Owners have filed 77 complaints
about the 2000 Dodge RAM 3500 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2015.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 20 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 — 19
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% 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.
Front
621.4%
Automatic Transmission
621.4%
Diesel
517.9%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
310.7%
Fuel Gauge System
27.1%
Interior/Under Dash
27.1%
Engine
27.1%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR
27.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
26.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
39.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
412.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
824.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1236.4%
150,000+ miles
39.1%
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.
Jan 2000peak 9Apr 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Dodge RAM 3500
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.
PE08047Opened 25 Jul 2008Closed 17 Dec 2008LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
2000-2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP HOOD LATCH
THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP...
PE02049Opened 3 Jun 2002Closed 1 Oct 2002TIRES
TIRE VALVE
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 686,533 milesElkhart, INCrash
AIR BAGS
HAD A CAR PULL OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN CRASH. EXCESSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, INSURANCE TOTALED TRUCK. ALSO HAD A FRIEND 2 WEEKS PRIOR INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH EXCESSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, INSURANCE TOTALED HIS TRUCK AND HIS AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HIS TRUCK WAS A 2006 RAM 3500. DOES DODGE HAVE AN AIR BAG PROBLEM IN THESE TRUCKS? SEEM TO.
NHTSA complaint #10584352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
ON APRIL 2, 2012 I WENT TO A RANCH THAT I WORK AT, PUT MY TRUCK IN PARK, PUT THE BRAKE ON, AND OPENED THE GATE. I DROVE THROUGH AND DID THE SAME PROCEDURE TO GO TO CLOSE THE GATE. MY TRUCK POPPED OUT OF PARK,RAN THROUGH IT'S PARKING BRAKE, THE DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN AND THE FRONT TIRE OF MY DODGE 3500 RAN OVER BOTH OF MY LEGS AND MY ARM. IT BROKE MY LEGS BUT DID NOT BRAKE MY ARM. I AM STILL RECOVERING. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT UNTIL I LEARNED THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT AND PEOPLE EVEN DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS INJURY. IT IS NOT ONE PARTICULAR KIND OF VEHICLE EITHER AND THE ATTORNEY'S DO NOT WANT TO EVEN ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THE REASON IT HAPPENS IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO NEUTRAL BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. ALSO IF YOU HAD THE PARKING BRAKE ATTACHMENT IN THE FRONT BRAKES AS YOU DO ON THE REAR BRAKES THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD HOLD WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLS BACKWARD. MY TRUCK ROLLS WITHOUT PEDDLE PRESSURE AT 6 MILES PER HOUR. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO NOT CHANGE THIS REQUIREMENT, BUT I AM ONLY ONE PERSON, PLEASE HELP ME SAVE LIVES. IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ALONE WE HAD IN APRIL ONE DEATH AND THREE INJURIES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE THE IDEA AND I AM ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. I DO NOT PRACTICE AS A MECHANIC, I AM 68 AND JUST COULD NOT DO THE WORK IF I TRIED ESPECIALLY NOW. ALSO I DO NOT INTEND TO SEEK A PROVISIONAL PATENT, I JUST WANT THE PROBLEM FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME HELP ALL OF US THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. THIS ENGINEERING CHANGE NEEDS TO HAPPEN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10467939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CACrash1 injured
EQUIPMENT
ON APRIL 2, 2012 I WENT TO A RANCH THAT I WORK AT, PUT MY TRUCK IN PARK, PUT THE BRAKE ON, AND OPENED THE GATE. I DROVE THROUGH AND DID THE SAME PROCEDURE TO GO TO CLOSE THE GATE. MY TRUCK POPPED OUT OF PARK,RAN THROUGH IT'S PARKING BRAKE, THE DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN AND THE FRONT TIRE OF MY DODGE 3500 RAN OVER BOTH OF MY LEGS AND MY ARM. IT BROKE MY LEGS BUT DID NOT BRAKE MY ARM. I AM STILL RECOVERING. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT UNTIL I LEARNED THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT AND PEOPLE EVEN DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS INJURY. IT IS NOT ONE PARTICULAR KIND OF VEHICLE EITHER AND THE ATTORNEY'S DO NOT WANT TO EVEN ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THE REASON IT HAPPENS IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO NEUTRAL BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. ALSO IF YOU HAD THE PARKING BRAKE ATTACHMENT IN THE FRONT BRAKES AS YOU DO ON THE REAR BRAKES THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD HOLD WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLS BACKWARD. MY TRUCK ROLLS WITHOUT PEDDLE PRESSURE AT 6 MILES PER HOUR. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO NOT CHANGE THIS REQUIREMENT, BUT I AM ONLY ONE PERSON, PLEASE HELP ME SAVE LIVES. IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ALONE WE HAD IN APRIL ONE DEATH AND THREE INJURIES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE THE IDEA AND I AM ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. I DO NOT PRACTICE AS A MECHANIC, I AM 68 AND JUST COULD NOT DO THE WORK IF I TRIED ESPECIALLY NOW. ALSO I DO NOT INTEND TO SEEK A PROVISIONAL PATENT, I JUST WANT THE PROBLEM FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME HELP ALL OF US THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. THIS ENGINEERING CHANGE NEEDS TO HAPPEN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10467939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CA1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL POPPED OUT OF PARK CAUSING INJURIES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE HIT HER AND THE TRUCK RAN OVER HER, BREAKING BOTH OF HER LEGS.
NHTSA complaint #10461528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesDawsonville, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ELECTRIC SEAT FIRE, SAFETY FUSE FAILED TO BLOW. FUSE BLOCK MELTED, SEAT MOTOR SHORTED OUT,WIRING HARNESS BURNED INTO FIRE WALL, ACROSS CARPET, AND UNDER SEAT INTO FOAM PADDING. TRUCK WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, AND WAS NOT ON. PROBLEM OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN ON THAT DAY. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ORIGINAL SEAT WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AT THE PLANT. CHRYSLER HAS INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND DENIED ANY LIABILITY, AND HAS FAILED TO OFFER ANY CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. YET ON 2-20-2008 THEIR PARTS MANAGER ADMITTED THAT THEY HAD REROUTED THE NEW WIRING HARNESS WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO, AND FURTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE STILL OCCURRING. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A TRUCK FOR 6 WEEKS NOW, AND MY STATE FARM INSURANCE IS HAVING TO COVER AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURE FLAW.
NHTSA complaint #10218651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesDawsonville, GAFire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
ELECTRIC SEAT FIRE, SAFETY FUSE FAILED TO BLOW. FUSE BLOCK MELTED, SEAT MOTOR SHORTED OUT,WIRING HARNESS BURNED INTO FIRE WALL, ACROSS CARPET, AND UNDER SEAT INTO FOAM PADDING. TRUCK WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, AND WAS NOT ON. PROBLEM OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN ON THAT DAY. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ORIGINAL SEAT WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AT THE PLANT. CHRYSLER HAS INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND DENIED ANY LIABILITY, AND HAS FAILED TO OFFER ANY CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. YET ON 2-20-2008 THEIR PARTS MANAGER ADMITTED THAT THEY HAD REROUTED THE NEW WIRING HARNESS WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO, AND FURTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE STILL OCCURRING. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A TRUCK FOR 6 WEEKS NOW, AND MY STATE FARM INSURANCE IS HAVING TO COVER AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURE FLAW.
NHTSA complaint #10218651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 77,571 milesEvans, GA
STRUCTURE
THE CRACKING HAS DONE NOTHING BUT GET WORSE. THE DASH HAS BEGUN HAVING CHUCKS OF BROKEN PLASTIC FALL OFF INTO THE INSTRUMENTATION AND ON THE FLOOR. IT HAS DISPROPORTIONATELY DEVALUED THE TRUCK. THE DASH SHOULD BE REPLACED BY DODGE ALONG WITH THE BEZEL ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHICH HAS 2 CRACKS IN IT. THE CRACKS IN THE DASH ARE ALSO WERE INHIBITING THE DEFROSTER FROM CLEARING THE WINDSHIELD WHEN FOGGED UP ON THE INSIDE. THIS WAS PROVING VERY DANGEROUS UNTIL I REMOVED THE PIECES THAT WERE BLOCKING THE AIR FLOW.
NHTSA complaint #10703573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 686,533 milesElkhart, INCrash
AIR BAGS
HAD A CAR PULL OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN CRASH. EXCESSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, INSURANCE TOTALED TRUCK. ALSO HAD A FRIEND 2 WEEKS PRIOR INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH EXCESSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, INSURANCE TOTALED HIS TRUCK AND HIS AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HIS TRUCK WAS A 2006 RAM 3500. DOES DODGE HAVE AN AIR BAG PROBLEM IN THESE TRUCKS? SEEM TO.
NHTSA complaint #10584352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesWest Plains, MO
STRUCTURE
DODGE CASE # [XXX] CRACKED DASHBOARD DUE TO DEFECTIVE PLASTIC WHEN TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2000. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN AN INSULATED ENCLOSED GARAGE EXCEPT WHEN BEING DRIVEN. DUE TO THE SEVERE CRACKS, SHARP PIECES COULD POTENTIALLY FLY THROUGH THE CAB UPON IMPACT DURING AN ACCIDENT CAUSING SERIOUS TO FATAL CUTS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE DEFECTIVES DASHBOARDS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10523592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
ON APRIL 2, 2012 I WENT TO A RANCH THAT I WORK AT, PUT MY TRUCK IN PARK, PUT THE BRAKE ON, AND OPENED THE GATE. I DROVE THROUGH AND DID THE SAME PROCEDURE TO GO TO CLOSE THE GATE. MY TRUCK POPPED OUT OF PARK,RAN THROUGH IT'S PARKING BRAKE, THE DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN AND THE FRONT TIRE OF MY DODGE 3500 RAN OVER BOTH OF MY LEGS AND MY ARM. IT BROKE MY LEGS BUT DID NOT BRAKE MY ARM. I AM STILL RECOVERING. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT UNTIL I LEARNED THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT AND PEOPLE EVEN DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS INJURY. IT IS NOT ONE PARTICULAR KIND OF VEHICLE EITHER AND THE ATTORNEY'S DO NOT WANT TO EVEN ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THE REASON IT HAPPENS IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO NEUTRAL BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. ALSO IF YOU HAD THE PARKING BRAKE ATTACHMENT IN THE FRONT BRAKES AS YOU DO ON THE REAR BRAKES THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD HOLD WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLS BACKWARD. MY TRUCK ROLLS WITHOUT PEDDLE PRESSURE AT 6 MILES PER HOUR. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO NOT CHANGE THIS REQUIREMENT, BUT I AM ONLY ONE PERSON, PLEASE HELP ME SAVE LIVES. IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ALONE WE HAD IN APRIL ONE DEATH AND THREE INJURIES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE THE IDEA AND I AM ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. I DO NOT PRACTICE AS A MECHANIC, I AM 68 AND JUST COULD NOT DO THE WORK IF I TRIED ESPECIALLY NOW. ALSO I DO NOT INTEND TO SEEK A PROVISIONAL PATENT, I JUST WANT THE PROBLEM FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME HELP ALL OF US THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. THIS ENGINEERING CHANGE NEEDS TO HAPPEN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10467939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CACrash1 injured
EQUIPMENT
ON APRIL 2, 2012 I WENT TO A RANCH THAT I WORK AT, PUT MY TRUCK IN PARK, PUT THE BRAKE ON, AND OPENED THE GATE. I DROVE THROUGH AND DID THE SAME PROCEDURE TO GO TO CLOSE THE GATE. MY TRUCK POPPED OUT OF PARK,RAN THROUGH IT'S PARKING BRAKE, THE DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN AND THE FRONT TIRE OF MY DODGE 3500 RAN OVER BOTH OF MY LEGS AND MY ARM. IT BROKE MY LEGS BUT DID NOT BRAKE MY ARM. I AM STILL RECOVERING. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT UNTIL I LEARNED THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT AND PEOPLE EVEN DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS INJURY. IT IS NOT ONE PARTICULAR KIND OF VEHICLE EITHER AND THE ATTORNEY'S DO NOT WANT TO EVEN ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THE REASON IT HAPPENS IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO NEUTRAL BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. ALSO IF YOU HAD THE PARKING BRAKE ATTACHMENT IN THE FRONT BRAKES AS YOU DO ON THE REAR BRAKES THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD HOLD WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLS BACKWARD. MY TRUCK ROLLS WITHOUT PEDDLE PRESSURE AT 6 MILES PER HOUR. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO NOT CHANGE THIS REQUIREMENT, BUT I AM ONLY ONE PERSON, PLEASE HELP ME SAVE LIVES. IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ALONE WE HAD IN APRIL ONE DEATH AND THREE INJURIES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE THE IDEA AND I AM ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. I DO NOT PRACTICE AS A MECHANIC, I AM 68 AND JUST COULD NOT DO THE WORK IF I TRIED ESPECIALLY NOW. ALSO I DO NOT INTEND TO SEEK A PROVISIONAL PATENT, I JUST WANT THE PROBLEM FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME HELP ALL OF US THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. THIS ENGINEERING CHANGE NEEDS TO HAPPEN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10467939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesWaterbury, CT
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10465201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CA1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL POPPED OUT OF PARK CAUSING INJURIES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE HIT HER AND THE TRUCK RAN OVER HER, BREAKING BOTH OF HER LEGS.
NHTSA complaint #10461528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesJasper, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS SEVERELY CRACKED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 04/30/13
NHTSA complaint #10450033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCincinnati, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TURNING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY HE HEARD A LOUD CLANGING NOISE. WHEN HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 07/08/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE NOTICED THE DRAG LINK MOUNT HAD COME OFF THE FRAME AND WAS RUSTED THROUGH IN MANY PLACES. UPDATED 02/03/12
NHTSA complaint #10404152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDarlington, SC
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FROZE. THE CONTACT HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE WHEEL BEARING OFF AND THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD COME OFF WHEN MORE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED MORE PRESSURE, THE THREADS ON THE DRIVE AXLE AND AXLE NUT STRIPPED AND THE CONTACT THEN HAD TO REPLACE THE HUB, NUT AND AXLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 03/02/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE TRIED TO PULL THE HUB OFF THE AXLE AND IT SEPARATED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE HUB, AXLE AND NUT. THE DRIVE AXLE AND NUT ARE AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH THE DEALER; AXLE $760 AND NUT $31.00. UPDATED 09/19/11
NHTSA complaint #10378476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,456 milesLouisville, KY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM REGARDING DODGE RAM TRUCKS PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED THREE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURES. THE FIRST INCIDENT CAUSED $600 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10363328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesRichlands, NC
TRAILER HITCHES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND INQUIRED IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V107000 (TRAILER HITCHES). THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10357380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesHartselle, AL
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD DISINTEGRATED AND BEGAN TO FALL FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE ADVISED THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO HIS AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 55,000. UPDATED 07/19/10 *BF UPDATED 09/07/10
NHTSA complaint #10331466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPort Charlotte, FL
STRUCTURE
2000 DODGE RAM 3500 DASH CAVED IN , ALL PLASTIC IS BREAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10262844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesBridgeton, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHILE TOWING A TRAILER BRAKE LINE NEAR THE REAR OF FUEL TANK RUPTURED CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE FOUND THAT OTHER DODGE TRUCKS WITH SAME PROBLEM EXISTED CALLED DODGE SAFETY RECALL 800 NUMBER WAS TOLD THERE IS NO SUCH ISSUE I OWN A 2000 DODGE RAM 3500.
NHTSA complaint #10235683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMesa, AZ
STRUCTURE
DASH BOARD HAS SEVERAL CRACKS. THEY MAKE POPPING NOISES AND ARE GETTING WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #10219370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesDawsonville, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ELECTRIC SEAT FIRE, SAFETY FUSE FAILED TO BLOW. FUSE BLOCK MELTED, SEAT MOTOR SHORTED OUT,WIRING HARNESS BURNED INTO FIRE WALL, ACROSS CARPET, AND UNDER SEAT INTO FOAM PADDING. TRUCK WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, AND WAS NOT ON. PROBLEM OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN ON THAT DAY. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ORIGINAL SEAT WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AT THE PLANT. CHRYSLER HAS INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND DENIED ANY LIABILITY, AND HAS FAILED TO OFFER ANY CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. YET ON 2-20-2008 THEIR PARTS MANAGER ADMITTED THAT THEY HAD REROUTED THE NEW WIRING HARNESS WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO, AND FURTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE STILL OCCURRING. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A TRUCK FOR 6 WEEKS NOW, AND MY STATE FARM INSURANCE IS HAVING TO COVER AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURE FLAW.
NHTSA complaint #10218651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesDawsonville, GAFire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
ELECTRIC SEAT FIRE, SAFETY FUSE FAILED TO BLOW. FUSE BLOCK MELTED, SEAT MOTOR SHORTED OUT,WIRING HARNESS BURNED INTO FIRE WALL, ACROSS CARPET, AND UNDER SEAT INTO FOAM PADDING. TRUCK WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, AND WAS NOT ON. PROBLEM OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN ON THAT DAY. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ORIGINAL SEAT WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AT THE PLANT. CHRYSLER HAS INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND DENIED ANY LIABILITY, AND HAS FAILED TO OFFER ANY CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. YET ON 2-20-2008 THEIR PARTS MANAGER ADMITTED THAT THEY HAD REROUTED THE NEW WIRING HARNESS WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO, AND FURTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE STILL OCCURRING. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A TRUCK FOR 6 WEEKS NOW, AND MY STATE FARM INSURANCE IS HAVING TO COVER AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURE FLAW.
NHTSA complaint #10218651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105 milesDawsonville, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
2000 DODGE RAM 3500 QUAD CAB/ELECTRIC SEAT WIRING HARNESS FIRE. SAFETY FUSE FAILED, THUS RESULTING IN SMOLDERING FIRE BETWEEN SEAT FOAM AND ALONG CARPET BELOW THE SEAT. HARNESS WAS INSTALLED OVER METAL FRAME, AND COMPROMISED WHEN ANYONE WOULD SET ON THE SET. OVER TIME THE PROTECTIVE COATING WORE OFF AND THE WIRING GROUNDED OUT ON SEAT FRAME. WE GOT UP ONE MORNING ONLY TO FIND THE TRUCK FILLED WITH SMOKE, AND WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE REASON. I CONTINUED TO USE THE TRUCK OCCASIONALLY, EVEN THOUGH I HAD NO DASH LIGHTS, RADIO, DOME LIGHTS, ETC... FINALLY ONE DAY ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS LATER I HAPPENED TO LEAN ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT AND SAW A BURNED PLACE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I WAS ABLE TRACE A FIRE TRAIL. I DROVE THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT, AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FIX IT MYSELF. I RETURNED HOME WITH THE TRUCK AND CONTACTED AN ELECTRICIAN TO COME LOOK AT THE TRUCK FOR ME. HE TOOK ONE LOOK AT THE DAMAGE AND SAID THAT IT WAS A FAULTY WIRING JOB FROM THE FACTORY, AND HE WAS NOT ABLE TO HELP ME. HE SUGGESTED I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP. SO I RETURNED WITH THE TRUCK AND CONTACTED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH THE 800 NUMBER I WAS GIVEN. BOTH CHRYSLER AND MY STATE FARM AGENT SAID THE TRUCK WAS UNSAFE AND NOT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL A REPRESENTATIVE FROM CHRYSLER INSPECTED THE TRUCK. STATE FARM'S ADJUSTER WAS NOT ALLOWED TO SEE THE TRUCK UNTIL AFTER CHRYSLER FINISHED THEIR 'INVESTIGATION'. I RECEIVED A LETTER 1/18/2008 FROM CHRYSLER ABSOLVING THEM OF ANY LIABILITY, OR DEFECT. I FEEL THAT SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG HERE AND WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE CHECKING INTO THIS. BEFORE SOME IS SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10215831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKempner, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED EXCESSIVE CRACKING ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL CLUSTER. THE CRACKING HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED AND CREATED A LARGE HOLE IN THE PANEL, CAUSING PARTICLES TO FALL INWARDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10213437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,285 milesFT. Myers Beach, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
WHILE DRIVING MY DODGE VAN, IT WILL SHUT OF, NO GAS TO ENGINE. I CAN CRUISE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD MOST OF THE TIME. HAD THE VEHICLE WORKED ON, NEW FUEL PUMP, CLEANED THE GROUND AS ADVISED MY A DODGE SERVICE CENTER, HAD A COMPLETE TUNE UP AND ANYTHING ELSE MYSELF OR MY MECHANIC COULD THINK OF. THE VEHICLE STILL CUTS OFF WHEN IT WANTS WITHOUT WARNING. IT WILL RESTART AFTER 4-5 MINUTES.
NHTSA complaint #10211171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,285 milesFT. Myers Beach, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
WHILE DRIVING MY DODGE VAN, IT WILL SHUT OF, NO GAS TO ENGINE. I CAN CRUISE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD MOST OF THE TIME. HAD THE VEHICLE WORKED ON, NEW FUEL PUMP, CLEANED THE GROUND AS ADVISED MY A DODGE SERVICE CENTER, HAD A COMPLETE TUNE UP AND ANYTHING ELSE MYSELF OR MY MECHANIC COULD THINK OF. THE VEHICLE STILL CUTS OFF WHEN IT WANTS WITHOUT WARNING. IT WILL RESTART AFTER 4-5 MINUTES.
NHTSA complaint #10211171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesPembroke Pines, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
DIESEL ENGINE LEAKING FUEL AND ECM MANDATING REPLACEMENT OF INJECTION PUMP AS WELL AS THREE AND ONE HALF WEEKS DOWN TIME TO SECURE PARTS. PROBLEMS BEGAN IN JUNE 2007.
NHTSA complaint #10208614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesHarrisburg, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKE LINE FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION. 2000 RAM 3500 4WD. NO WARNING. TOWING TRAILER AT THE TIME, USED PARKING BREAK TO AVOID ACCIDENT. PART REPLACED WITH MANUFACTURER'S REPLACEMENT PART #52009177. NOTE MANUFACTURER HAS CHANGED MATERIAL ON REPLACEMENT PART TO ALUMINUM. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES THAT THERE PRODUCT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIAL. HOWEVER, THEY MUST HAVE KNOWN SOMETHING IS WRONG AS DEMONSTRATED BY THE CHANGE OF MATERIAL IN THE REPLACEMENT PART. OVER 200,000 DODGE RAMS ARE AT RISK OF CATASTROPHIC BREAK FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO RECALL THIS PRODUCT AND FIX IT. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10199803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesPuntagorda, FL
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH SHE FELT THE VEHICLE VIBRATE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR LATER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE 60 MPH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY MADE A FEW REPAIRS BUT SHE WAS UNSURE WHAT THEY REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10198386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.