RoadVitals

1996 Dodge 1500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
298
Latest Jan 18, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
35

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Dodge 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

47
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE LINE CORROSION, CAUSING LINE FAILURE. CORROSION OCCURS AT REAR, BEHIND THE FUEL TANK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10408957 · filed Jun 26, 2011

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WITHIN 7 MINUTES HAD NO BRAKES DUE TO DRIVER SIDE BACK BRAKE LINE CORROSION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY DODGE RAM 1996 VEHICLES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10375312 · filed Jan 9, 2011
All 47 reports naming brakes

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION KEEPS SLIPPING. IT SHIFTS REALLY HARD THEN IT DOESN'T WANT TO SHIFT LATER ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10412246 · filed Jul 14, 2011

NORMAL DRIVING INTO MOUNTAINS AND AUTO TRANSMISSION SHIFTED OUT OF OVERDRIVE AND WOULD NOT SHIFT BACK, EVEN DOWN HILL. CHECKED FLUID AND VERY HOT AND STARTED TO SMELLED BURNT. HAS BEEN SHIFTING HARD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10238474 · filed Aug 16, 2008
All 46 reports naming transmission

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATS AND THE PLASTIC START TO MELTING

NHTSA ID 11395795 · filed Feb 11, 2021

ON 1/27/2018 MY DASH BOARD SHATTERED WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO WIPE CLEAN IT WITH MOIST TOWEL. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED FROM DODGE DEALERSHIP IN JUNE 1998 WITH 45120 MILES. AT PRESENT IT HAS ONLY 83000 APPROX. THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME WAS STATIONARY. I HAVE THE PHOTOS, UNFORTUNATELY I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD IT.

NHTSA ID 11065684 · filed Jan 29, 2018
All 36 reports naming body & structure

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EMITTED A FUEL ODOR AND FUEL LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALREADY RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10821206 · filed Jan 20, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND NOTICED A LOSS OF POWER IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES SHOOTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT SAFELY MERGED OFF THE ROADWAY AND EXITED THE BURNING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE REMAINS WERE NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

NHTSA ID 10547274 · filed Oct 8, 2013
All 34 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4. MY MILEAGE IS AT 85,020. I HAVE TAKEN REAL GOOD CARE OF THIS TRUCK AND I USE IT TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW WHEN I NEED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. I WAS DOING A OIL CHANGE AND I NOTICED THE PASSINGER SIDE TRAILING ARMS AND COIL SPRING BRACKET WELDS ARE PULLING AWAY FROM THE AXLE. I LOOKED OVER TO DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE TRAILING ARM WELDS ON THE FRONT AXLE ARE CRACKED. I HAVE A DANA 3.5 AXLE RATIO. THE TAG UNDER THE HOOD NUMBERS ARE 3850 FRONT AXLE DANA 4. I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK THINKING THE FRAME AND AXLES WOULD LAST THE LIFE TIME OF THE TRUCK. I'AM A NAVY VETERAN AND A MECHANIC AND I CAN REPAIR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD NOT OF HAPPEN AND I WOULD LIKE DODGE TO HELP OUT IN THIS MATTER. I ALSO WHAT TO MAKE OTHER DODGE PEOPLE AWEAR OF THIS PROBLEM. I'M JUST GLAD THAT I NOTICED THIS BEFORE WINTER AND I WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME. IF THE WELDS WOULD HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE AND TRAILING ARMS IT COULD OF BEEM FATAL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10469064 · filed Aug 3, 2012

WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, I CROSSED A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AND LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 PICKUP. IT SHOOK ALL THE STUFF OFF OF MY SEAT AS WELL AS MY CD HOLDER. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO HOW TO LOOK FOR THE PROBLEM. I LOVE THIS TRUCK BUT I HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO WHEEL BEARINGS AND A TIE ROD END AND I HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR A YEAR.... I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10234595 · filed Jul 16, 2008
All 27 reports naming suspension

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IGNITION WIRING FAILED

NHTSA ID 10924644 · filed Nov 7, 2016

I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM NHTSA OF A RECALL FOR MY DODGE RAM TRUCK. I HAVE TRIED SINCE JUNE 11, 2015 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH CROWNE DODGE OF VENTURA, CALIFORNIA AND HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. I SPENT 30 MINUTES STANDING IN LINE AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICES ENTRANCE AND NO LIVE PERSON CAME TO INQUIRE ABOUT MY VISIT. I MADE AN ONLINE APPOINTMENT WITH CROWNE DODGE AND RECEIVED AN E-MAIL RESPONSE THEY HAD RECEIVED MY APPOINTMENT REQUEST. I FEEL THIS IS JUST ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO ?DODGE? THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A SAFETY RECALL. 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 2WD SLT [XXX] IGNITION SWITCH AND ELECTRICAL WIRING. RECALL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATE 9/15/15*CW

NHTSA ID 10746117 · filed Aug 4, 2015
All 24 reports naming electrical

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING BOX, ALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH THOSE AREAS HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND DODGE NEEDS TO FOX THEM FOR FREE PUT THEM UNDER THE RECALL DEPT SO THEY CAN BE. STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE TONS OF PLAY VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID 11206649 · filed May 10, 2019

SIGMA TIRES STAMPEDE TIRES -265 75 16 AT SPLITTING TREAD AND COMING APART -TOLD RECALL ONLY LAST TEN* YEARS**-NOTHING TO DO AND NO REPLACEMENT-TIRE KINGDOM* TRUCK VIBRATES AND SHAKES, LOUD THUD,THUD, NOISE(IN MOTION) AFFECTS STEERING AS WOBBLES ALWAYS*HAD ISSUES AS ROUGH**RIDING OVER THE YEARS AND NEVER KNEW WHY*

NHTSA ID 11145187 · filed Nov 4, 2018
All 24 reports naming steering

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, he noticed that fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic stated that the rollover valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.

NHTSA ID 11471902 · filed Jun 30, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EMITTED A FUEL ODOR AND FUEL LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALREADY RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10821206 · filed Jan 20, 2016
All 21 reports naming fuel system

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the hood flew open and struck the windshield. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that the hood was bent, and the windshield was cracked due to the failure. The contact was able to drive to the residence at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V040000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The dealer informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee for the replacement of the hood, the grill, the windshield, and components; however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 152,000.

NHTSA ID 11566292 · filed Jan 18, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HOOD SUDDENLY FLEW UP, BUCKLED AND FRACTURED THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V040000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH). THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A REPRESENTATIVE SENT FROM THE MANUFACTURERS OFFICE HOWEVER, THE REPRESENTATIVE DECLINED RECALL REPAIRS AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE, STATING THAT THERE WERE TWO PRIOR RECALL NOTICES SENT TO OWNERS OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO PREVENT A FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NEVER TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS WHEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,064 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,267.

NHTSA ID 10359084 · filed Oct 4, 2010
All 20 reports naming interior & seats

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL THE WIRING FOR HEADLIGHT SWITCH BURNT UP AND SWITCH MELTED I SAW A LOT OF THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET BUT NO RECALL ON THE 1500 JUST THE 3500 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM

NHTSA ID 11013744 · filed Aug 8, 2017

IN THE 1994-2001 MODEL YEAR DODGE RAM 1500, 2500 AND 3500 TRUCKS THERE IS NO RELAY IN THE WIRING CIRCUITRY USE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN THE RAM WAS REDESIGNED IN 1994, THE ENGINEERS DID NOT FIND IT NECESSARY TO CHANGE THE 40-YEAR OLD DESIGN FOR THE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM; FEELING ONLY THE NEED TO USE A LARGER GAUGE WIRE TO HANDLE THE EXCESSIVE HEAT OF THE HALOGEN BULBS. UNFORTUNATELY, NEITHER THE WIRES NOR THE SWITCH OR INTERNAL RHEOSTAT (FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING) COULD HANDLE THIS LOAD AND THE FOLLOWING NEAR TRAGIC EVEN HAS BEEN AN ALL TOO COMMON OCCURRENCE. A RECALL (OR AT THE VERY LEAST A TSB HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE 3500 MODEL DODGE RAMS, WHICH ARE COMPRISED OF THE EXACT SAME SWITCH AND WIRING, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN NOTED ABOUT THE 1500 OR 2500 MODELS. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND THIS, AND THIS IS THE VERY REASON I FEEL COMPELLED TO BE WRITING THIS COMPLAINT IN THE FIRST PLACE. ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 55-MPH WHEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, RELAY AND CONNECTED WIRING ALL BECAME OVERHEATED, CAUSING THEM TO MELT. BECOMING FRANTIC, I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY WIGGLE THE DIMMER SWITCH (COMBINATION/TURN SIGNAL SWITCH), THEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UNTIL I GOT THEM TO COME BACK ON. DURING THAT EPISODE I HAD THEM GO OUT ON ME ABOUT 4 TIMES THAT I RECALL. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE REMAINS UNFIXED AND IS NOT DRIVABLE AT NIGHT. BEING A MECHANIC, MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS TO CHECK THE RELAYS AND FUSES TO SEE IF THEY WERE BLOWN OR BAD. TO MY DISMAY, I COULD NOT FIND ANY RELAYS! THIS WAS HOW I DISCOVERED, THROUGH SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, ABOUT THE RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH- HOW I WAS NOT ALONE IN THIS SITUATION AND THE REST OF THE AFOREMENTIONED PARAGRAPH. I WILL GLADLY BE AVAILABLE FOR PHONE CALLS, QUESTIONS, AND TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE PARTS IN QUESTION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10465932 · filed Jul 17, 2012
All 12 reports naming exterior lighting

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 EQUIPPED WITH SIGMA STAMPEDE RADIAL AT/S TIRES, SIZE 265/75R16. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEEL TREAD ON ALL FOUR TIRES WAS TORN APART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE TIRES WERE NOT ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11128551 · filed Sep 10, 2018

TRAVELING ON HWY 44 WEST @ 60 ML. OER HR. STEEL BELT BUSTED AND TREAD RIPPED OF TAKING MY WHEEL WELL COVER WITH IT. I ALMOST LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF MY TRUCK AND IT FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON MY RIM. TOOK TIRE TO A CENTER. THEY MEASURED THE TREAD AND INVESTIGATED. THE ATTENDANT SAID THE TIRE IS AN ABSOLUTE DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10277292 · filed Jul 18, 2009
All 12 reports naming tires & wheels

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING BOX, ALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH THOSE AREAS HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND DODGE NEEDS TO FOX THEM FOR FREE PUT THEM UNDER THE RECALL DEPT SO THEY CAN BE. STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE TONS OF PLAY VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID 11206649 · filed May 10, 2019

SIGMA TIRES STAMPEDE TIRES -265 75 16 AT SPLITTING TREAD AND COMING APART -TOLD RECALL ONLY LAST TEN* YEARS**-NOTHING TO DO AND NO REPLACEMENT-TIRE KINGDOM* TRUCK VIBRATES AND SHAKES, LOUD THUD,THUD, NOISE(IN MOTION) AFFECTS STEERING AS WOBBLES ALWAYS*HAD ISSUES AS ROUGH**RIDING OVER THE YEARS AND NEVER KNEW WHY*

NHTSA ID 11145187 · filed Nov 4, 2018
All 11 reports naming other / unspecified

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL IF THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND DRIVER RETURNS TO CRUISE CONTROL BY ACCELERATING THE GAS PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINES AND RPM'S RACE VERY HIGH, THE DRIVER HAS TO STOMP ON THE GAS PEDAL TO RELEASE PEDAL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA ID 10031536 · filed Jul 30, 2003

AFTER TRUCK'S ENGINE WAS STARTED THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN REVERSE SO AS TO BACK OUT OF GARAGE. A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS RETURNED TO P. AS THIS HAPPENED THE TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING THE GARAGE WALL. THE BUIDING AND TRUCK WERE DAMAGED. *AK

NHTSA ID 10028741 · filed Jul 21, 2003
All 11 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IN THE 1994-2001 MODEL YEAR DODGE RAM 1500, 2500 AND 3500 TRUCKS THERE IS NO RELAY IN THE WIRING CIRCUITRY USE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN THE RAM WAS REDESIGNED IN 1994, THE ENGINEERS DID NOT FIND IT NECESSARY TO CHANGE THE 40-YEAR OLD DESIGN FOR THE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM; FEELING ONLY THE NEED TO USE A LARGER GAUGE WIRE TO HANDLE THE EXCESSIVE HEAT OF THE HALOGEN BULBS. UNFORTUNATELY, NEITHER THE WIRES NOR THE SWITCH OR INTERNAL RHEOSTAT (FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING) COULD HANDLE THIS LOAD AND THE FOLLOWING NEAR TRAGIC EVEN HAS BEEN AN ALL TOO COMMON OCCURRENCE. A RECALL (OR AT THE VERY LEAST A TSB HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE 3500 MODEL DODGE RAMS, WHICH ARE COMPRISED OF THE EXACT SAME SWITCH AND WIRING, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN NOTED ABOUT THE 1500 OR 2500 MODELS. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND THIS, AND THIS IS THE VERY REASON I FEEL COMPELLED TO BE WRITING THIS COMPLAINT IN THE FIRST PLACE. ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 55-MPH WHEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, RELAY AND CONNECTED WIRING ALL BECAME OVERHEATED, CAUSING THEM TO MELT. BECOMING FRANTIC, I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY WIGGLE THE DIMMER SWITCH (COMBINATION/TURN SIGNAL SWITCH), THEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UNTIL I GOT THEM TO COME BACK ON. DURING THAT EPISODE I HAD THEM GO OUT ON ME ABOUT 4 TIMES THAT I RECALL. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE REMAINS UNFIXED AND IS NOT DRIVABLE AT NIGHT. BEING A MECHANIC, MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS TO CHECK THE RELAYS AND FUSES TO SEE IF THEY WERE BLOWN OR BAD. TO MY DISMAY, I COULD NOT FIND ANY RELAYS! THIS WAS HOW I DISCOVERED, THROUGH SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, ABOUT THE RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH- HOW I WAS NOT ALONE IN THIS SITUATION AND THE REST OF THE AFOREMENTIONED PARAGRAPH. I WILL GLADLY BE AVAILABLE FOR PHONE CALLS, QUESTIONS, AND TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE PARTS IN QUESTION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10465932 · filed Jul 17, 2012

WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON IN JUNE 02. IT HAD RECENTLY PROGRESSED THE FULL LENGHT OF THE WINDSHILED OBSTRUCTING DRIVERS VIEW. DURING WINSHIELD REPLACEMENT TECHNICIAN FOUND WINDSHIELD WAS SEPERATED FROM POLYURETHANE BEDDING AND WAS LOOSE. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE WINDSHIELD IN WAS THE MOULDING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. TECHNICIAN SAID THE WINDSHIELD WAS EITHER PREPARED INCORRECTLY OR NOT PREPARED AT ALL DURING FACTORY INSTALLATION.

NHTSA ID 10005415 · filed Feb 6, 2003
All 10 reports naming visibility

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS DRIVING IN WHITE OUT CONDITIONS ON FEB 14, 2015 AND HAD A ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT TOTALED MY TRUCK AND MY AIR BAG NEVER WENT OFF. *TR

NHTSA ID 10693990 · filed Mar 12, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISING TO BOTH OF ARMS FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH NOR WAS THERE ANY IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TR

NHTSA ID 10513238 · filed May 23, 2013
All 10 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING BOX, ALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH THOSE AREAS HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND DODGE NEEDS TO FOX THEM FOR FREE PUT THEM UNDER THE RECALL DEPT SO THEY CAN BE. STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE TONS OF PLAY VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID 11206649 · filed May 10, 2019

I OWN A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH THE 5.2 LITER ENGINE. THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT WOULD FLICKER WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE WEAR. I HAVE USED MOBILE 1 SYNTHETIC OIL SINCE THE BREAKIN OIL AND NEVER LET THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE OVER 4,000 MILES. EACH TIME THE OIL FILTER WAS ALSO CHANGED. THE VEHICLE HAS 106,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS COSTING ME $4.700. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE 5.2 LITER ENGINE DOES NOT HANDLE SYNTHETIC OIL WELL. THE OIL DOES NOT RETURN TO THE OIL PAN FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE LUBRICATED. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE BUT I'VE NEVER WORE OUT AN ENGINE BEFORE. MY QUESTION IS HOW CAN AN ENGINE WEAR OUT WHEN IT WAS TAKEN SUCH GOOD CARE OF? I'VE HAD SEVERAL OTHER FAILURES OF THIS VEHICLE DEALING WITH U-JOINTS, STEERING SHAFT, FAILED FUEL PUMP, AND AN UNSTABLE SUSPENSION REQUIRING A $500 PISTON ASSEMBLY TO REPAIR BUT THE REPAIR DID NOTHING TO HELP. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10010160 · filed Mar 8, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TURNED ON AIR CONDITIONER AND IT BLEW HOT AIR. GOT IT RECHARGED. IT STILL WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THE EVAPORATOR HAD FAILED. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *YC

NHTSA ID 844350 · filed Aug 4, 1999

VENT VACCUM IN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILED.

NHTSA ID 604952 · filed Nov 4, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 35MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO HER LANE AND HIT VEHICLE, KNOCKING IT ACROSS INTO A FIRE HYDRANT, SEATBELT DIDN'T CATCH. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. INVESTIGATOR TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT WASN'T A HARD DIRECT HIT. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 858926 · filed Mar 21, 2000

WHILE PLACING CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN VEHICLE. SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT. CSS CANNOT BE SECURED TIGHTLY TO VEHICLE SEAT; CSS STILL MOVES 6-12 INCHES FRONT TO BACK AND SIDE TO SIDE. *AK

NHTSA ID 840884 · filed Jun 23, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .