IllustrationDASH PANEL HAS WENT OUT ON MY TRUCK 3 TIMES ALREADY AND IS ACTING UP NOW. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON MORE THAN IT HAS STAYED OFF. *JB
2001 Dodge RAM 1500
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most RAM 1500 years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 520.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAM 1500 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
490–25K
14125–50K
20050–75K
16575–100K
129100–150K
57150K+
741 reports with mileage · 371 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.
- Structure. Review the 548 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
65 crash reports34 fire reports65 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
81 reportsBRAKE LIGHT COMPUTER CONTROL BOARD HAD ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT CAUSED LIGHT NOT TO WORK. HAD TO REPLACE BOARD TO GET BRAKE LIGHT TO WORK. COULD CAUSE REAR END ACCIDENTS IF BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. DEALER(CASS BURCH QUITMAN, GA.) ADVISED NO MANFACTURER RECALL AND THEY HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL.
DT: HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT A LITTLE OVER 30,000 MILES AND NOTICED THE (MIL) LIGHT CAME ON THEN WENT OFF, AND CURRENTLY S BACK ON A AND WAS STAYING ON. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE CONSUMER TO LOOK AT IT. *AK
THE IN-TANK, ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP FAILED IN MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 PICK UP TRUCK. THE CONNECTOR AND WIRING ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK WAS BURNED AS WAS WIRING IN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER UNDER THE HOOD. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. CHRYSLER IS REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP AND REPAIRING THE WIRING. HOWEVER, THEY…
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THE IN-TANK, ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP FAILED IN MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 PICK UP TRUCK. THE CONNECTOR AND WIRING ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK WAS BURNED AS WAS WIRING IN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER UNDER THE HOOD. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. CHRYSLER IS REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP AND REPAIRING THE WIRING. HOWEVER, THEY OFFERED NO WARRANTY COVERAGE AND NO COVERAGE OF THE COLLATERAL DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE PUMP FAILURE. *AK
PURCHASED VEHICLE 2003 WITH 32,000 MILES. AT 45,000 MILES MOTOR HAD TO BE REBUILT.NEW CRANKSHAFT, ROD BEARINGS, MAIN BEARINGS, OIL PUMP. 2 DAYS AFTER PICKING UP THE TRUCK AFTER WORK WAS DONE, MAIN SEAL WENT OUT AND LOST OIL ON HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK. EVERYTHING COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT IT'S JUST THE FACT THAT THE TRUCK STI…
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PURCHASED VEHICLE 2003 WITH 32,000 MILES. AT 45,000 MILES MOTOR HAD TO BE REBUILT.NEW CRANKSHAFT, ROD BEARINGS, MAIN BEARINGS, OIL PUMP. 2 DAYS AFTER PICKING UP THE TRUCK AFTER WORK WAS DONE, MAIN SEAL WENT OUT AND LOST OIL ON HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK. EVERYTHING COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT IT'S JUST THE FACT THAT THE TRUCK STILL HAS PROBLEMS WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE AND YEAR. ONGOING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. FUSE FOR CLIMATE CONTROL, AIR BAGS, ABS BRAKES, POWER WINDOWS, MIRROR DEFROST AND REVERSE LIGHTS KEEPS BLOWING. HAS BLOWN 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS. DEALER REPLACES THE FUSE, SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. *AK
THE WIRING HARNESS ON THIS YEAR MODEL HAS AN INSUFFICIENT GROUND WHICH LEADS TO A SHORT IN THE HARNESS. THIS IN TURN CAUSES MULTIPLE PROBLEMS,SUCH AS THE TRUCKS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE DASH AND OR CATCHING ON FIRE COMPLETELY. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANIES THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM OFF ROAD WITH 54000 MILES ON IT AND I'VE ALREADY HAD A NEW COMPUTER PUT IN IT, HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT 27000 MILES BECAUSE OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER, AND MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKED ALL OVER THE PLACE FROM THE HEAT. I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE OUT OF THIS TRUCK AND I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER DODGE AGAIN. …
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I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM OFF ROAD WITH 54000 MILES ON IT AND I'VE ALREADY HAD A NEW COMPUTER PUT IN IT, HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT 27000 MILES BECAUSE OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER, AND MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKED ALL OVER THE PLACE FROM THE HEAT. I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE OUT OF THIS TRUCK AND I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER DODGE AGAIN. *LA
THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS OR DIMMERS WERE ON. SOMETIMES THE HEADLIGHTS STAYED ON. THE DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *SCC *JB
1998-2001 B-VAN (DODGE FULL SIZE). THE ABS CONTROL MODULE IS PROTECTED WITH A 40 AMP FUSE. A 10 GA. WIRE COMES OUT OF THE CONTROL MODULE, THEN THIS 10 GA. WIRE "Y'S" OUT TO TWO 14 GA. WIRES. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE ABS PUMP OR THE RELAY STICKS ON THESE VANS. THEN ONE OF THE 14 GA. WIRES OVERHEATS AND CATCHES THE WIRING HARNESS …
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1998-2001 B-VAN (DODGE FULL SIZE). THE ABS CONTROL MODULE IS PROTECTED WITH A 40 AMP FUSE. A 10 GA. WIRE COMES OUT OF THE CONTROL MODULE, THEN THIS 10 GA. WIRE "Y'S" OUT TO TWO 14 GA. WIRES. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE ABS PUMP OR THE RELAY STICKS ON THESE VANS. THEN ONE OF THE 14 GA. WIRES OVERHEATS AND CATCHES THE WIRING HARNESS ON FIRE. THE 40 AMP FUSE DOES NOT BLOW. THE FIRE THEN CONTINUES UNTIL THE VAN IS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THIS VAN WAS BOUGHT BACK FROM US BY CHRYSLER CORP. IN 2002. THE OFFICIAL FIRE INVESTIGATION REPORTS CONDUCTED BY CHRYSLER WERE NEVER DISCLOSED TO US AT VERIZON. *AK
DAIMLER CHRYSLER MAILED A LETTER INFORMING ME OF A RECALL ON TH 4E POWER DISTRIBUTION CCENTER GENERATOR CABLE CONNECTION ON MY TRUCK. MY SPOUSE TOOK THE TRUCK TO DON MARSHELL DODGE AND SERVICE CENTER . 716 NORTH HWY 27 P.O. BOX1509, SOMERSET, KY 42502, TELEPHONE # 606-678-8178. THE TRUCK WAS SCHEDULED FOR ANOTHER REPAIR BUT MY H…
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DAIMLER CHRYSLER MAILED A LETTER INFORMING ME OF A RECALL ON TH 4E POWER DISTRIBUTION CCENTER GENERATOR CABLE CONNECTION ON MY TRUCK. MY SPOUSE TOOK THE TRUCK TO DON MARSHELL DODGE AND SERVICE CENTER . 716 NORTH HWY 27 P.O. BOX1509, SOMERSET, KY 42502, TELEPHONE # 606-678-8178. THE TRUCK WAS SCHEDULED FOR ANOTHER REPAIR BUT MY HUSBAND BROUGHT THE LETTER AND ASKED THAT THE CABLE ALSO BE FIXED. THE SERVICE PERSON LOOKED A THE LETTER, LAID IT DOWN AND SAID THAT THEY "LOOKED' AT IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REFUSED TO FIX THE CABLE. THE LETTER THAT DAIMLER CHRYLER MAILED REGARDING THE RECALL STATED THAT ANY COMPLAINT WITH THE DEALER REGARDING HAVING THE VEHICLE FIXED SHOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARD THIS AGENCY.
Official recalls
203V504000 · Tires
Dec 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
01V153000 · Air Bags
May 8, 2001
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 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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
2PE08047 · 2000-2001 Dodge RAM Pickup Hood Latch
Opened Jul 25, 2008 · Closed Dec 17, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch; Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Latches/locks/linkages: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 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.
Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments
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.
PE00025 · Rear Safety Belt Anchorage Disengagement
Opened Jul 6, 2000 · Closed Dec 27, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:rear/other
ALLEGE THAT BOTH REAR INBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES WERE FOUND TO LACK PROPER ATTACHMENTS.