2001 Dodge RAM 3500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 3500 › 2001
These records cover every 2001 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 2001 Dodge RAM 3500. Newest first.
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.
Owner complaints
130 complaints12 involved a crash3 involved a fire19 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
At speeds above 55 mph and as semi trucks pass me this roadtrek 190 verilite dodge RAM 3500 uncontrolably move a foot to 2 feet toward the center line of the road which I fear could cause a head on collision. I have tried various tire pressures to remedy the problem without success. I basically loose control of the steering. the vehicle has only 30,000 miles and excellent tread on tires.
- Unknown or other
The dashboard has crumpled up and cave in the plastic has deteriorated also rust has developed under the doors an underbody
- Power train
My truck was in park but still running. I got out to shut the gate and the truck started to accelerate backwards, rolling through my gate, knocking down part of a neighbor's fence, over two cement parking stops and into a tree. when I got to the truck, it was still running and still in park.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
My dashboard IS falling apart. There are pieces of plastic everywhere including right in front of the airbag, which would quite literally turn into flying death particles if the airbag ever went off, completely defeating the purpose of the airbag. This really should be a recall isue as it has quite…
My dashboard IS falling apart. There are pieces of plastic everywhere including right in front of the airbag, which would quite literally turn into flying death particles if the airbag ever went off, completely defeating the purpose of the airbag. This really should be a recall isue as it has quite a big impact on safety of the airbag system with brittle plastic shards flying everywhere. This didn't happen all at once, it's happened over the years, and I even keep a dash cover on it since the day I got it. The plastic IS just simply poor quality, it's not from sun fading, or anything else.
- Structure › Body
Plastic dash IS cracking and loose sharp pieces have been coming off into the cabin
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500 equipped with bf goodrich mud terrain t/a KM2 (na) tires, size: lt255/85r16. While driving approximately 55 mph, an abnormal noise was heard near the rear driver side of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle swayed from side to side; however, the contact…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500 equipped with bf goodrich mud terrain t/a KM2 (na) tires, size: lt255/85r16. While driving approximately 55 mph, an abnormal noise was heard near the rear driver side of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle swayed from side to side; however, the contact was able to avoid a crash. The contact pulled over and discovered that the rear driver side tire was blown. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was confirmed that the tread separated from the rear driver side tire and needed to be replaced. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 300,000 and the tire failure mileage was 10,000. The vin and dot number were unavailable.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
The dash on this truck has cracked and fallen in, exposing the wiring inside the dash to the sun. the wiring insulation IS not rated for exposure to direct sunlight (uv exposure) and IS decomposing, putting the truck at risk of a fire initiating inside the cab at highway speeds, due to exposed…
The dash on this truck has cracked and fallen in, exposing the wiring inside the dash to the sun. the wiring insulation IS not rated for exposure to direct sunlight (uv exposure) and IS decomposing, putting the truck at risk of a fire initiating inside the cab at highway speeds, due to exposed wiring shorting to ground. dodge refuses to remedy it, despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue with them. it IS my understanding that this IS a widespread issue, yet the nhtsb has not forced chrysler/fiat into a recall, claiming that it isn't a safety issue. do you need to see death before you act?
- Suspension · Wheels
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500. While driving approximately 40 to 45 mph over a bump in the road, the vehicle shook violently. The failure recurred. The mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle had the "death wobble". The vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000. updated 03/09/16*lj *cn
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling · Structure
I try to replace the heater core on my 2001 dodge RAM 3500 .and when the mechanic start to remove the dash board this start to falling in parts .so he try to put those parts back until he explain me what happen .i try to find an aftermarket dash and people on the store let me know .they believe…
I try to replace the heater core on my 2001 dodge RAM 3500 .and when the mechanic start to remove the dash board this start to falling in parts .so he try to put those parts back until he explain me what happen .i try to find an aftermarket dash and people on the store let me know .they believe it's a open recall for this failure dash on all models on RAM .so I call to northwest dodge on houston texas and they said the recall was several years ago ..for that reason they can't fixed .after a research on the internet I find this place to file a complaint.because for me it's dangerous have a dashboard cracked with a sharp pieces .my dash cover falls in around 20 pcs .and the base of the whole dash in several cracked pieces ..and can't replace my heater core ..until I have the dashboard. *tr
- Tires
Driving 55mph, bfg cmm ta tire separation at tread belt edge. Still have tire. *tr
- Air bags · Engine · Structure
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the dashboard deteriorated to the point that the plastic was warped and caved into the electrical wiring and components intermittently, causing the instrument panel to fail sporadically. the headlights were also low and the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the dashboard deteriorated to the point that the plastic was warped and caved into the electrical wiring and components intermittently, causing the instrument panel to fail sporadically. the headlights were also low and the contact had attempt to use the dimmer to no avail. Also, the service engine and air bag sensor illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the oxygen sensor was defective and that the dashboard could be replaced at the owners expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000
- Structure
2001 dodge RAM 3500 dashboard failure!! Dash started getting large cracks in it several years ago, now I removed it to replace the heater core and the dash fell apart into, literally 22 pieces. After trying to find one I go to realize this IS a common and major safety problem for this year and…
2001 dodge RAM 3500 dashboard failure!! Dash started getting large cracks in it several years ago, now I removed it to replace the heater core and the dash fell apart into, literally 22 pieces. After trying to find one I go to realize this IS a common and major safety problem for this year and after phone calls to the dodge dealer and to dodge themselves they do not care nor do they want to help and good luck affording a new one. Only thing I can find that IS reasonably priced IS a dash `cover` but I do not even have enough large pieces of dash to reinstall to even cover it. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the fuel injector pump failed twice within a year and a half. The first time the failure occurred, the contact was told that it was because the fuel pump had failed. The contact was advised to add fuel pressure gauges because it…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the fuel injector pump failed twice within a year and a half. The first time the failure occurred, the contact was told that it was because the fuel pump had failed. The contact was advised to add fuel pressure gauges because it would help the injector pump not to fail if the fuel pump failed a second time. The contact stated that the remedy did keep the fuel pump from failing however, the fuel injector pump failed again. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was told that the failure was common for her particular vehicle. The dealer rerouted the fuel pump in order to correct the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000 and the current mileage and failure mileages were 125,000.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500 equipped with michelin xcx tires, size: 235/85r16. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired, it was found that the belts on the passenger's side front tire had failed. The mechanic stated that the failure was due to a misalignment of…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500 equipped with michelin xcx tires, size: 235/85r16. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired, it was found that the belts on the passenger's side front tire had failed. The mechanic stated that the failure was due to a misalignment of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 138,000. The vin was not available.
- Structure · Visibility › Windshield
Approximate incident date IS not accurate. The vehicle started with two lengthwise cracks years ago from windshield towards driver and passenger. Within the past two months the once rigid-pliable dash unit has cracked into brittle pieces with some falling into dash interior. Some pieces are jagged and pointed. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge 3500. The contact stated that he noticed smoke emitting from the tail pipe as the vehicle failed to shift gears. The contact had to wait for the smoke to cease before the vehicle would operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the diagnosis who…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge 3500. The contact stated that he noticed smoke emitting from the tail pipe as the vehicle failed to shift gears. The contact had to wait for the smoke to cease before the vehicle would operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the diagnosis who stated that they needed to replace the fuel filter. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure and the current mileage was 150,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle surged from a cold start. Once the vehicle was warmed, the contact experienced a loss of power and will the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic who advised that the fuel injector pump and the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The failure and the current mileages were 150,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Pulled into fueling station, stopping at pump, pedal went to floor board. Checked brake reservoir it was empty, added 1 pint of brake fluid. No signs of leak. Found signs of fluid on frame driver side behind fuel tank, pulled tank to find a very rusted brake line and a hole in brake line. Checked…
Pulled into fueling station, stopping at pump, pedal went to floor board. Checked brake reservoir it was empty, added 1 pint of brake fluid. No signs of leak. Found signs of fluid on frame driver side behind fuel tank, pulled tank to find a very rusted brake line and a hole in brake line. Checked other brake lines, all are badly rusted. The gas lines running next to the brake line are not rusted at all. Truck parked in barn all the time, very seldom driven in winter.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500.the contact stated that the dashboard had slowly disintegrated over the last two years. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified, but no repair was perfoemed and the contact was advised to keep the dashboard covered. The failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was 182,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Structure › Body
The dash in my truck IS falling apart, there IS a large hole in my dash that IS a huge distraction while I'm driving, the rest of my dash IS going to fall apart at any time now. I have contacted dodge about this, they will not repair it, I believe it IS a manufacturer defect. And thus should be repaired by the manufacturer. I do not know of any other manufacturer that has this kind of problem. *tr
- Air bags · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Pieces of dash fell down under dash and caused the air bag to trigger. Put in a new passenger air bag and dash and 4 years latter all cracked up and a piece has caused a coolant leak in heater core under the dash. This IS a major problem. I have a friend that the dash pieces cut wires and set it on fire. *Tr
- Structure
The entire dash panel started falling apart in 2006 on my 2001 dodge RAM. parts started falling down inside the instrument panel and the dash assembly around the passenger airbag IS falling in. *tr
- Structure › Body
The dash IS falling apart. It has large cracks in it and pieces falling out.
- Tires
2001 dodge RAM 3500. Unit #1 was westbound on the ohio turnpike in the driving lane. Unit #2 was eastbound on the ohio turnpike in the driving lane. Unit #1 had a right rear outside tire blowout, which caused the other dual tire to break off. The tires crossed the median and struck unit #2 in left front causing damage. *Ln (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0251-89)*jb
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500 with futura adventurer ht P245 75 R16 tires. The contact stated the rear passenger tire blew out while it was in the driveway. The contact stated that before they replaced the tire, they had to replace the same model tires because the tread belt split off…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge RAM 3500 with futura adventurer ht P245 75 R16 tires. The contact stated the rear passenger tire blew out while it was in the driveway. The contact stated that before they replaced the tire, they had to replace the same model tires because the tread belt split off and both rear tires blew out. The contact was concerned about the safety issue because of the low mileage on the tires. the failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 85,000.
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.
- Tire valve
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.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10224768Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 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.
- 1021645756045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
- 10216348Heavy Duty Filtration MOPAR Retrofit or Add On Parts Available
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10191455Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10176211This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not function. The horn electrical circuit does not affect the airbag circuit.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 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.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 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.
- 10139595Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA. Note: Insulator color 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.~
- 1012901156045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
- 1012900882212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10128933Heavy Duty Filtration MOPAR Retrofit or Add On Parts Available
- 10016905Emissions recall e07-canister purge hoses. The canister purge hoses on about 7,800 of the above vehicles may develop cracks over time and release evaporative hydrocarbon (hc) which could exceed federal emission standards.
Every Dodge RAM 3500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.