Owners have filed 34 complaints
about the 1999 Dodge RAM Pickup with NHTSA between 2000 and 2011.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 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 — 68
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM Pickup. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 46
8.8% 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%.
How 1999 compares with every other Dodge RAM Pickup
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
14.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
417.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
939.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
313.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
626.1%
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.
Mar 2000peak 3Feb 2011
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 50,000 milesHarrisville, UT1 injured
STRUCTURE
I OWN 2 DODGE RAMS. ONE 1999 3500 AND ONE 2001 2500 HAVE BROKEN DASHBOARDS. THE DASHBOARD HAVE COMPLETELY COLLAPSED WITH LARGE CHUNKS OF BROKEN PLASTIC FALLING THROUGH THE HOLE AND LANDING ON MY FEET WHILE DRIVING. DODGE HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT A RECALL ITEM, AND WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF AROUND $800.00 TO REPAIR IT. MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ALSO CUT HER HAND ON ONE OF THESE PIECES THAT FELL OUT OF THE TRUCK AFTER I HAD OPENED THE DOOR. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10189954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Micco, FLCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING, IN A FRONTAL COLLISON WITH A VEHICLE AND A TREE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOYED UPON VEHICLE IMPACT. RESULTING IN INJURIES TO DRIVER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG WHEN CONSUMER HAD A REAR END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. NLM
NHTSA complaint #551026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 60,000 milesRiverside, CA
STRUCTURE
1999 DODGE RAM 1500 DASHBOARD CRACKING AND FALLING APART LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS ALL OVER THE STATES. WILL YOU PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO PRESSURE A RECALL. PLEASE?
NHTSA complaint #10380850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesArlington, TX
STRUCTURE
THE DASHBOARD IN MY 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 DEVELOPED A SMALL CRACK ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO AND HAS RECENTLY SPREAD INTO A MAJOR BUSTED UP DASH. ALSO, ALL THE OTHER INTERIOR PLASTIC COMPONENTS MUST BE MADE OUT OF THE SAME MATERIAL AS THE DASH AND ARE JUST AS BRITTLE.
NHTSA complaint #10369822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
AIR BAGS
MY AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, CALLER DEALER THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T COVERED. HOWEVER I SAW A RECALL NOTICE ON-LINE.
NHTSA complaint #10362574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesRosharon, TX
STRUCTURE
DASH CRACKED IN 2001 ,VEHICLE IS A 1999.
NHTSA complaint #10269350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesShallotte, NC
STRUCTURE
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 AND THE DASH IS LITERALLY FALLING APART. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I THINK THIS IS VERY IRRESPONSIBLE ON THE PART OF THE DODGE AND NOT TO MENTION A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE HAD TO SHUT OFF MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG BECAUSE IM AFRAID THAT I COULD BE INJURED BY FLYING DEBRIS IF I WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10259895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesNashua, NH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY 99 DODGE RAM PICKUP HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES AND WHILE DRIVING IT TODAY A BRAKE LINE RUPTURED, UPON LOOKING AT THE LINE, IT APPEARS TO BE OF STEEL AND IS A MASS OF RUST. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT RESULTED, BUT I WONDER IF THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND IF THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL, OR SHOULD BE. THANKS, DICK CARLETON.
NHTSA complaint #10243811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesWillingboro, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM PICKUP. IN JUNE OF 2008, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELT, BUT IT WOULD NOT LATCH OR RETRACT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT AND THE LATCH SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V119000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 12/5/08 *CN UPDATED 12/09/08.
NHTSA complaint #10242451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,300 milesPiscataway, NJ
STRUCTURE
MY 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP HAS DEVELOPED A LARGE CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD. I CALLED DODGE AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT A DEFECTIVE PART AND WILL DO NOTHING TO REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10227737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesBerlin Twp., MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I HAVE A DODGE RAM 2500 WITH ABS. THIS SYSTEM QUIT WORKING AROUND 36,000 MILES. IT PULLS HARD WHEN YOU BRAKE OR KICKS YOUR FOOT OFF AND WILL NOT STOP. WE HAVE SPENT OVER $2,000.00 TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS NOT HONORED AND THEY WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A RECALL. THEY SERVICED IT SEVERAL TIMES STARTING WITH THE MOST EXPENSIVE, THE MODULE, OVER $700.00, THEN THE SENSORS ANOTHER $600.00, THEN THEY SAID WE HAD THE WRONG TIRES AND THEY WERE THE PROBLEM, ANOTHER $700.00 (A NON ISSUE AS TIRES HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES), THEN THERE WERE THE WHEEL SENSORS AND TURNED DRUMS ANOTHER $400.00. PLUS THE FACT THE OIL GASKET GOT SUCKED INTO THE MANIFOLD LEAVING ONLY 2 QUARTS OF OIL (ANOTHER PROBLEM ENTIRELY). WAY TOO MUCH MONEY TO SPEND ON BRAKES YOU STILL HAVE TO USE BEING DISCONNECTED SO THE WORK PROPERLY. UNSAFE TO USE IF ABS IS RECONNECTED. IT WILL NOT STOP IF YOU NEED TO.
NHTSA complaint #10220450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesColumbus, MS
STRUCTURE
DASH IS CRACKING ALL OVER.
NHTSA complaint #10216009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesNiagra Falls, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM PICKUP. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT HAS BEGUN TO CRACK. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED FOR FREE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10214909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irving, TX
STRUCTURE
CRACKED DASHBOARD ON 1999 DODGE RAM, PIECES HAVE FALLEN OUT LEAVING JAGGED SHARP EDGES.
NHTSA complaint #10194945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesHarrisville, UT1 injured
STRUCTURE
I OWN 2 DODGE RAMS. ONE 1999 3500 AND ONE 2001 2500 HAVE BROKEN DASHBOARDS. THE DASHBOARD HAVE COMPLETELY COLLAPSED WITH LARGE CHUNKS OF BROKEN PLASTIC FALLING THROUGH THE HOLE AND LANDING ON MY FEET WHILE DRIVING. DODGE HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT A RECALL ITEM, AND WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF AROUND $800.00 TO REPAIR IT. MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ALSO CUT HER HAND ON ONE OF THESE PIECES THAT FELL OUT OF THE TRUCK AFTER I HAD OPENED THE DOOR. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10189954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Umatilla, FL
STRUCTURE
THE DASHBOARD ON OUR 1999 DODGE RAM BEGAN FALLING APART IN 2002. CHUNKS OF THE DASHBOARD HAVE COME COMPLETELY OFF WHICH HAS CAUSED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING TOTAL BLACKOUT OF THE HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. IN ADDITION, SEVERAL SPEAKERS NO LONGER FUNCTION AND THE TILT STEERING WHEEL CAUSES ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS WHEN IT IS NOT IN IT'S HIGHTEST POSITION. WE ASSUME A PIECE OF THE DASHBOARD HAS BECOME LODGED IN THE TILT MECHANISM AND IS PINCHING WIRES. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED MY REQUEST TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT THEIR COST BUT OFFERED TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD BUT THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME OVER $500. MY PRIMARY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT WHEN YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO TOTALLY OFF. I AM TRULY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AS WELL AS OTHERS I MAY BE PASSING ON THE ROADWAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10189496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesMicco, FL
STRUCTURE
DASHBOARD FAILURE ON 1999 DODGE RAM WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE AND CAR PORT. STARTED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO AND IS GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10189462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CRACK IN DASH OF MY 1999 DODGE RAM. COULD CAUSE A AIRBAG MAL-FUNCTION. IF IT ACTUALLY BREAKS IN HALF WHILE DRIVING THE DISTRACTION COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10151283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesAdna, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
WE DRIVE A 1999 DODGE RAM 3/4 TON TRUCK WITH AN 11 FOOT CAMPER ON IT. LAST WEEK WHILE ON VACATION IN MONTANA, WE HAD A MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. ON THE MOUNTAIN ROADS OF INTERSTATE 90. THE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE TRUCK OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ONTO THE SHOULDER BEFORE IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, EVEN WITH THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. WE HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO MISSOULA WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO THE INJECTION PUMP FREEZING UP FROM LACK OF FUEL PRESSURE FROM THE TRANSFER PUMP. THIS REPAIR COST US $2500.00 AND COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED WITH A NOTICE FROM DODGE OR CUMMINS TO HAVE THE PRESSURE CHECKED. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM IS COMMON AND IS OCCURRING WITH ALL THE CUMMINS ENGINES INSTALLED IN THE RAM PICKUPS, SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 24 VALVE ENGINE IN 1998. A SIMPLE SENSOR THAT WOULD HAVE TURNED ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHEN THE TRANSFER PUMP STARTED LOSING PRESSURE, WOULD HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO HAVE OCCUR AT FREEWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES ARE LOST WITH NO WARNING. THANK GOODNESS I WAS DRIVING INSTEAD OF MY WIFE OR DAUGHTER. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS BECAUSE, IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING SHOVED UNDER THE RUG BY BOTH DODGE AND CUMMINS WHO ARE BOTH CLAIMING NO RESPONSIBILITY. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10141190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesAdna, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
WE DRIVE A 1999 DODGE RAM 3/4 TON TRUCK WITH AN 11 FOOT CAMPER ON IT. LAST WEEK WHILE ON VACATION IN MONTANA, WE HAD A MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. ON THE MOUNTAIN ROADS OF INTERSTATE 90. THE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE TRUCK OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ONTO THE SHOULDER BEFORE IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, EVEN WITH THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. WE HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO MISSOULA WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO THE INJECTION PUMP FREEZING UP FROM LACK OF FUEL PRESSURE FROM THE TRANSFER PUMP. THIS REPAIR COST US $2500.00 AND COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED WITH A NOTICE FROM DODGE OR CUMMINS TO HAVE THE PRESSURE CHECKED. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM IS COMMON AND IS OCCURRING WITH ALL THE CUMMINS ENGINES INSTALLED IN THE RAM PICKUPS, SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 24 VALVE ENGINE IN 1998. A SIMPLE SENSOR THAT WOULD HAVE TURNED ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHEN THE TRANSFER PUMP STARTED LOSING PRESSURE, WOULD HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO HAVE OCCUR AT FREEWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES ARE LOST WITH NO WARNING. THANK GOODNESS I WAS DRIVING INSTEAD OF MY WIFE OR DAUGHTER. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS BECAUSE, IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING SHOVED UNDER THE RUG BY BOTH DODGE AND CUMMINS WHO ARE BOTH CLAIMING NO RESPONSIBILITY. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10141190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesWest Columbia, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASK BOARD HAS CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FOR NO REASON. IT SEEMS TO BE DOING SO BECAUSE IT WAS INSTALLED IN A BIND. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ANY OTHERS, BUT I SEE ON THIS WEB SITE THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. JUST ANOTHER LIE I GUESS.
NHTSA complaint #10120819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AT FREEWAY SPEEDS MY TRUCK SEEMS TO POP IN AND OUT OF PASSING GEAR. THE TAC MOMENTAIRLY JUMPS 200 TO 400 RPM. BECAUSE IT IS OF SUCH A SHORT DURATION AND SUCH A SLIGHT RISE IN RPM,I CANNOT TELL IF THE TRUCK JERKS. HOWEVER THIS STARTED AS SOMETHING I NOTICED HAPPENING FREQUENTLY ON LONG TRIPS. NOW IT IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. THE DEALER AS WELL AS A TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THE ON BOARD COMPUTER SHOWS NOTHING. THEY DID REPLACE THE EGR VALVE ?? I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WOULD POST IT ON THIS SITE.
NHTSA complaint #10113975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,233 milesSAN Diego, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CRACKED BLOCK IN 5.9 LITER CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE AT 18,000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS A 99 2500 RAM 4X4 PICKUP. WAY TOO MANY OF THESE ARE CRACKING. ENGINE WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT CUMMINS REFUSES TO REPLACE OTHERS OFF WARRANY. COMPANY HAS PRIOR REPUTATION OF PRODUCING ENGINES WITH LIFE EXPECTANCY OF 350'000 MILES WITH NO SUCH DEFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #10108330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesPeculiar, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
CUMMINS MID-AMERICA HAD A BAD CASTING OF ENGINE BLOCKS 5.9 DIESEL. SOME WENT INTO DODGE TRUCKS, RV'S, AND SCHOOL BUSES. THE STAMPING ON THE BLOCK WAS 53. THEY CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT BELOW THE TURBO CHARGER. DODGE WOULD WARRANT THESE FOR 100,000 MILES. AFTER 100K YOU WERE ON YOUR OWN. THIS MOTOR SHOULD LAST 300K TO 400K MILES. A VERY EXPENSIVE OPTION. THE PEOPLE ARE LEFT HOLDING THE BAG. CUMMINS WILL GIVE $1000.00 FOR REPAIR OF BLOCK WHICH REQUIRES A TOTAL SWAP OF THE BLOCK. THIS IS A 8K TO 10K FIX. I FEEL THAT SINCE THIS PRODUCT WAS DEFECTIVE FROM THE START THEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE CONSUMER. I AM SUFFER THIS FATE AS WE SPEAK. I REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO AS IT IS A LIFE ALTERING FINANCIAL BURDEN. THEY HAVE AMMITTED THERE IS A PROBLEM. MANY, MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. IF YOU WERE UNDER 100K, NO PROBLEM. I FEEL SINCE THEY KNOW THE PRODUCT WAS DEFECTIVE THEY SHOULD RECALL IT AND MAKE GOOD TO THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD A PROBLEM. SUPPOSELY THERE ARE APPROX 300,000 OF THESE BLOCKS OUT THERE. MANY ARE FAILING NOW BECAUSE THEY ARE AROUND THE 100K MARK. JUST DO SEARCH AT ANY SEARCH ENGINE ON THE INTERNET AND YOU WILL SEE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10108002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
SUSPENSION:FRONT
NEEDED ALL 4 (UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON MY 1999 DODDGE RAM 1500
NHTSA complaint #10056169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, MS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND WENT UP TO 6000 RPMS. ALSO CONSUMER RODE THE BRAKES UNTIL HE COULD GET VEHICLE TO STOP. THEN, HE TURNED IT OFF. AFTER 20 MINUTES HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10040468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesSaugerties, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE ENGINE JUST CUT COMPLETELY OFF BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A FULL STOP, THEN THE ENGINE RESTARTED ON ITS OWN. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED FIVE TIMES SINCE APRIL OF 2003. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A GLITCH IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10038406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.