FaultScore

FaultScore report

1996 Dodge RAM 2500 problems

Owners have filed 365 complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2023. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 20 worst.

C

FaultScore 42/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Dodge RAM 2500.

How this is worked out

The numbers

365

Complaints

21

Crashes reported

18

Fires reported

8

Injuries reported

136,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

0%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 44 vs 50 Severity 66 vs 50 Early failure 0 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 44
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 2500. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 66
12.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1996 compares with every other Dodge RAM 2500

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1996 Dodge RAM 2500

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 91 24.9%

14 crashes, 0 fires · median 125,000 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 105,000 mi

0 crashes, 8 fires · median 140,500 mi

Tires 25 6.8%

Median failure at 160,000 miles

Suspension 24 6.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 189,500 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 118,000 mi

Lights 21 5.8%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 142,000 mi

Steering 21 5.8%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 203,000 mi

Median failure at 222,500 miles

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 113,000 mi

Median failure at 173,000 miles

Median failure at 92,500 miles

Airbags 12 3.3%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 257,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 5 1.4%

Median failure at 92,300 miles

Other & Unspecified 3 0.8%

Median failure at 226,500 miles

Seats 3 0.8%
Wheels 3 0.8%

Median failure at 181,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.5%

Median failure at 113,000 miles

Seat Belts 2 0.5%

Exactly what failed

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.

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 32 30.8%
Automatic Transmission 19 18.3%
Cooling Unit AND Lines 12 11.5%
Foundation Components 11 10.6%
Tread/Belt 9 8.7%
Disc 7 6.7%
Front 7 6.7%
Frontal 7 6.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 2.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 18 19.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 11 11.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 19 20.2%
150,000+ miles 44 46.8%

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.

Nov 1995 peak 10 Jun 2023

NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500

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.

DP03006 Opened 23 Sep 2003 Closed 8 Apr 2004 SEATS

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...

PE00048 Opened 11 Dec 2000 Closed 7 Mar 2001 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL

ALLEGED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN FRAY OR SEVER DURING NORMAL USE RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE OR AN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE.

Recalls on the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500

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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 330,000 miles Lebanon, OR 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag warning light suddenly activated, and moments later the front driver’s side air bag erroneously deployed. During the failure, the driver sustained various facial injuries and injuries to the nose. The contact also sustained an injury to the right arm which required medical attention. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 330,000.

NHTSA complaint #11527189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,900 miles Tucson, AZ Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at night with the high beam on, a strong burning odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he thought the burning odor was coming from outside not the vehicle as no warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle was functioning normally. The contact stated that the next morning the headlight switch did not feel normal as the switch was easily pulled out. The contact stated he removed the instrument panel and noticed that wires and connectors were melted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that he ordered the parts himself and would do the repairs. The contact stated that he found manufacturer recall number: 918 for the 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 3500 online, however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 54,900.

NHTSA complaint #11439726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Falcon, MO Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE THE CABIN. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IGNITED INTO SMALL FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS UNVAILALBE.

NHTSA complaint #10693951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 291,000 miles Statesville, NC 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER, ARM, JAW, AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 291,000.

NHTSA complaint #10670912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Bonnie Lake, WA Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #10658640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Boaz, KY Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, FUEL WAS SMELLED IN THE CABIN AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE FUEL LINE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND PERSONALLY REPLACED THE NUMBER FOUR FUEL INJECTOR LINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #10584587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 330,000 miles Lebanon, OR 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag warning light suddenly activated, and moments later the front driver’s side air bag erroneously deployed. During the failure, the driver sustained various facial injuries and injuries to the nose. The contact also sustained an injury to the right arm which required medical attention. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 330,000.

NHTSA complaint #11527189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,900 miles Tucson, AZ Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at night with the high beam on, a strong burning odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he thought the burning odor was coming from outside not the vehicle as no warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle was functioning normally. The contact stated that the next morning the headlight switch did not feel normal as the switch was easily pulled out. The contact stated he removed the instrument panel and noticed that wires and connectors were melted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that he ordered the parts himself and would do the repairs. The contact stated that he found manufacturer recall number: 918 for the 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 3500 online, however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 54,900.

NHTSA complaint #11439726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 250,000 miles Luling, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE PEALING (DEFECTIVE) PAINT THAT DODGE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT HAS NOW PEALED AROUND THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. THE WINDSHIELD IS STUCK TO THE PAINT, BUT SINCE THE PAINT HAS TURNED LOOSE FROM THE WINDSHIELD FRAME IT'S JUST SORT OF SITTING THERE. I GUESS THE GOOD NEWS IS NOW UPON IMPACT THE WINDSHIELD WILL QUICKLY EXIT THE VEHICLE ALLOWING THE SHARP PLASTIC SHARDS FROM THE BROKEN DASH TO ALSO LEAVE THE VEHICLE RATHER THAN IMPALING THE OCCUPANT'S. THIS JUST WEEKS AFTER HAVING TO WELD A BROKEN LOWER A FRAME BRACKET BACK IN PLACE, YET ANOTHER DEFECT IN THESE TRUCKS.

NHTSA complaint #11365274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,000 miles THE Dalles, OR

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE FRONT END SHAKES AND VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING OVER GROOVED PAVEMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER URNESS MOTORS (505 CHERRY HEIGHTS ROAD, THE DALLES, OR. 97058) AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000. *DT*JB*DT CONSUMER ASKS FOR SAFETY RECALL AND STATED HE COULD NOT DRIVE ON OPEN FREEWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11308269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,000 miles THE Dalles, OR

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE FRONT END SHAKES AND VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING OVER GROOVED PAVEMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER URNESS MOTORS (505 CHERRY HEIGHTS ROAD, THE DALLES, OR. 97058) AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000. *DT*JB*DT CONSUMER ASKS FOR SAFETY RECALL AND STATED HE COULD NOT DRIVE ON OPEN FREEWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11308269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 300,000 miles Esparto, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AT NIGHT TIME. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AFTER TEN MINUTES AND THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.

NHTSA complaint #11255356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Sacramento, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, I LOST MY POWER STEERING, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HAVE A REAR END COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD MY TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND MY BRAKE SYSTEM TO BE CONTAMINATED AND TOLD ME THAT ALL PARTS OF THE SYSTEM WITH RUBBER IN THEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF, I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD FIND ALL THE PARTS EXCEPT ONE, THE COMBINATION OR PROPORTIONING VALVE. I PAID FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO ANOTHER LOCAL DEALER-I NEEDED A SECOND OPINION, NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY A DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIX MY TRUCK. I TOLD THE SECOND DEALERSHIP MY STORY, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OF THEIR OWN AND CAME UP WITH THE SAME EXACT CONCLUSION, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE COMBINATION VALVE. I BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR AND WAS PLANNING ON SELLING THE TRUCK, BUT NOW AM UNABLE TO DO THAT, AS IT HAS NO BRAKES AND THEY CAN'T BE FIXED. I'M WRITING THIS IN HOPES THAT SOMEONE ELSE THAT IS LOOKING TO BUY A TRUCK LIKE THIS UNDERSTANDS THE SITUATION IF THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS TO THEM.

NHTSA complaint #11208414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 254,762 miles Coon Rapids, MN

STEERING

DEATH WOBBLE

NHTSA complaint #10883372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 254,762 miles Coon Rapids, MN

SUSPENSION

DEATH WOBBLE

NHTSA complaint #10883372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Watts, OK

STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DISINTEGRATED TO THE POINT THAT THE WIRES UNDERNEATH WERE VISIBLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #10855158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Falcon, MO Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE THE CABIN. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IGNITED INTO SMALL FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS UNVAILALBE.

NHTSA complaint #10693951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 291,000 miles Statesville, NC 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER, ARM, JAW, AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 291,000.

NHTSA complaint #10670912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Bonnie Lake, WA Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #10658640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,000 miles Anchorage, AK

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHEN TOWING A TRAILER THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MIN. THEN COME BACK ON. WITH THE BRIGHTS ON THE SHUT OFFS HAPPEN EARLIER IN THE DRIVE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. DODGE DID A RECALL ON THE 3500 TRUCKS WITH THE SAME HEADLIGHT SYSTEM, BUT THEY DID NOT RECALL THE 2500 TRUCKS. ALL THE ELECTRICAL POWER FOR THE HEADLIGHTS IS ROUTED THREW THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE SWITCH HEATS UP AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SHUT OFF OR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MELTS FROM THE HEAT AND THEY NEVER COME BACK ON. DODGE EVEN SELLS A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM WHICH USES RELAYS, WHICH THEY SHOULD HAVE USED WHEN THEY BUILT THE TRUCK.

NHTSA complaint #10637650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 291,000 miles Mesa, AZ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON HEADLIGHTS. HEADLIGHT SWITCH PULLED OUT FROM DIS-INTEGRATED INSTRUMENT PANEL PLASTIC. HAD TO RELEASE STEERING WHEEL AND HOLD BODY OF HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH ONE HAND WHILE OPERATING SWITCH CONTROL WITH OTHER HAND. THIS DODGE RAM'S DASH COVER HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED AWAY SEVERAL YEARS AGO. NOW, THE ACTUAL INSTRUMENT PANEL IS DIS-INTEGRATING. CURRENTLY THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, THE OVERDRIVE SWITCH AND AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET ARE HANGING BY WIRES. THE DRINK HOLDER AND RADIO ARE REMOVED AS THEIR MOUNTING SUPPORT IS GONE.

NHTSA complaint #10606531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 291,000 miles Mesa, AZ

STRUCTURE:BODY

ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON HEADLIGHTS. HEADLIGHT SWITCH PULLED OUT FROM DIS-INTEGRATED INSTRUMENT PANEL PLASTIC. HAD TO RELEASE STEERING WHEEL AND HOLD BODY OF HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH ONE HAND WHILE OPERATING SWITCH CONTROL WITH OTHER HAND. THIS DODGE RAM'S DASH COVER HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED AWAY SEVERAL YEARS AGO. NOW, THE ACTUAL INSTRUMENT PANEL IS DIS-INTEGRATING. CURRENTLY THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, THE OVERDRIVE SWITCH AND AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET ARE HANGING BY WIRES. THE DRINK HOLDER AND RADIO ARE REMOVED AS THEIR MOUNTING SUPPORT IS GONE.

NHTSA complaint #10606531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,300 miles Holt, FL

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

ON A BUSY STREET, IN DAYLIGHT, IN GOOD WEATHER, TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEED....THE SPARE TIRE JUST FELL OFF INTO THE ROAD. INSPECTION BY OWNER SHOWS THE CABLE THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE BROKE. THANKFUL NOT TO BE AT HIGH SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE.

NHTSA complaint #10588595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Boaz, KY Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, FUEL WAS SMELLED IN THE CABIN AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE FUEL LINE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND PERSONALLY REPLACED THE NUMBER FOUR FUEL INJECTOR LINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #10584587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 185,000 miles Medical Lake, WA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

EARLY MORNING, DARK, SOME FOG, MOUNTAIN ROADS, 45 TO 55 SPEED LIMITS. USING HIGH BEAMS AS NEEDED BUT NOT CONSTANTLY DUE TO FOG AND SOME ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT,FLASHED BACK ON AND OFF,SEEMED TO HAPPEN A COUPLE OF TIMES AS I WAS BREAKING AND TRYING NOT TO HIT SOMETHING OR GO INTO A DITCH. HIT DIMMER SWITCH AND LOW BEAM LIGHTS CAME ON. STOPPED AT NEXT AVAILABLE SAFE PULLOUT. CHECKED TRUCK OVER,FOUND NOTHING. RESUMED TRIP. LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN,USING HIGH BEAMS,FINISHED TRIP WITH ONLY LOW BEAMS AND HAD NO OTHER PROBLEM. CHECKED OUT HEADLIGHT SWITCH,AND FOUND OVERHEATED WIRING THAT COULD RESULT IN FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10550921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 203,000 miles Walterboro, SC

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 55MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED TO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION. IT CAUSED THE WHOLE TRUCK TO SHAKE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER IT AND ALL AROUND IT BUT FOUND NOTHING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT AND IT DROVE FINE. EVERY TIME IT GETS AROUND 55 IT STARTS THE SHAKING. I KEEP FINDING ONLINE THAT IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE CASES.

NHTSA complaint #10538294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 203,000 miles Walterboro, SC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 55MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED TO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION. IT CAUSED THE WHOLE TRUCK TO SHAKE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER IT AND ALL AROUND IT BUT FOUND NOTHING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT AND IT DROVE FINE. EVERY TIME IT GETS AROUND 55 IT STARTS THE SHAKING. I KEEP FINDING ONLINE THAT IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE CASES.

NHTSA complaint #10538294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 203,000 miles Walterboro, SC

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 55MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED TO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION. IT CAUSED THE WHOLE TRUCK TO SHAKE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER IT AND ALL AROUND IT BUT FOUND NOTHING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT AND IT DROVE FINE. EVERY TIME IT GETS AROUND 55 IT STARTS THE SHAKING. I KEEP FINDING ONLINE THAT IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE CASES.

NHTSA complaint #10538294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 205,000 miles Orem, UT

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

AFTER USING HEADLIGHTS ON HIGH BEAM FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, WENT TO SWITCH TO LOW BEAM AND LOST ALL LIGHTING. UPON EXAMINATION, HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS MELTED. THIS IS THE SECOND SWITCH THAT HAS DONE THIS.

NHTSA complaint #10534736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 225,000 miles West Valley City, UT Fire

STEERING

THE STEERING COLUMN ON THIS TRUCK HAS GOTTEN VERY HOT UNDER THE IGNITION SWITCH AREA. SO HOT IN FACT THAT THE WIRES AND PLASTIC COLUMN COVER HAVE SMOKED AND MELTED THROUGH. I FEEL THERE MAY BE A FIRE SOON. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY MODEL YEAR BUT THE MELTED HOLE IN MY STEERING COLUMN SAYS OTHERWISE I'VE READ THERE WAS A RECALL OF THIS NATURE BUT WAS TOLD IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE HELPING ME. HELP...

NHTSA complaint #10510595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 225,000 miles West Valley City, UT Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE STEERING COLUMN ON THIS TRUCK HAS GOTTEN VERY HOT UNDER THE IGNITION SWITCH AREA. SO HOT IN FACT THAT THE WIRES AND PLASTIC COLUMN COVER HAVE SMOKED AND MELTED THROUGH. I FEEL THERE MAY BE A FIRE SOON. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY MODEL YEAR BUT THE MELTED HOLE IN MY STEERING COLUMN SAYS OTHERWISE I'VE READ THERE WAS A RECALL OF THIS NATURE BUT WAS TOLD IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE HELPING ME. HELP...

NHTSA complaint #10510595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.