1996 Dodge RAM 3500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 3500 › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Dodge RAM 3500. 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 3500. Newest first.
Vehicle description: model 3500 light duty trucks only. operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.
Owner complaints
124 complaints5 involved a crash10 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Dash IS all cracked up allowing sharp plastic projectiles in and about the cab that can cut you in a wreck sun getting on electrical wires destroying them and now shorts and sometimes dont work right
- Tires
1996 dodge RAM 3500. consumer writes in regards to vehicle tire tread shreds off casing and causes severe damage to vehicle undercarriage. *smd *tr
- Unknown or other
"Takata recall" the dash on my truck IS all cracked up and I take very good care of my truck. Io came across an article about the dodge dash's I went right out side and pulled my dash cover back and took a look and to my surprise my dash IS all cracked up in many piece's . And I have had it…
"Takata recall" the dash on my truck IS all cracked up and I take very good care of my truck. Io came across an article about the dodge dash's I went right out side and pulled my dash cover back and took a look and to my surprise my dash IS all cracked up in many piece's . And I have had it covered since new...i do feel that dodge should be held reasonable for this , looks like they used cheap plastic on these, I can see it now if I was to have a wreak plastics pieces flying all over the place.
- Unknown or other
Heat caused the dash to dry out and crack into large jagged pieces, that could have fatal consequences if in any type of accident.
- Suspension
Death wobble. violent shaking of the truck. simply google "death wobble" and dodge truck. hope you do something before someone does get killed.
- Structure
Dash falling apart dodge does not have replacement/cannot find replacment. *tr
- Steering · Suspension
Steering wobbles/shakes violently when driving. Often initiated by a minor irregularity in road pavement. requires coming to a full stop to eliminate the wobble. Recurs often. Difficult to exceed 30mph in order to avoid shaking. No noticeably bad or broken suspension parts. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that while parked, a thermal event started in the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was found that the fire originated in the instrument panel above the headlight switch. The contact also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that while parked, a thermal event started in the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was found that the fire originated in the instrument panel above the headlight switch. The contact also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that an investigator will inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake vigorously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the mechanic performed repairs to the steering assembly. The contact was unaware of…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake vigorously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the mechanic performed repairs to the steering assembly. The contact was unaware of the exact repairs performed. Approximately two years after the repair, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
- Steering
1996 dodge 3500 4X4 dually has a front end shake at any speed have put new balljoints in put a new track bar in than put a double front steering stabilizer on and the truck still shakes after it does it once and you have to try and get out of highway traffic and stop it will just randomly keep doing it bump or not just a rough road. *tr
- Tires
On march 26TH 2011 while traveling westbound on I 76 in colorado our driverside front tire blew out. The tire was a tempra trail cutter radial rt LT 255/85r16. After a loud shotgun type noise, our vehicle went out of control. we regained control and brought the vehicle to the side of the…
On march 26TH 2011 while traveling westbound on I 76 in colorado our driverside front tire blew out. The tire was a tempra trail cutter radial rt LT 255/85r16. After a loud shotgun type noise, our vehicle went out of control. we regained control and brought the vehicle to the side of the interstate and stopped. We contacted cooper tire who manufactures this brand on 03/29/2011 and we were told that this tire was not currently under recall. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake failure, due to brake line to rear wheels rusted out in frame clip behind fuel tank. *Tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500 equipped with general tire highway scout (na) tires. The contact stated that he made several attempts to locate the tire manufacturer and was unsuccessful. The tire size was 215/85r16 and the dot number adop1ld1204 were listed on the highway scout tires.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500 equipped with general tire highway scout (na) tires. The contact stated that he made several attempts to locate the tire manufacturer and was unsuccessful. The tire size was 215/85r16 and the dot number adop1ld1204 were listed on the highway scout tires. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph, when both rear tires blew out and the tread separated. The failure caused damage to the rear fender. The failure occurred twice; six tires blew out and the tread separated within three months. There was only a quarter inch of tread depth remaining on the tires. The contact called the tire manufacturer but discovered that they were no longer in business. The vin was unavailable. The current mileage on the tires was approximately 18,000.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership for a throttle cable repair march 2010 but the dealer only replaced the throttle cable and no other required parts that would keep the cable from failing. As a result, the cable became loose twice…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership for a throttle cable repair march 2010 but the dealer only replaced the throttle cable and no other required parts that would keep the cable from failing. As a result, the cable became loose twice after the repair while the contact was driving at approximately 35 mph. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership. The dealer replaced the failed throttle twice. The contact then took the vehicle to a local repair shop as the dealer was not able to correct the problem. The mechanic at the repair shop informed her that the failure was caused by the throttle rod ball, the ball stud, throttle cable stud, the throttle rod thread (left and right) and the throttle return spring. In addition to the throttle failure, contact stated that the headlight repair performed june 2009 did not correct the problem; the headlight plastic and switch melted even after the repair. She called the manufacturer and filed a complaint; the manufacturer explained that the throttle failure was not due to a manufacturers defect but instead to the dealers poor workmanship. The failure mileage was approximately 221,010. The current mileage was 221,061.
- Exterior lighting
Low beam headlight failure---checked on line found recall # 819---went to chrysler dealer---was advised that the recall had been done on that vin# and chrysler had no obligation---i pulled the headlight switch and found that it was damaged, the connector melted and no relay pack specified in the…
Low beam headlight failure---checked on line found recall # 819---went to chrysler dealer---was advised that the recall had been done on that vin# and chrysler had no obligation---i pulled the headlight switch and found that it was damaged, the connector melted and no relay pack specified in the recall fix-----it was appears the recall was pencil whipped and the repair was never made------how do you insure that recalls are really done and how many more like mine are out there???????? *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. while driving approximately 40 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle slowed down after several attempts. the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was driven onto the side of the road and towed to the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. while driving approximately 40 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle slowed down after several attempts. the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was driven onto the side of the road and towed to the contact's residence. the failure was related to rust in the brake line system. the failure occurred on two separate occasions. the vehicle has not been repaired; however,the contact will perform the repair himself. the failure mileage was 103,753 and current mileage was 104,000.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge RAM 3500. the headlights flickered on and off and the contact noticed a burning smell. the light switch also overheated. the vehicle was previously serviced at 63,557 miles for nhtsa campaign ID number 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). the manufacturer would not service the vehicle again under the recall. the current and failure mileages were 201,135.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge 3500. the contact stated that the ABS adaptive brake control unit (part number 56029032ab) has been discontinued by the manufacturer. he stated that the part was needed to repair his vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 211,000.
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Brake line failure due to corrosion also corrosion of transmission and fuel lines 1996 dodge RAM 3500 pickup 4WD ext cab. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light · Structure · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
I purchased this truck in 2003 and the dash was cracked. it shakes and rattles whenever I hit any bumps in the road. dodge will do nothing but try to sell me another dash at a sky high rate. I'm afraid the dash will completely fall apart while my wife or I am driving down the road. I am now…
I purchased this truck in 2003 and the dash was cracked. it shakes and rattles whenever I hit any bumps in the road. dodge will do nothing but try to sell me another dash at a sky high rate. I'm afraid the dash will completely fall apart while my wife or I am driving down the road. I am now experiencing a vacuum problem with some lines under the dash caused by this since the dash moves so much. my ABS light IS on, my cruise control doesn't work and the airconditioning only blows out of the defrost vent. *tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Cruise control cable (twisted fine wire) become frayed, causing cable to become jammed in housing, causing the cruise control to not go off when brake was applied. *nm
- Seats
1) normal wear on seat back latch assembly, by access into the extended portion of the cab assembly; 2) seat back on drivers side and on passenger side fail to lock securly in an upright position, the latches slip under pressure and release the seat back to fold forward. Under hard braking and or…
1) normal wear on seat back latch assembly, by access into the extended portion of the cab assembly; 2) seat back on drivers side and on passenger side fail to lock securly in an upright position, the latches slip under pressure and release the seat back to fold forward. Under hard braking and or an accident the seat back forward movement can acerbate the possibility of injury to either the driver or the passenger. 3), I am looking for new seat back latches.
- Structure › Frame and members
Driver heard a squeaking noise coming from the front. Vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. the front bumper fell off at the dealership, and mechanic informed the driver that front bumper needed to be replaced. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Consumer contacted manufacturer to verify if manufacturer's recall 722 repairs were done. manufacturer insisted that repairs were performed but they had no records of it done. vehicle was then involved in a fire which was caused by the transmission cooling unit and line quick connection melting . there were no injuries.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
After parking the vehicle consumer noticed that transmission fluid was leaking. dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that cooling line clips were damaged.*ak
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.
- Loss of throttle control
Alleged that the throttle cable can fray or sever during normal use resulting in the throttle not returning to idle or an inability to accelerate.
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.
- 10148823This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10148822This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at the crimp.
- 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.~
- 618392Some customers may experience a situation in which the rear of the vehicle sits too high to attach their fifth wheel or goose neck trailer to the trailer hitch turnable.
Every Dodge RAM 3500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.