1996 Dodge RAM
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 1996 Dodge RAM. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
14 recalls name the 1996 Dodge RAM. Newest first.
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…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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."
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
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."
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall began on august 1, 2006. owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines. the throttle cable could unravel (fray) or break resulting in loss of throttle control.
A throttle that does not return to idle could result in unexpected acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the throttle cable and upper bell crank lever. owner notification began august 3, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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.…
If the primary latch IS not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. owner notification began september 17, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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.
This could cause the ignition switch and wiring to overheat.
Dealers will install a relay and overlay harness.
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…
The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Vehicle description: van and wagon model passenger vehicles. if water/road salt gets on the interior floor of the vehicle in the proximity of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), the aecm can corrode. the resulting corrosion can cause the driver side air bag to deploy inadvertently.
Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash and personal injury.
Dealers wil replace the aecm with an aecm that IS sealed from moisture intrusion.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines. the fuel tank mounted rollover valve can allow liquid fuel to leak onto the ground under certain vehicle operating conditions.
Fuel leakage could result in a fire if an ignition source was present.
Dealers will replace the fuel tank rollover valve with a float type rollover valve.
Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines. the engine driven vacuum pump can allow engine oil into the vacuum hoses due to the absence of an internal check valve. the oil can cause the hose to deteriorate and partially collapse, reducing the vacuum supply to the brake booster.
Reduced power brake assist can result increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Dealers will add a vacuum pump check valve to the vacuum pump. in addition, the vacuum hose connected to the vacuum pump will be replaced with a hose that IS engine oil resistant.
The involved vehicles have tire/wheel specification information on the vehicle certification label which indicates a smaller size tire than required. This does not comply with label requirements of fmvss no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
Consequence of non-compliance: the smaller tires would not have sufficient load capacity for the vehicles specified gross weight rating, increasing the potential for a premature tire failure and an accident.
Owners will be mailed an overlay label with the correct tire/wheel certification information and instructions for installing the label on their vehicles. If owners prefer, their dealer can install the label for them.
The fasteners which secure the generator cartridge fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load. Improper clamping can result in arcing at the connection.
This condition can potentially cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Dealers will tighten the generator cartridge fuse fasteners properly.
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.
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.
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. *Ak
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.
1996 dodge RAM left rear tire came off of vehicle while driving. *Ts *jb
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. *Jb
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. *nm
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. *ak
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.*ak
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. *nm
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. *Ak
Consumer stated vehicle leaked excessive fuel. *Ak
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. *ak
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. *Ak
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.
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.
Cylinder head's are cracked, causing truck to damage head gaskets. Overdrive on the truck went out so truck wouldn't shift.
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.
While driving at 25 mph vehicle was running very roughly. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who found that fuel tank and fuel pump were contaminated. *ak
Manufacturer defect could have caused an accident or even harm. *ph problems with vehicle not shifting properly. Vehicle was taken to dealership and the high clutch drum was replaced. *mr *jb *sc
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. *Ak
While driving at any speed vehicle took a long time to slow down when the brake pedal was pressed. brake light stayed on, and oil was leaking into the vacuum system. *ak
Petition for finding of defect related to motor vehicle safety & order directing notification and remedy of the defect pertaining to the 1994-97 my dodge RAM pickup trucks. *ph the consumer IS concern about the design of the seat back recliner. the consumer believes the design IS defective and dangerous for occupant use during rear impact accidents. *nlm
When the consumer started the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated. the rpm's had gone into the red. the consumer had taken the vehicle to the repair shop, but the mechanic could not repair it because he could not duplicate the problem. *ak the tow truck driver had viewed one of the cables in a "u" shape and it was stuck into a spring on the gas pedal. *scc *jb
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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 vehicles, and it was shown that the performace of the subject vehicle was comparable to those vehicles.in view of the forgoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification remedy of a safety defect in the subject vehicles as defined by the petitioner at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therfore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's mission, the petition IS denied.for further details, refer to odi's response to the petition published in the federal register vol.69, no. 60 , dated march 29, 2004.
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 hood latch.owners were notified in august of 1995.this recall rate as of 2/97 was 68%
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
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 after March 15,1996.DaimlerChrysler also made available an ignition switch repair package (PN 4874996) which includes the necessary components to upgrade vehicles built prior to the implementation date.DaimleChrysler also issued a correspondence to its zones instructing technicians to replace failed ignition switches in the subject population with the sevice kit only.An Engineering Analysis is necessary to determine if a safety defect trend exists.ODI will focus its investigation on fires in the steering column area as well as the effects of switch failure on the ABS and air bag system.
Complainants allege fires, melting, smoke or excessive heat in the vicinity of the ignition switch
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 through 1996 grand cherokee, and 1994 and 1995 dodge dakota.the purpose of this investigation IS to examine the scope of recall 97v-084.closing summary: further investigation of consumer reports revealed that some of the transmission leakage was due to other connections along the cooling lines.in the fire incidents, there were indications that some of these vehicles were either used beyond the vehicle's towing capability or had improper transmission repair.in addition, the recalled RAM pickup trucks, 98v-084, have an exhaust manifold near the plastic quick connector joints which effectively presents a heat source to ignite the hot transmission fluid in the event of a leakage.the subject vehicles' quick connector joints are either too far, or positioned completely away, from a heat source or exhaust components.consequently, the fire reports of the subject vehicles are significantly less than those of the dodge RAM pickup trucks.based on the available information, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
Alleged plastic clutch tube may fail from exposure to exhaust heat, resulting in loss of clutch function and possible vehicle fire.
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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AT COOLER TUBE DISCONNECTS IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRES.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.