Owners have filed 407 complaints
about the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 with NHTSA between 1996 and 2024.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 24
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 1500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 71
13.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 9
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
43.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
21.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
65.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2624.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4440.7%
150,000+ miles
2422.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 1996peak 13Jan 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP03006Opened 23 Sep 2003Closed 8 Apr 2004SEATS
SEAT BACK FAILURE
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHIC...
Recalls on the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E024000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Risk: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cadillac, MICrash
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING IN WHITE OUT CONDITIONS ON FEB 14, 2015 AND HAD A ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT TOTALED MY TRUCK AND MY AIR BAG NEVER WENT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10693990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLEH, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WENT OUT ON FRIDAY THE 6TH OF FEB.2015. I GOT A COFFEE AT WAWA EVERYTHING WAS FINE I LEFT TO GO TO MY BUDDY'S HOUSE TO HANGOUT AND I STARTED DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD N I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT THE VENTS WHEN I WAS DRIVING SO I PULLED OVER CUZ I THOUGHT IT WAS THE HEATER CORE CUZ WHEN THEY GO BAD SMOKE COMES OUT OF THEM SO I'M LOOKING N LOOKING N ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SMOKE IS GETTING HEAVIER AND DARKER WITHIN 20-25 MINS AFTER CALLING 911 THERE IT HAPPENED MY TRUCK WENT UP IN FLAMES N A TOTAL LOSS. THEN THAT DAY AFTER I GOT HOME N CALMED DOWN I LOOKED IT UP N THE FIRST THING THAT POPPED UP RECALL FOR WIRING HARNESS IN DASHBOARD SHORTS OUT N CAUSES FIRES... I'M LIKE REALLY....
NHTSA complaint #10681964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesMascoutah, ILFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND NOTICED A LOSS OF POWER IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES SHOOTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT SAFELY MERGED OFF THE ROADWAY AND EXITED THE BURNING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE REMAINS WERE NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #10547274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesChelsea, OK1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISING TO BOTH OF ARMS FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH NOR WAS THERE ANY IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10513238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHarrisonville, MOCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WITHIN 7 MINUTES HAD NO BRAKES DUE TO DRIVER SIDE BACK BRAKE LINE CORROSION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY DODGE RAM 1996 VEHICLES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10375312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Medina, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
1996 DODGE RAM 1500 CAUGHT FIRE IN THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. *KB THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE ELECTRICAL UNDER THE DASHBOARD. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #10201490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 152,000 milesTrenton, OH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the hood flew open and struck the windshield. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that the hood was bent, and the windshield was cracked due to the failure. The contact was able to drive to the residence at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V040000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The dealer informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee for the replacement of the hood, the grill, the windshield, and components; however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11566292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesKearny, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, he noticed that fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic stated that the rollover valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATS AND THE PLASTIC START TO MELTING
NHTSA complaint #11395795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLogan, UT
POWER TRAIN
MY BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING BOX, ALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH THOSE AREAS HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND DODGE NEEDS TO FOX THEM FOR FREE PUT THEM UNDER THE RECALL DEPT SO THEY CAN BE. STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE TONS OF PLAY VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11206649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLogan, UT
WHEELS
MY BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING BOX, ALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH THOSE AREAS HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND DODGE NEEDS TO FOX THEM FOR FREE PUT THEM UNDER THE RECALL DEPT SO THEY CAN BE. STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE TONS OF PLAY VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11206649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLogan, UT
STEERING
MY BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING BOX, ALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH THOSE AREAS HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND DODGE NEEDS TO FOX THEM FOR FREE PUT THEM UNDER THE RECALL DEPT SO THEY CAN BE. STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE TONS OF PLAY VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11206649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRotonda West, FL
WHEELS
SIGMA TIRES STAMPEDE TIRES -265 75 16 AT SPLITTING TREAD AND COMING APART -TOLD RECALL ONLY LAST TEN* YEARS**-NOTHING TO DO AND NO REPLACEMENT-TIRE KINGDOM* TRUCK VIBRATES AND SHAKES, LOUD THUD,THUD, NOISE(IN MOTION) AFFECTS STEERING AS WOBBLES ALWAYS*HAD ISSUES AS ROUGH**RIDING OVER THE YEARS AND NEVER KNEW WHY*
NHTSA complaint #11145187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRotonda West, FL
STEERING
SIGMA TIRES STAMPEDE TIRES -265 75 16 AT SPLITTING TREAD AND COMING APART -TOLD RECALL ONLY LAST TEN* YEARS**-NOTHING TO DO AND NO REPLACEMENT-TIRE KINGDOM* TRUCK VIBRATES AND SHAKES, LOUD THUD,THUD, NOISE(IN MOTION) AFFECTS STEERING AS WOBBLES ALWAYS*HAD ISSUES AS ROUGH**RIDING OVER THE YEARS AND NEVER KNEW WHY*
NHTSA complaint #11145187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRotonda West, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 EQUIPPED WITH SIGMA STAMPEDE RADIAL AT/S TIRES, SIZE 265/75R16. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEEL TREAD ON ALL FOUR TIRES WAS TORN APART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE TIRES WERE NOT ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11128551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesVentura, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD IS CRUMBLING LEAVING SHARP PLASTIC FLING AROND AND OPEN WIRES IN THE DASH NET ISSUE THE DASH IS ACTUALLY DISINTEGRATING TO DUST CALLED NO HELP OUT OF WARRANTY WE HAVE OTHER CARS THAT ARE OLDER AND NO SUCH PROBLEM HAS EVER MAKE OUR DASH TURN TO DUST .
NHTSA complaint #11119466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,009 milesSpringfield, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ON 1/27/2018 MY DASH BOARD SHATTERED WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO WIPE CLEAN IT WITH MOIST TOWEL. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED FROM DODGE DEALERSHIP IN JUNE 1998 WITH 45120 MILES. AT PRESENT IT HAS ONLY 83000 APPROX. THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME WAS STATIONARY. I HAVE THE PHOTOS, UNFORTUNATELY I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD IT.
NHTSA complaint #11065684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,009 milesSpringfield, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON 1/27/2018 MY DASH BOARD SHATTERED WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO WIPE CLEAN IT WITH MOIST TOWEL. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED FROM DODGE DEALERSHIP IN JUNE 1998 WITH 45120 MILES. AT PRESENT IT HAS ONLY 83000 APPROX. THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME WAS STATIONARY. I HAVE THE PHOTOS, UNFORTUNATELY I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD IT.
NHTSA complaint #11065684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesAthens, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAKATA RECALL THE WIRING FOR HEADLIGHT SWITCH BURNT UP AND SWITCH MELTED I SAW A LOT OF THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET BUT NO RECALL ON THE 1500 JUST THE 3500 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11013744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scurry, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION WIRING FAILED
NHTSA complaint #10924644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EMITTED A FUEL ODOR AND FUEL LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALREADY RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10821206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EMITTED A FUEL ODOR AND FUEL LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALREADY RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10821206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ventura, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM NHTSA OF A RECALL FOR MY DODGE RAM TRUCK. I HAVE TRIED SINCE JUNE 11, 2015 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH CROWNE DODGE OF VENTURA, CALIFORNIA AND HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. I SPENT 30 MINUTES STANDING IN LINE AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICES ENTRANCE AND NO LIVE PERSON CAME TO INQUIRE ABOUT MY VISIT. I MADE AN ONLINE APPOINTMENT WITH CROWNE DODGE AND RECEIVED AN E-MAIL RESPONSE THEY HAD RECEIVED MY APPOINTMENT REQUEST. I FEEL THIS IS JUST ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO ?DODGE? THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A SAFETY RECALL. 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 2WD SLT [XXX] IGNITION SWITCH AND ELECTRICAL WIRING. RECALL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATE 9/15/15
NHTSA complaint #10746117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,300 milesKeyser, WV
STEERING
WHEN APPLYING THE TURN SIGNAL, THE SIGNAL DOES NOT ILLUMINATE OR IS ERRATIC OR DOES ALTERNATE OF WHAT IS CHOSEN.
NHTSA complaint #10735926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,300 milesKeyser, WV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN APPLYING THE TURN SIGNAL, THE SIGNAL DOES NOT ILLUMINATE OR IS ERRATIC OR DOES ALTERNATE OF WHAT IS CHOSEN.
NHTSA complaint #10735926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,300 milesKeyser, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN APPLYING THE TURN SIGNAL, THE SIGNAL DOES NOT ILLUMINATE OR IS ERRATIC OR DOES ALTERNATE OF WHAT IS CHOSEN.
NHTSA complaint #10735926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesChesapeake, VA
STRUCTURE
DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING IN 2010 AND BROKE OFF INTO SHARP PIECES. I HAVE ABOUT 25% OF MY DASHBOARD LEFT. THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANYTHING I DID. I KEPT A SUN REFLECTOR IN THE WINDSHIELD AND HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10715053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cadillac, MICrash
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING IN WHITE OUT CONDITIONS ON FEB 14, 2015 AND HAD A ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT TOTALED MY TRUCK AND MY AIR BAG NEVER WENT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10693990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLEH, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WENT OUT ON FRIDAY THE 6TH OF FEB.2015. I GOT A COFFEE AT WAWA EVERYTHING WAS FINE I LEFT TO GO TO MY BUDDY'S HOUSE TO HANGOUT AND I STARTED DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD N I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT THE VENTS WHEN I WAS DRIVING SO I PULLED OVER CUZ I THOUGHT IT WAS THE HEATER CORE CUZ WHEN THEY GO BAD SMOKE COMES OUT OF THEM SO I'M LOOKING N LOOKING N ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SMOKE IS GETTING HEAVIER AND DARKER WITHIN 20-25 MINS AFTER CALLING 911 THERE IT HAPPENED MY TRUCK WENT UP IN FLAMES N A TOTAL LOSS. THEN THAT DAY AFTER I GOT HOME N CALMED DOWN I LOOKED IT UP N THE FIRST THING THAT POPPED UP RECALL FOR WIRING HARNESS IN DASHBOARD SHORTS OUT N CAUSES FIRES... I'M LIKE REALLY....
NHTSA complaint #10681964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,458 milesElyria, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40, VEHICLE HOOD INDEPENDENTLY. THIS CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE LATCH ON THE HOOD UNDER THEIR INDEPENDENT RECALL. THE DAMAGE TO TO THE HOOD AND REPLACEMENT OF WINDSHIELD WAS NOT DONE BY DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,458. RG.
NHTSA complaint #10610599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBessemer, AL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE FRONT WHEEL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10557992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.