RoadVitals

1999 Dodge Ram 3500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
104
Latest Oct 29, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Mar 28, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
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.
16
2 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 104 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500, most frequently naming the transmission, body & structure and brakes categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 16 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08E027000

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Mar 28, 2008
5,700 units potentially affected
The defect: AFFINIA IS RECALLING 5,700 AFTERMARKET CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 28, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 17, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 1998 AND 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE DUST SEAL SUPPLIED WITH THE CHASSIS TIE RODS WERE MANUFACTURED TO THE WRONG SPECIFICATION. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE DUST SEAL MAY PREVENT THE BALL STUD OF THE CHASSIS TIE ROD FROM PROPERLY SEATING INTO THE TAPER OF THE VEHICLE STEERING KNUCKLE DURING AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION.
The risk: IF THIS CONDITION REMAINS UNDETECTED, THE BOLT CAN EVENTUALLY UNSEAT COMPLETELY, CAUSING THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The remedy: AFFINIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA AT 734-827-5400.
AFFINIA GROUP, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE02049ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

TIRE VALVE

Opened Jun 3, 2002
Closed Oct 1, 2002
TIRES

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 104
Body & structure
Filed Oct 29, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO FRACTURE AND WAS CURRENTLY IN SEVERAL PIECES. THE CONTACT CALLED I-10 MAC HAIK DODGE CHRYSLER (LOCATED AT 12111 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77079, 713-538-2700) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11276861
Incident
Jun 20, 2014
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM PLACING THE TIRE BACK IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT, AS IT COULD FALL WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

NHTSA ID
11175715
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Mileage
240,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 20, 2018
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE TURNED A CORNER AND CRASHED INTO A BAND OF TREES THAT WERE COVERING THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED GOSS DODGE CHRYSLER AT (802) 658-0120 (LOCATED AT 1485 SHELBURNE RD, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT 05403), BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

NHTSA ID
11121037
Incident
May 16, 2017
Mileage
196,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Oct 2, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO A SHOULDER LANE SO THAT THE CONTACT COULD CLOSE THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (FLEMINGTON CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (204 ROUTES 202-31N. FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822) CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 220,000.

NHTSA ID
11030801
Incident
Oct 2, 2017
Mileage
220,000 mi
Filed May 7, 2017

DASH IS NO GOOD BREAKING UP IF AIRBAG IS INFLATED THE PARTS OF DASH WOULD PUT OUT YOUR EYES COULD EVEN DO MORE ALL THE DODGE DASHES ARE BREAKING THEY NEED TO BE FIXED.

NHTSA ID
10983902
Incident
Dec 1, 1999
BrakesSteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 13, 2016

EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED FROM DODGE DEALER IN TUCSON ARIZONA WE HAVE HAD CONCERNS WITH SUSPENSION AND STEERING OF THE TRUCK. WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK STEERING IS BOUNCY AND UNSTABLE. WE THOUGHT IT WAS ALIGNMENT SO WE TOOK IT IN AND TRUCK CONTINUES THE SAME. WHEN PULLING OUT 34' 5TH WHEEL STEERING IS VERY SHAKY AND VIBRATES A LOT. AFTER YEARS OF BRINGING UP CONCERN WITH DODGE DEALER WE TOOK TO ANOTHER SHOP WHERE THEY GAVE US A HUGE LIST OF THINGS NEEDING TOO GET FIXED. WE WENT BACK TO DODGE DEALER WHERE THEY GAVE US A 2ND OPINION AND CAME UP WITH ADDITIONAL CONCERNS WITH TRUCK. WE HAVE CHANGED SHOCKS, STRUTS, BE ALL JOINTS AND OTHER THINGS WITH THE SUSPENSION AND TRUCK CONTINUES TO RUN THE SAME WAY. BUT RECENTLY WE GOT BRAKES, DRUMS, AND MASTER CYLINDER SINCE WE RAN OUT OF BRAKES WHILE PULLING OUT 34' 5TH WHEEL. ALL THIS THINGS WERE RECOMMENDED SO THAT THE TRUCK WOULD RUN WELL. WE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND ISSUE IS STILL UNRESOLVED. WE WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO HELP US SINCE ALL THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE AND STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. WE TRAVEL QUITE A BIT WITH OUR ANIMALS AND WOULD HATE TO HAVE A DEADLY ACCIDENT DUE TO TRUCK PROBLEMS. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST STEP TO REPAIRING OUR TRUCK TO SAFE CONDITIONS. STEERING SHAKY AND BRAKES FAILURE EVEN AFTER ALL RECOMMENDED REPAIRS. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10884638
Incident
Dec 15, 2015
Mileage
168,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 6, 2016

I JUST GOT THE TRUCK AND HAVE HAD BRAKES ACT FUNNY FRONT BRAKES SOME TIMES LOCK UP PULLS TO THE RIGHT, ACTS LIKE YOUR ON ICE, AND SOME TIMES LIKE YOU STEP ON A BRICK SO I LOOK IT UP ON THE INTERNET TO SEE THEY HAVE HAD THIS GOING ON FROM 1997 TO TODAY ALL THE SAME THINGS NOT 100 BUT 10000S OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PLUS I HAVE READ OF 100S HAVING ACCIDENTS WHEN THIS HAPPENS I BELIEVE THIS IS A ABS ISSUE FOR A LONG TIME WITH ALL DODGE TRUCKS 1500,2500 3500, PICKUPS I HAVE LOOK AT THE BRAKE SYSTEM BUT DON'T SEE WHY THIS IS GOING ON I HAVE HAD THIS GO ON AT ALL SPEEDS 15 TO 65 IT COMES AND GO'S

NHTSA ID
10840144
Incident
Feb 23, 2016
Mileage
147,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceFuel system
Filed Mar 4, 2016

RUNS OUT OF FUEL AT 1/4 TANK,BREAKS ACT LIKE FRONT BREAKS OR ON ICE WHEN COMING TO STOP DRY ROAD , CRUSE CONTROL DONT WORK WITH VACUUM LEAK

NHTSA ID
10839982
Incident
Feb 26, 2016
Mileage
147,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

DOR-X6W2U-06

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not function. The horn electrical circuit does not affect the airbag circuit.

31-003-19

EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

3100319

STRUCTURE

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Ram 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015000—
2014000—
20123659154.1
20112235156.0
20101509256.9
20091055361.7
200817311363.8
200721014465.3
200625711660.5
20051967767.7
20042147870.1
20032869657.7
2002441036.2
20011301250.2
2000581252.2
1999Viewing1041149.2
19981051152.6
19971251150.4
19961241252.0
19951081653.5
1994701754.8
1993200131.4
1992100130.5
1991402—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.