1996 Dodge RAM 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 1500 › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Dodge RAM 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500. Newest first.
Certain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, and 57-1530. also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. P5007069 and p5007070). all kits were manufactured from april 20, 1999, through september 23, 2004. these assemblies were…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
Remedy
K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. the recall began on april 20, 2006.
Owner complaints
298 complaints18 involved a crash17 involved a fire17 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Latches/locks/linkages
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
- Structure › Body
Headlight switch overheats and the plastic start to melting
- Power train · Steering · Wheels
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.
- Steering · Wheels
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*
- Tires › Tread/belt
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
The entire dashboard IS crumbling leaving sharp plastic fling arond and open wires in the dash net issue the dash IS actually disintegrating to dust called no help out of warranty we have other cars that are older and no such problem has ever make our dash turn to dust .
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
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.
- Exterior lighting
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
- Electrical system
Ignition wiring failed
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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…
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
- Electrical system · Steering · Unknown or other
When applying the turn signal, the signal does not illuminate or IS erratic or does alternate of what IS chosen.
- Structure
Dashboard started cracking in 2010 and broke off into sharp pieces. I have about 25% of my dashboard left. This was not caused by anything I did. I kept a sun reflector in the windshield and have never been in an accident. *tr
- Air bags
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
- Electrical system
I went out on friday the 6TH of feb.2015. I got a coffee at wawa everything was fine I left to go to my buddy's house to hangout and I started driving down the road n I noticed smoke coming out the vents when I was driving so I pulled over cuz I thought it was the heater core cuz when they go bad…
I went out on friday the 6TH of feb.2015. I got a coffee at wawa everything was fine I left to go to my buddy's house to hangout and I started driving down the road n I noticed smoke coming out the vents when I was driving so I pulled over cuz I thought it was the heater core cuz when they go bad smoke comes out of them so I'm looking n looking n all of a sudden the smoke IS getting heavier and darker within 20-25 mins after calling 911 there it happened my truck went up in flames n a total loss. Then that day after I got home n calmed down I looked it up n the first thing that popped up recall for wiring harness in dashboard shorts out n causes fires... I'm like really....*js
- Structure › Body
Tl-contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 1500. contact stated that while driving approximately 40, vehicle hood independently. this caused the windshield to crack and there was damage to the hood. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the latch on the hood under their independent recall. The…
Tl-contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 1500. contact stated that while driving approximately 40, vehicle hood independently. this caused the windshield to crack and there was damage to the hood. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the latch on the hood under their independent recall. The damage to to the hood and replacement of windshield was not done by dealer. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 83,458. rg.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel seized and the front wheel became unresponsive. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Steering
When I drive my 96 dodge RAM 1500 4X4 pickup on highway at miles between 60 and 70 it starts shaking and I am not able to control the steering wheel, I sometimes have to stop or speed up to over 75 miles for it to decrease as I am afraid this will cause an accident. Also when I cross a small bump…
When I drive my 96 dodge RAM 1500 4X4 pickup on highway at miles between 60 and 70 it starts shaking and I am not able to control the steering wheel, I sometimes have to stop or speed up to over 75 miles for it to decrease as I am afraid this will cause an accident. Also when I cross a small bump in the road it does the same thing but this happens at any speed. One mechanic told me the stabilizer bar needed to be replaced $400.00 did not fix the problem. I have taken to three different mechanics and they are not able to find the exact problem. *Jb
- Air bags
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…
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
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph, the air bag inadvertently deployed. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v023000 (air bags) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph, the air bag inadvertently deployed. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v023000 (air bags) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 1500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the hood latch detached unexpectedly which caused the hood lid to release and crash into the windshield glass. as a result, the front windshield shattered upon impact. In addition, the hood lid was slightly bent. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.
- Suspension
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 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
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility/wiper
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…
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat back failure
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.…
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.
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.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use 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.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging 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.
- 10169247Use 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.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 1013900968069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~
Every Dodge RAM 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.