Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
50–25K
225–50K
450–75K
2075–100K
29100–150K
24150K+
84 reports with mileage · 214 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
18 crash reports17 fire reports13 injury reports
What owners actually said
298 reports
24,571 miles · Sep 4, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CHRYSLER WHO SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE NO L…
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WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CHRYSLER WHO SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE NO LONGER ILLUMINATED, THEY JUST FLASHED. *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI #10032131
159,000 miles · Aug 31, 2003
Electrical System
I TOOK MY 1996 DODGE RAM TO THE DEALER FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH WIRING RECALL. AFTER THE RECALL PARTS WERE REPLACED, MY TRUCK WAS NOT FIXED. THE WIRING HARNESS HAD OVERHEATED AND DAMAGED MY IGNITION SWITCH. THIS COST MORE MONEY. THERE WAS ALSO A SPECIAL TOOL THAT MY HUSBAND HAD TO PURCHASE TO CHANGE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE P…
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I TOOK MY 1996 DODGE RAM TO THE DEALER FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH WIRING RECALL. AFTER THE RECALL PARTS WERE REPLACED, MY TRUCK WAS NOT FIXED. THE WIRING HARNESS HAD OVERHEATED AND DAMAGED MY IGNITION SWITCH. THIS COST MORE MONEY. THERE WAS ALSO A SPECIAL TOOL THAT MY HUSBAND HAD TO PURCHASE TO CHANGE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE PLASTIC COVER ON MY STEERING COLUMN HAD ASLO MELTED. I WOULD SAY MY TRUCK WAS VERY CLOSE TO GOING UP IN FLAMES. THIS IS VERY UPSETTING TO ME BECAUSE I FEEL THIS PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED ALONG WITH THE HARNESS SINCE THE DEFECTIVE WIRING CAUSED THIS PART TO BE DAMAGED. I THINK DODGE SHOULD ADD THIS PART TO THE LIST OF PARTS CHANGED WHEN THEY SERVICE VEHICLES FROM THIS RECALL. I ALSO BELIEVE THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE ME AND ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. THERE WAS ALMOST A FIRE, I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I HAVE THE OLD IGNITION SWITCH AND THE PLASTIC PART ON MY STEERING COLUMN HAS A HOLE WHERE IT WAS HOT, SINCE I DID NOT SEE A FIRE (MY HUSBAND DID SMELL SOMETHING BURNING), I CANNOT ANSWER YES TO THE QUESTION BELOW THAT ASKED "WAS THERE A FIRE?". ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I THINK SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. SOMETHING SIMILAR HAPPENED TO A FRIEND OF MINE WHO HAD A DIFFERENT MAKE CAR, HER SON BURNED TO DEATH IN A CAR. I SHIVER TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD NOT FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10036917
89,000 miles · Aug 22, 2003
Structure
I OWN A 1996 DODGE RAM THAT HAD A LARGE SECTION OF THE PAINT ON THE HOOD PEEL OFF DOWN TO THE SHEET METAL IN ONE DAY. APPROXIMATELY A 2'X2' SECTION. CHRYSLER ALONG WITH THE ROSS PARK DODGE DEALERSHIP IN PITTSBURGH PA. WILL DO NOTHING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10033323
84,333 miles · Aug 12, 2003
Air BagsCrash
1996 DODGE RAM 1500 RAN OF THE ROAD THROUGH A GUARDRAIL AND INTO A WOODEN LIGHT POLE, AND DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10032711
3,300 miles · Aug 7, 2003
Suspension
THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS EXPERIENCED PREMATURE FAILURE. *AK *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI #10029943
77,407 miles · Jul 30, 2003
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL IF THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND DRIVER RETURNS TO CRUISE CONTROL BY ACCELERATING THE GAS PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINES AND RPM'S RACE VERY HIGH, THE DRIVER HAS TO STOMP ON THE GAS PEDAL TO RELEASE PEDAL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA ODI #10031536
120,000 miles · Jul 21, 2003
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash
AFTER TRUCK'S ENGINE WAS STARTED THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN REVERSE SO AS TO BACK OUT OF GARAGE. A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS RETURNED TO P. AS THIS HAPPENED THE TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING THE GARAGE WALL. THE BUIDING AND TRUCK WERE DAMAGED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10028741
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2003
Tires
TREAD ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH . BRIDGESTONE, SIZE UNKNOWN, DOT# 7BA3PUA527 DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10024008
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2003
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP, WITH 104,000 MILES. THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH SHORT CIRCUITED WHICH CAUSED THE WIRING CONNECTOR AND THE SWITCH CONNECTOR TO OVER HEAT AND MELT. I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW SWITCH AND THE AUTO PARTS STORE SAYS THIS HAPPENS OFTEN. ALSO WITH THE SWITCH OUT OF WORKING ORDER I HAD NO LIGHTS, THIS HAPPENE…
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I HAVE A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP, WITH 104,000 MILES. THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH SHORT CIRCUITED WHICH CAUSED THE WIRING CONNECTOR AND THE SWITCH CONNECTOR TO OVER HEAT AND MELT. I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW SWITCH AND THE AUTO PARTS STORE SAYS THIS HAPPENS OFTEN. ALSO WITH THE SWITCH OUT OF WORKING ORDER I HAD NO LIGHTS, THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10017007
106,000 miles · Mar 8, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
I OWN A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH THE 5.2 LITER ENGINE. THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT WOULD FLICKER WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE WEAR. I HAVE USED MOBILE 1 SYNTHETIC OIL SINCE THE BREAKIN OIL AND NEVER LET THE OIL IN THE VEHICL…
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I OWN A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH THE 5.2 LITER ENGINE. THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT WOULD FLICKER WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE WEAR. I HAVE USED MOBILE 1 SYNTHETIC OIL SINCE THE BREAKIN OIL AND NEVER LET THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE OVER 4,000 MILES. EACH TIME THE OIL FILTER WAS ALSO CHANGED. THE VEHICLE HAS 106,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS COSTING ME $4.700. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE 5.2 LITER ENGINE DOES NOT HANDLE SYNTHETIC OIL WELL. THE OIL DOES NOT RETURN TO THE OIL PAN FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE LUBRICATED. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE BUT I'VE NEVER WORE OUT AN ENGINE BEFORE. MY QUESTION IS HOW CAN AN ENGINE WEAR OUT WHEN IT WAS TAKEN SUCH GOOD CARE OF? I'VE HAD SEVERAL OTHER FAILURES OF THIS VEHICLE DEALING WITH U-JOINTS, STEERING SHAFT, FAILED FUEL PUMP, AND AN UNSTABLE SUSPENSION REQUIRING A $500 PISTON ASSEMBLY TO REPAIR BUT THE REPAIR DID NOTHING TO HELP. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10010160
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
DP03006 · Seat Back Failure
Opened Sep 23, 2003 · Closed Apr 8, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:recliner
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
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.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
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.
1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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