2000 Dodge RAM
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2000 Dodge RAM. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 2000 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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 cequent 90 degree 7-WAY right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5TH wheel rv travel trailers. due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights may not operate properly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
Remedy
All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
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 and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
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.
On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. the recall will begin on september 27, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: vans and wagons not equipped with power front seats. in the presence of road salt, water, and possibly other debris, the power seat connector located beneath the driver's seat could develop a high resistive short circuit that cycles the circuit breaker.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the circuit breaker cycles for an extended period of time, heat could build up in the connector, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Owners will receive instructions for removing the circuit breaker from the fuse panel. if an owner desires, their dealer can perform the repair. owner notification began august 27, 2001. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. note: the RAM pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11TH vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11TH vin position) from may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. the driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. owner notification began june 18, 2001. also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. 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: pickup trucks equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between the front tire/wheel and the brake hose/abs sensor wire assembly. during full lock turns, it IS possible for the tire or wheel to contact the brake hose/abs sensor wire assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could ultimately result in wire damage and/or a hole in the brake line, affecting brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front brake hose assemblies, and the ABS sensor wire will be inspected and replaced if necessary. owner notification began march 8, 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: pickup trucks equipped with optional trailer hitch. the trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material with insufficient strength.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brackets built without proper material could fatigue and fracture in the area where the trailer hitch mounts to the frame.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the trailer hitches and replace any trailer hitch showing signs of fatigue cracking. if no evidence of cracking exists, the dealer will install two reinforcement brackets.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. the welds at the right side lower control arm bracket to axle tube attachment may have inadequate fatigue life due to poor weld quality. this can lead to separation of the control arm bracket from the axle tube.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the bracket separates the vehicle could experience reduced directional stability, braking degradation and/or vehicle pull under braking.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front axle with a properly welded front axle.
Owner complaints
147 complaints31 involved a crash6 involved a fire34 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
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.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
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.
- Equipment · Structure
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
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Dt*: the contact stated the safety latch on the hood rusted causing the hood of the vehicle to come up and hit the windshield. the dealership was not notified. there were no problems with the hood latch prior to the incident. updated 11/17/06. *Jb
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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
- Structure
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
- Air bags › Side/window
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
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
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While driving consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front driver's side. When the vehicle was parked driver's side seat became detached from the bottom of the floor, no anchorage or bolt was holding the seat in position. Consumer drove vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic…
While driving consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front driver's side. When the vehicle was parked driver's side seat became detached from the bottom of the floor, no anchorage or bolt was holding the seat in position. Consumer drove vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the seat needed to be replaced. this vehicle was not on recall and consumer would be charged for repairs. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Steering
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
- Visibility › Windshield
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
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
While driving 50 mph or faster steering became uncontrollable. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Equipment › Electrical · Steering · Structure
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…
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.
- Equipment › Electrical · Power train
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.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Unknown or other
Engine spark knock as a result of a bad plenum gasket. dodge apparently will not fix, unless I come up with $450-$500. I bought the truck used and apparently there was a service bulletin for that particular problem, but I had no idea that it neede to be done. by the way, I bought the truck in…
Engine spark knock as a result of a bad plenum gasket. dodge apparently will not fix, unless I come up with $450-$500. I bought the truck used and apparently there was a service bulletin for that particular problem, but I had no idea that it neede to be done. by the way, I bought the truck in jan of 2003 and the bulletin was released in feb of 2003. I would have thought that I would have received a notice in the mail, but did not and now I'm on the hook for the repair.
- Steering · Suspension
2000 dodge 2500 has loose steering,wanders,darts left or right and constantly correcting the steering wheel and shimmy. Truck darted to the edge of the road and went thru the ditch while towing a trailer and I have back and neck injurys and unable to work at my old profession. And dodge IS trying…
2000 dodge 2500 has loose steering,wanders,darts left or right and constantly correcting the steering wheel and shimmy. Truck darted to the edge of the road and went thru the ditch while towing a trailer and I have back and neck injurys and unable to work at my old profession. And dodge IS trying to settle with now and stop the website. Please look at www.dodgetrucksteeringproblems.com and get back with your opinion and please look at the problems other people are having and the denying by dodge.
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure · Suspension · Unknown or other
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…
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
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
While having the front passenger side tire check by the dealership because it was balled. The dealership noticed that the wheel bearing lubrication had depleted. This resulted in the hub developing rust and the axle seizing. *Mr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 2000-2001 dodge RAM pickup hood latch
The agency opened this investigation based on 30 complaints alleging that the hoods on model year (my) 2000 and 2001 dodge RAM pickup trucks flew up and blocked the driver's vision.these vehicles have a primary hood latch and a secondary (backup) hood latch.the secondary latch IS designed to secure the hood if the…
The agency opened this investigation based on 30 complaints alleging that the hoods on model year (my) 2000 and 2001 dodge RAM pickup trucks flew up and blocked the driver's vision.these vehicles have a primary hood latch and a secondary (backup) hood latch.the secondary latch IS designed to secure the hood if the primary hood latch IS not properly closed or otherwise malfunctions.in these complaints, the secondary hood latch malfunctioned, apparently due to corrosion, and did not latch.dodge conducted recall 01v-040 in 1999 to address similar problems on model year 1994-1997 dodge RAM pickup trucks.the information chrysler provided in response to odi's information request letter indicated that the my 2000 and 2001 vehicles were equipped with secondary hood latches with stainless steel return springs, as opposed to the earlier recalled trucks that had zinc coated carbon steel return springs.the recalled components were susceptible to corrosion-induced failure due to the type of material used, whereas the corrosion failures in the newer models appear to be due to lubrication loss over time (regular application of grease IS advised per instructions in the owners' manual). Odi's review of chrysler's warranty, complaint, and injury data for the 2000 and 2001 vehicles indicates that the rates for subject vehicles are low and are declining.a potential defect trend has not been identified.this investigation IS closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10019273Catalytic converter warranty coverage customer reminder letter.
- 10018976Rattling sound from the underside of the vehicle. Catalytic converter extended warranty to replace the catalytic converter.
- 10006453Vacuum pump service.
- 10004538Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure. This bulletin replaced 18-030-03. This bulletin replaced 18-030-03a dated 10/17/03. To also include 2005 RAM truck.
- 10003544Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure.
- 10003414Intermittent locking/unlocking of doors without activating the power door lock switch.
- 10000908Transmission shifter linkage rattle present at the driver side floor pan area when the engine IS idling.
- 10000308Engine knock or rattle sound when climbing a long grade and towing a heavy trailer.
- 6092315Subject regarding central timer module electrically locks-up.
- 6092277Subject regarding vehicle engines exhibiting a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).
- 6092275Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).
- 6092273Customers may complain of poor driveability when winter fuel IS used to power the engine and / or a no start hot engine restart condition when using any type of good quality diesel fuel.
- 6089792Subject regarding 46RE transmission shift quality improvement for a drive - rev - drive shift maneuver.
- 6089786Experiencing a harsh 3-4 shift.
- 6089783Customer may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination due to an erroneous diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0172 - 1/1 fuel system rich.
- 6089782Customer may experience a quick, intermittent engine stumble.
- 6089747This bulletin mentions that the catalyst monitor does not illuminate an mil or set a fault code.
- 6089746A condition may exist where a crack may be present in the weld that joins the left and / or right lower control arm brackets to the front axle tube.
- 6089741Subject regarding brake dust accumulation causing discoloration of chrome or high luster front wheels.
- 6089735This bulletin mentions that the front wheel bearing grease IS evident on the bearing seal area.
- 6089715Subject regarding communications stopping between jtec pcm and a generic scan tool.
- 6089713Customers may complain of radio interference to / from two way radio receivers.
- 635734Information on tampering with VP44 fuel pump on cummins diesel engines.
- 635732Information on tampering with VP44 fuel pump on cummins diesel engine.
- 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
- 635715Some engines may exhibit a hesitation upon acceleration after a cold start up.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634123Subject regarding flash: hot sag/spark knock/transmission shift issues. *Slc
- 634112Revision of flash process for new engine control module (ecm) from cummins. *Slc this bulletin supersedes bulletin 18-019-02 dated june 17, 2002.
- 634087Subject regarding remote keyless entry programming procedures. *Slc
- 634082Chrome wheel care. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 633990Subject regarding crankcase breather overflow. *Slc
- 633981Subject regarding flash: surge, lack of power in 3RD gear, and no 3/4 upshift after 4/3 downshift. *Slc
- 633970Subject regarding flash: surge (beaming), lack of power in 3RD gear, and no 3/4 upshift after 4/3 downshift. *Slc
- 633968Subject regarding flash: surge, lack of power in 3RD gear, and no 3/4 upshift after 4/3 downshift. *Slc
- 633485Subject regarding a toe in specification change. *Slc
- 630967Subject regarding flash: cold engine hesitation.
- 630803Subject pertaining to surge, lack of power in 3RD gear, and no 3/4 upshift after 4/3 downshift.
- 628305Exhibiting a scratching or itching type sound coming from the front door opening.
Every Dodge RAM model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.