS BROKEN IN THE ENGINE. AFTER INSPECTING THE ENGINE AND LOOKING INTO IT, IT'S BEEN DETERMINED THAT A VALVE SPRING BROKE AND SENT THE VALVE THROUGH THE PISTON AND INTO THE CYLINDER, EFFECTIVELY CEASING THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE TRAVELED AT FREEWAY SPEEDS.   *TR
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*