2000 Dodge Ram Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Dodge Ram, 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
- Brakes2412.5%
- Airbags2312.0%
- Steering2211.5%
- Suspension2010.4%
- Electrical178.9%
- Transmission157.8%
- Engine157.8%
- Interior & seats84.2%
- Other / unspecified84.2%
- Fuel system73.6%
- Body & structure73.6%
- Powertrain (other)63.1%
- Visibility52.6%
- Seat belts52.6%
- Tires & wheels52.6%
- Driver assistance42.1%
- Heating & air conditioning10.5%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
CONSUMER STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY GRABBED AND THEN RELEASED. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK *JB
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CALLER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT WHILE GOING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. WHEN THE CALLER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE HE OVERCORRECTED AND ROLLED OVER. UPON IMPACT, BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CALLER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK
DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG ON DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MPH AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CALLER SAID THE AIR BAGS WERE WORKING. THE CALLER WAS INJURED WHEN SHE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. . DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN STEERING WHEEL FAILED. A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH OR FASTER STEERING BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. *AK
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE LOWER DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING A CRASH INTO A CONCRETE POLE AT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL NOISES BEFORE THE FAILURE AND THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAD BEEN REPLACED THIS YEAR AS PART OF THE RECALL ON ALL DAKOTAS. THIS CAUSED MY WIFE TO HIT HER HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW ON IMPACT. *NM
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED A FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT HAD THE UPPER BALL JOINTS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE, WHICH SOUNDED LIKE THEY WERE GOING TO FALL OFF.*AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
AFTER HAVING THE DEALER MODIFY THE VEHICLE WITH AN ELECTRICAL BED, THE WHEEL CHAIR LIFTER, AND OXYGEN ACTIVATOR BATTERY WOULD NOT KEEP A CHARGE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE PROBLEM HAVE EXISTED FROM THE DAY OF DELIVERY. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. *SC
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 80,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING TO WORK POWER SHUT DOWN, AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A DODGE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER/MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT IN ORDER TO REPAIR VEHICLE IT WOULD COST HER FROM $3000.00 TO $5000.00. *AK
THIS IS THE SECOND TRUCK THAT ALMOST GOT ME KILLED, THE FIRST WAS A 1999. NO SAFERTY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH THE CONSUMER LOST ALL STEERING AND BRAKE POWER PRECEDED BY A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE TECHNICIAN SERVICED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE BROKEN ENGINE CRANKSHAFT. *NM THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE LUBRICATION FAILED TO REACH THE FRONT TWO PISTON RODS. THE OTHER SIX PISTON RODS AND BEARINGS SHOWED NO LUBRICATION PROBLEMS. *NM
THE MAIN PROBLEM WITH THIS 2000 RAM 2500 4 WHDR CUMMINS DIESEL, QUAD CAB, TRUCK IS THE CHRYSLER DESIGN DEFECTIVE FRONT END. IN MY CASE, THE TRAC-BAR. THIS, IN MY AREA IS A $439.00 PLUS TAX ITEM, THE DEALER STEALS ANOTHER $75.00 PLUS TAXES FOR INSTALLATION. TWO BOLTS HOLD THIS DEVICE IN PLACE AND IS ONLY A 15 MIN REPAIR. THE TROUBLE IS IN 30,000 KM THE NEW TRAC-BAR HAS FAILED MAKING IT A CHORE TO KEEP THE TRUCK BETWEEN THE LINES. YOU DART ALL OVER IN YOUR LANE DEPENDING ON THE PAVEMENT RUTS AND GENERAL PAVEMENT CONDITION. I CAN SEE THIS DESIGN DEFECT CAUSING ADDED STRESS AND PROBLEMS TO THE BALL JOINTS. THIS DEFECT IS A CHRYSLER PROBLEM AND ALL COSTS TO COVER REPAIRS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURE AND NOT THE CUSTOMER. THIS, AND THE OTHER MANY, DODGE FRONT END PROBLEMS I FEEL IS JUST CAUSE FOR A RECALL ORDER.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM . WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE HOOD UN LATCHED AND SLAMMED AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION SHE NOTICED THAT THE HOOD LATCH HAD FRACTURED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE OPENED, WHICH IMPAIRED HIS VISIBILITY. HE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND TEMPORARILY SECURE THE HOOD IN A LATCHED POSITION. A MECHANIC, UPON INSPECTION CONCLUDED THAT THE HOOD LATCH FAILED. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DASH BOARD ON MY 2000 DODGE RAM 2400 HAS CRACKED IN NUMEROUS PLACES AND IS CAVING IN. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, PASSENGERS COULD INJURED BY THE SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC. *TR
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR END NEEDED TO BE REBUILT, THEN THE REAR WHEEL FELL OFF THROUGH THE LUG NUTS. *SLC
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH AND WITH NO WARNING ON FLAT SURFACE THE FUEL LINE CRACKED, AND STARTED TO LEAK FLUID ONTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING A FIRE. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
TRUCK READ 3/4 FULL AND RAN OUT OF FUEL READING 3/4 FULL AND ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR CRASH. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DASH BOARD ON MY 2000 DODGE RAM 2400 HAS CRACKED IN NUMEROUS PLACES AND IS CAVING IN. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, PASSENGERS COULD INJURED BY THE SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC. *TR
DT: THE CONTACT STATES DASHBOARD CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OVER TOP OF THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALERSHIP WERE CONTACTED. THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
OVERDRIVE MODULE AND TORQUE CONVERTOR BOTH FAILED AT 59000 MILES. HAD VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AROUND 34000 FOR A VIBRATION IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG, THAT WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE TORQUE CONVERTOR PROBLEM. DODGE WON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST 150,000 MILES OR MORE WITHOUT A REBUILD.
1.BODY JUMPS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS UNABLE TO STEERE.2.ODOMETER READING DIDN'T MOVE FOR APPROX- 1ST 200 MILES.3.ENGINE KNOCKS. 4. SHIFTING LINKAGE AND GEARS GRIND. 5. TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND FRONT AXLE GRINDS. 6.SALESMAN SAID I WAS APPROVED AND DID QUALIFY FOR ANY VEHICLE IN THE LOT WITH $10,000.00 DOWN.CALLED FINANCE COMPANY AFTER PURCHASE AND WAS APPROVED FOR THE VEHICLE I ORIGINALLY WANTED.7.BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED ALL THE WAY AROUND. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER STATED FRONT WINDSHIELD SEALS WORE OUT. THIS PROBLEM WAS CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE WINDSHIELD. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
HAD A SHORT BLOCK PLACED ON ENGINE DUE TO MAKING A PECKING NOISE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WOULD MAKE A WHINNING SOUND WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME WHEN EITHER STOPPING OR STARTING OFF.*AK AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER ARE INOPERABLE. VIBRATION IS FELT AT 48-60 MPH. DEALER REPLACED ENGINE, HOWEVER PROBLEM IS STILL PRESENT, DEALER TOLD CONSUMER TO USE 30 WEIGHT OIL, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO BUY BACK VEHICLE, HE FEELS HE HAS A LEMON. *SLC
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE IN CRASH. *AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR LAP SEATBELT IS BOLTED IN IMPROPERLY AND CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO USE IT.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEFT, FRONT HUB BEARING FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN NEAR ACCIDENT. DAMAGED LEFT, FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY, SPINDLE, BRAKE CALIPER, BRAKE ROTOR, BRAKE PADS, ABS BRAKE SENSOR, AND TIRE. THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT THE WHEEL FROM COMING OFF. THIS PART IS NOT SERVICEABLE AND ON PAGE 214 OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL IT IS STATED "FRONT WHELL BEARINGS FOR ALL DODGE RAM TRUCKS ARE SEALED-FOR-LIFE. THEY DO NOT REQUIRE GREASING OR SEAL REPLACEMENT." THIS IS A VERY UNEXPECTED AND COSTLY EXPERIENCE THAT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH REGULAR MAINTENCE BECAUSE IT IS A HIDDEN PROBLEM WITHIN A PART THAT IS "SEALED-FOR-LIFE". THERE ARE MANY OF THESE TRUCKS ON THE HIGHWAYS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERING THIS SAME POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THANK YOU.
I INSTALLED TIRE CHAINS ON MY VEHICLE AS PERMITTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. A LINK ON THE CHAIN BROKE BECAUSE IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE LEAF SPRINGS OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPACE BETWEEN THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE AND THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE LEAF SPRINGS IS APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH. THIS IS INSUFFICIENT TO SAFELY RUN CHAINS ON THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CHAINS FAILED - IF THEY HAD WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE IT VERY LIKELY COULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFERRED ME TO THE SELLING DEALER. THE SELLING DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT GET ANY GUIDANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE SELLING DEALER OFFERED THAT I USE CABLE CHAINS INSTEAD. I BOUGHT A SET OF THESE AND THEY, TOO, DON'T FIT WITHOUT RUBBING THE LEAF SPRINGS. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT THEY WOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY IF I PURCHASED WHEELS WITH MORE OFFSET (MOVE THE CENTERLINE OF THE WHEEL OUTBOARD OF THE VEHICLE) BUT THEY CANNOT OFFER A RECOMMENDATION FROM DODGE FOR AN AMOUNT OF OFFSET. FOLLOWUPS TO DODGE HAVE PROVEN FRUITLESS. I AM RUNNING FACTORY ORIGINAL TIRES AND CHAINS THAT ARE SIZED TO FIT THOSE TIRES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON ENGINE SURGES, CAUSING THE FORWARD MOVEMENT OF APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 1 1/2 INCHES. ALSO, A "GRINDING NOISE" COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE DURING NORMAL OPERATION. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED USE OF A SPECIAL SYNTHETIC OIL AND PERFORMING A SERIES OF MANEUVERS IN A PARKING LOT TO LOOSEN THE CLUTCH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK
VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN BRAKING DO TO ACCELERATORS DESIGN AND PROXIMITY TO THE BRAKE. *AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER 2555 MILES, I STARTED GETTING A VERY MUSTY ODOR COMING FROM MY A/C VENTS. I BROUGHT IT TO CLOSEST DEALER (MASSEY-YARDLEY). WORK DONE STATES "CHECK FOR A LEAK, EVAPORATOR LEAKING,REPLACE EVAPORATOR." AT 5099 MILEAGE, I WENT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I WAS STILL GETTING A MUSTY ODOR. I STATED I HAD ALLERGY TESTING DONE WHICH CAME BACK POSITIVE FOR MOLD & MILDEW AND I WAS HAVING HEALTH PROBLEMS DUE TO THIS CONDITION AND COULD NOT USE MY VEHICLE. THIS TIME THE DEALER CLEANED AND DEODERIZED THE CARPET AND TOLD ME TO REMOVE THE RUBBER MATS, WHICH I DID. THERE WAS NO MOISTURE UNDER THE MATS. I DO NOT HAVE PETS NOR DO I SMOKE, NO CHILDREN. THIS IS A PERSONAL VEHICLE THAT IS NOT USED FOR WORK. I AM A RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE IS ALWAYS KEPT IMMACUATELY CLEAN. THE RUBBER MATS I HAD BOUGHT WERE OF GOOD QUALITY AND ARE AFTERALL, MADE OF INERT RUBBER WHICH DID NOT GIVE OFF ANY ODOR WHATSOEVER. ON MAY 24TH I WENT TO THE DEALER, STATED THAT I HAVE KEPT THE MATS OUT AND THAT IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE AND I WAS STILL GETTING A MUSTY ODOR WHICH WAS MAKING ME SICK. DEALER SPRAYED A FOAMING PRODUCT MANUFACTURED BY PETRO CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, INC. INTO THE DRAIN OUTLET AND ALSO SPRAYED SOME CONDITION AIR AUTOMOTIVE REFRESHENER ALSO BY THAT SAME COMPANY. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER NOT TO USE THE MAX A/C SETTING BUT TO USE THE OUTSIDE AIR WHICH IS IN CONTRADICTION TO THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL WHICH STATES, "SELECT MAX A/C WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR CONTAINS SMOKE, ODORS OR HIGH HUMIDITY. THIS FEATURE ALLOWS FOR RECIRCULATION OF INTERIOR AIR ONLY." TWO OTHER DEALERS THAT I CALLED UP TO GET THEIR OPINION ON MY PROBLEM, INFORMED ME TO SPRAY A CAN OF LYSOL INTO THE INTAKE (I'M SURE THE EPA WOULD FIND THIS A DANGEROUS PRACTICE TO BE INHALING THIS WITHIN A CONFINED AREA). IF CHRYSLER INTENDS FOR ME TO USE THE OUTSIDE AIR, IN CONTRADICTION TO THE OWNERS MANUAL. OUTSIDE AIR INTAKES ARE LARGE ENOUGH TO SUCK IN INSECTS, ETC. *AK
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .