Owners have filed 905 complaints
about the 1996 Dodge RAM with NHTSA between 1995 and 2024.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 18 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 86
16.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% 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
14.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
14.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
312.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
416.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1040.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
520.0%
150,000+ miles
14.0%
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 1995peak 36Nov 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Dodge RAM
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.
1
investigation is
still open.
RQ98002Opened 10 Mar 1998Still openPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS
ON APRIL 17, 1997, THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING APPROXIMATELY 800,000 1994 THROUGH 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH V6 OR V8 ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, 1995 THROUGH 1997DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE V10 ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND THE 1995 AND 1996 DODGE RAM VAN/WAGON EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED ELEVEN REPORTS CONCERNING TRANSMISSION LEAKAGES FROM THE QUICK CONNECTOR JOINTS RESULTING IN EIGHT FIRES.THE REPORTED VEHICLES INCLUDED ARE THE 1994 AND 1995 JEEP WRANGLER, 1995 AND 1996 CHEROKEE, 1993 THR...
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...
RQ00012Opened 3 May 2000Closed 20 Apr 2001STRUCTURE
HOOD LATCH
ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE SEDCONDARY HO...
DP00002Opened 20 Jan 2000Closed 24 Apr 2000STEERING
STEERING COLUMN FIRE
ALLEGES THAT THE POOR DESIGN OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND//OR THE KEY CYLINDER ASSEMBLY IN THE MODEL YEAR 1991-2000 VEHICLES MAY CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO CATCH FIRE
EA99027Opened 10 Sep 1999Closed 30 May 2000POWER TRAIN
STEERING COLUMN FIRES
ODI has received 33 complaints alleging excessive heat in the ignition switch and related circuitry in 1994-1996 Dodge Ram trucks.The root cause is an excessive current draw through the ignition switch result in fire, smoke, melting of surrounding plastics, stalling and the illumination of air bag and anti-lock brake system (ABS) warnig lights. DaimlerChrsler has been aware of the potential for this failure and implemented a design change to reduce the current draw through the switch.This design change involved the installation of a relay in the blower motor circuitry for all Ram trucks built...
PE99031Opened 5 May 1999Closed 10 Sep 1999POWER TRAIN
IGNITION SWITCH
COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE FIRES, MELTING, SMOKE OR EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE VICINITY OF THE IGNITION SWITCH
EA98005Opened 27 Feb 1998Closed 24 May 1999SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE
ALLEGED PLASTIC CLUTCH TUBE MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO EXHAUST HEAT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CLUTCH FUNCTION AND POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
PE97043Opened 20 Oct 1997Closed 27 Feb 1998SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE
ALLEGED CLUTCH LINE MAY MELT AND LEAK HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE VICINITY OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.LEAKED HYDRAULIC FLUID COULD IGNITE AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Recalls on the 1996 Dodge RAM
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
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
01V037000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Risk: A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
01V040000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."
Risk: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
00V135000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING THAT COULD OVERHEAT. HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOADS PASS THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED ON HIGH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING TO OVERHEAT.
99V115000
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.
Risk: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200105573,167 units in Canada
Structure
On certain pickup trucks located in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces, corrosion of the hood secondary latch return spring may cause the hood secondary latch to become inoperative, possibly allowing the hood to open unexpectedly if the primary hood latch mechanism is not engaged. Such an occurrence could block driver vision and result in possible loss of control and a crash. Correction: A new secondary hood latch that incorporates a stainless steel spring will be installed on affected vehicles.
Recall 200105218,025 units in Canada
Engine
On certain diesel pickup trucks, the throttle cable can unravel (fray) or break, which could result in loss of throttle control and loss of power. Correction: Original throttle control cable and upper bell crank lever will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Recall 200014454,601 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain pickup trucks were built with an ignition switch and wiring that may overheat under certain operating conditions. High electrical current loads pass through the switch when the blower motor is operated on high for an extended period of time. The extensive current load can cause the ignition switch and wiring to overheat, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: Vehicles will have a relay and overlay harness installed. In addition, the ignition switch and wiring will be inspected and replaced as necessary.
Recall 1999132687 units in Canada
Structure
On certain 4 x 4 pickups equipped with an 8.0 litre V10 engine, Under certain heavy duty applications, such as driving up a steep grade in four wheel drive with a full load, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line may generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this operating condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line may rupture and fluid may ignite on the hot exhaust potentially causing a vehicle fire. Correction: The hydraulic clutch line will be altered to prevent line melting due to exhaust system heat transfer.
Recall 19990276,176 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain Ram 3500 vehicles, the headlamp switches used in this truck series operate under a high current load which results in switch internal temperatures above the 100 degree centigrade limit for the internal lubing grease. This heat will cause the grease to break down and increase the resistance in the switch resulting in eventual switch failure. Correction: Headlamp switches will be replaced and a relay will be included in the park lamp wiring circuit causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out.
Recall 199812346,147 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1105 - evaporative emissions. The evaporative canister may allow migration of its contents (charcoal) through the purge system and into the engine. Missing charcoal may cause the vehicle to fail evaporative emissions testing. Correction: An improved evaporative canister and purge solenoid will be installed.
Recall 19980383,408 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain Ram 3500 vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1101 - emission device. The Vehicle emission warranty statement in the engine warranty manuals does not include the powertrain control module and the catalyst in the list of warranted emission control components. Correction: Owners will be sent a warranty manual insert with the correct information.
Recall 199720634,694 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel tank mounted rollover valve may allow liquid fuel to leak onto the ground under certain conditions. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur. Correction: The fuel tank rollover valve will be replaced with a float type rollover valve.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesWatertown, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CHEMICAL ODOR COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THE HEATER. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SUDDENLY DIMMED. THE HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY DIM. THE CONTACT TURNED EVERYTHING BACK ON, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS ONLY ILLUMINATED FOR A FEW MINUTES. AFTER DRIVING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HE PULLED INTO HIS RESIDENCE AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OFF, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. SMOKE FILLED THE VEHICLE AND PRODUCED AN AWFUL ODOR. HE REMOVED THE LAMP FUSE, BUT THE BUZZING NOISE STILL INDICATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. HE REINSERTED THE FUSE AND THE BUZZING SOUND CONTINUED. HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS PARKED AT HIS RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10256570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT A TREE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL, AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK... THE OTHER DRIVER, A LADY WAS CITED FOR IMPROPER BACKING OUT. CONSUMER'S GRAND SON FIRST HIT HER, THEN WENT THROUGH A YARD, HITTING A TREE.
NHTSA complaint #10113662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesNescopeck, PA1 injured
STRUCTURE
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH A CUP OF HOT COFFEE SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER, SCALDING THE CONSUMER'S LEG. CONSUMER FELT THAT THE CUP HOLDER WAS NOT DESIGNED TO HOLD SECURELY.
NHTSA complaint #10048742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Venice, FLFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10039970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesPrescott, AZ1 injured
AIR BAGS
PREMATURE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. ****DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*******731512. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10006350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesRiverside, CACrash1 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE RIGHT REAR TIRE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH IN WHICH 1 PERSON WAS INJURED.(GOODYEAR P245/75R16). *MR *NLM
NHTSA complaint #8022650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Adelanto, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11627321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adelanto, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11627321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adelanto, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11627321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWatertown, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CHEMICAL ODOR COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THE HEATER. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SUDDENLY DIMMED. THE HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY DIM. THE CONTACT TURNED EVERYTHING BACK ON, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS ONLY ILLUMINATED FOR A FEW MINUTES. AFTER DRIVING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HE PULLED INTO HIS RESIDENCE AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OFF, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. SMOKE FILLED THE VEHICLE AND PRODUCED AN AWFUL ODOR. HE REMOVED THE LAMP FUSE, BUT THE BUZZING NOISE STILL INDICATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. HE REINSERTED THE FUSE AND THE BUZZING SOUND CONTINUED. HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS PARKED AT HIS RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10256570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,900 milesStoneborough, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM PICKUP. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE IT COOLED OFF, AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THE VEHICLES LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE FAILURE CAUSED THE WIRING HARNESS TO MELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED TOO FREQUENTLY . IT BEGAN TO OCCUR 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, AND HE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCHES OVER 12 TIMES. DAIMLER/CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT AND THAT IT WAS NOT RELATED TO RECALL #99V024000 DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
NHTSA complaint #10187340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesIron, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V024000, REGARDING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10175274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Mifflin, PA
TIRES
1996 DODGE RAM LEFT REAR TIRE CAME OFF OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10170146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Mifflin, PA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
1996 DODGE RAM LEFT REAR TIRE CAME OFF OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10170146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesPerryville, MD
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON DRY HIGHWAY PAVEMENT THE REAR DRIVER TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD AND THE TIRE WAS CHANGED. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. THE CONSUMER STATED HE INSPECTED THE OTHER THREEE TIRES AND NOTICTED THE SAME DEFECTS. UPDATED 08/21/06.
NHTSA complaint #10164528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DT: CONSUMER STATES: THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH KEEPS BURNING UP IN HIS 1996 DODGE RAM TRUCK. IT IS BURNING THE WIRE HARNESS THAT GOES TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. IT COULD GO OUT AT ANY TIME. HE HAD IT REPLACED ABOUT 3-4 MONTHS AGO AND IT IS OUT AGAIN. HE HAS TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE MADE A SPECIAL WIRE HARNESS TO SPLICE INTO THE WIRING ON THE TRUCK. THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS SAME THING. THE DEALER SAID CHRYSLER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. HE CAN BE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE LIGHTS WILL JUST GO OUT. YOU CAN PARK IT FOR A WHILE, WHEN YOU COME BACK TO START THE CAR AND SWITCH ON THE HEADLIGHTS THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. THE LAST TIME HE HAD IT REPLACED, THE WIRING HAD MELTED THE INSULATION.
NHTSA complaint #10128264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT A TREE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL, AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK... THE OTHER DRIVER, A LADY WAS CITED FOR IMPROPER BACKING OUT. CONSUMER'S GRAND SON FIRST HIT HER, THEN WENT THROUGH A YARD, HITTING A TREE.
NHTSA complaint #10113662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vero Beach, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, AND PULLED OVER. DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE. GOODYEAR WRANGLER AT, 265/75R16, #DOT PD73MFHR2403.
NHTSA complaint #10109663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,449 milesFallbrook, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE VEHICLE VACUUM SYSTEM BECAME CONTAMINATED WITH OIL. THIS EFFECTED THE VEHICLE'S HAV SYSTEM, BRAKE BOOSTER AND DETERIORATED ALL THE VACUUM HOSES WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. *PH A RECALL WAS INITIATED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONSUMER INSTALL AN EXTERNAL BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE AND HOSE, REPLACE VENT AND DEFROSTER ACTUATOR. THE CUSTOMER DECLINED THE REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10056106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
CONSUMER WAS CHANGING THE ALTERANTER AND HAEARD A SQUEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHILCE. CONSUMER LOOKED DOWN AND FOUND THAT IT WAS A CRACKED FRAME ABOVE THE COIL SPRING HOUSING. CONSUMER CONTACED THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION. HOWEVER, CONSMER WAS TOLD THAT THERY WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.
NHTSA complaint #10099578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSoldotna, AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE LEAKED EXCESSIVE FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #10097885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
TIRES
WHILE INSPECTING THE TIRES CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THEY DRY ROTTED AND SEPARATED AT THE BASE WHERE THE TREAD WAS CONNECTED . DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE TIRES, AND ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE. BUT DID NOT PROVIDE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, INSTEAD OFFERED CONSUMER 50% OFF A NEW SET OF TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10087158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesGardnerville, NV
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION FAILED TO GO FROM SECOND TO THID GEAR. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE THIRD GEAR LIP SEAL FAILED. THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10079585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesBartlett, TN
POWER TRAIN
PAINT IS COMING OFF IN HUGE SPOTS. STARTS AS A SMALL FADED AREA THEN STARTS PEELING. TRANSMISSION STALLS IN SECOND GEAR AND TAKES A WHILE TO SHIFT TO THIRD.
NHTSA complaint #10068739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,992 milesSAN Dimas, CA
POWER TRAIN
CYLINDER HEAD'S ARE CRACKED, CAUSING TRUCK TO DAMAGE HEAD GASKETS. OVERDRIVE ON THE TRUCK WENT OUT SO TRUCK WOULDN'T SHIFT.
NHTSA complaint #10069032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,701 milesLake Orion, MI
POWER TRAIN
MY MAIN COMPLAINT IS THE TRANSMISSION. THE PRESSURE SEAL FOR SECOND GEAR HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. IT LASTS FOR ABOUT 30,000 MILES AND THEN GOES. I'VE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR 2 OUT OF 3 TIMES. APPROX 1400.00.. THE LAST TIME I HAD PARTS PUT IN THAT WERE NOT CHRYSLER PRODUCTS.
NHTSA complaint #10070694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesBartlett, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PAINT IS COMING OFF IN HUGE SPOTS. STARTS AS A SMALL FADED AREA THEN STARTS PEELING. TRANSMISSION STALLS IN SECOND GEAR AND TAKES A WHILE TO SHIFT TO THIRD.
NHTSA complaint #10068739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,992 milesSAN Dimas, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CYLINDER HEAD'S ARE CRACKED, CAUSING TRUCK TO DAMAGE HEAD GASKETS. OVERDRIVE ON THE TRUCK WENT OUT SO TRUCK WOULDN'T SHIFT.
NHTSA complaint #10069032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Hill, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AIR CONDITION WORKS OFF AND ON THE PAINT ON THE TRUCK IS BLUE .IT HAS BEEN COMING OFF FOR SOME TIME .FIRST IN SMALL AREAS AND NOW LONGER. LOOKS LIKE A BAD SUN BURN.DON'T THINK IT WAS DONE RIGHT AT THE MANUFACTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10069357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,701 milesLake Orion, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY MAIN COMPLAINT IS THE TRANSMISSION. THE PRESSURE SEAL FOR SECOND GEAR HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. IT LASTS FOR ABOUT 30,000 MILES AND THEN GOES. I'VE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR 2 OUT OF 3 TIMES. APPROX 1400.00.. THE LAST TIME I HAD PARTS PUT IN THAT WERE NOT CHRYSLER PRODUCTS.
NHTSA complaint #10070694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,992 milesSAN Dimas, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CYLINDER HEAD'S ARE CRACKED, CAUSING TRUCK TO DAMAGE HEAD GASKETS. OVERDRIVE ON THE TRUCK WENT OUT SO TRUCK WOULDN'T SHIFT.
NHTSA complaint #10069032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.