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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.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Structure complaints

548 reports
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75,000 miles · Dec 14, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS DEVELOPING CRACKS. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED OVER TIME AND THE CRACKS BECAME LARGER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS DEVELOPING CRACKS. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED OVER TIME AND THE CRACKS BECAME LARGER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #10439866

160,000 miles · Dec 8, 2011
Structure

THE FRONT DASHBOARD EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT IS CRACKED EVERYWHERE UP FRONT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10439043

72,000 miles · Dec 2, 2011
Structure

I HAVE HAD NO TROUBLE OUT OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 UNTIL 2007. THAT'S WHEN THE FIRST CRACK CAME INTO BEING, WITH A CRACK I MIGHT ADD. I HERD THE SNAP AND LOOKED OVER AND A HUGE CRACK APPEARED. IT RAN STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE, MORE OR LESS CUTTING THE DASH IN HALF. WELL IT WENT ALL DOWN HILL FROM THE…

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I HAVE HAD NO TROUBLE OUT OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 UNTIL 2007. THAT'S WHEN THE FIRST CRACK CAME INTO BEING, WITH A CRACK I MIGHT ADD. I HERD THE SNAP AND LOOKED OVER AND A HUGE CRACK APPEARED. IT RAN STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE, MORE OR LESS CUTTING THE DASH IN HALF. WELL IT WENT ALL DOWN HILL FROM THERE. ONE DAY IN 2010 I ROLLED DOWN MY WINDOWS AND THE WIND CAUGHT A PIECE OF THE DASH AND FLIPPED IT IN MY FACE. I RAN OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NEARLY WRECKED. I WAS JUST LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO ROAD SIGN AT THE PLACE I RAN OFF THE ROAD, OR SOMEONE WALKING THERE AT THE TIME. AND HERE IS THE KICKER, I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK. AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEN I GOT OFF WORK I HAD A FLAT TIRE. THERE WAS A NAIL IN THE SIDEWALL THAT COULD NOT BE FIXED. I HAD TO BUY A NEW TIRE, [THANKS DODGE]. I CAN'T TOUCH THE DASH ANYMORE, THE LIGHTEST TOUCH NOW WILL BREAK MORE PIECES OFF. AND THE PLASTIC COVERS THEY SELL TO PUT ON TOP OF THE DASH IS ONLY A SHORT TERM FIX. THE DASH CONTINUES TO FALL APART UNDER THE DASH CAP CAUSING THE CAP TO WARP AND NOT FIT RIGHT, OR NOT AT ALL. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS WITH A NEW DASH, WHICH I CANT AFFORD AT A WHOOPING $500.00 BUCKS. THIS IS ONE PROBLEM THAT DODGE SHOULD STEP FORWARD TO FIX BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438141

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED, LEAVING SHARP EDGES ACCESSIBLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED, LEAVING SHARP EDGES ACCESSIBLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10435946

61,000 miles · Nov 10, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #10435163

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2011
Structure

CRACKED DASH PANEL TOP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10433776

65,000 miles · Oct 31, 2011
Structure

OVER A COUPLE OF MONTHS THE DASH CRACKED IN MULTIPLE PLACES AND ENDED UP FALLING APART COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS. NOW THERE IS A PILE OF SHARP, BRITTLE, HARD, PLASTIC PIECES WITH MORE FALLING OUT EACH WEEK. IF EVER IN A CRASH THESE PIECES WILL FLY ALL OVER THE CAB OF THE TRUCK AND BE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10433750

125,020 miles · Sep 25, 2011
Structure

DASHBOARD CRUMBLED AND COLLAPSED IN ON ITSELF. NOTHING LEFT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10427095

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2011
Structure

DASH IS CRACKED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10424149

60,000 miles · Aug 30, 2011
Structure

I OWN 2001 DODGE RAM TRUCK . MY DASHBOARD IS BADLY CRACKING AND I AM NOW HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. ITS A SAFETY ISSUE PER LOCAL 6 NEWS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10422653

Official recalls

2

03V504000 · 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

2

PE08047 · 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.