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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,112 reports
120,000 miles · Feb 1, 2015
Air BagsStructure

DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED FROM EXPOSER TO SUNLIGHT. IN PAST YEAR IT HAS BROKEN INTO VERY SHARP PIECES ABOVE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF DRIVER. ONE CAN CUT HIMSELF AND I HAVE JUST TRYING TO DUST OR CLEAN INSIDE OF TRUCK. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THESE SHARP PIECES OF THE DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD WOULD DO IN AN…

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DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED FROM EXPOSER TO SUNLIGHT. IN PAST YEAR IT HAS BROKEN INTO VERY SHARP PIECES ABOVE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF DRIVER. ONE CAN CUT HIMSELF AND I HAVE JUST TRYING TO DUST OR CLEAN INSIDE OF TRUCK. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THESE SHARP PIECES OF THE DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD WOULD DO IN AN ACCIDENT AND IF AIR BAGS WOULD PUSH THESE SHARP PIECES INTO FACES OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN FRONT SEAT OF TRUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10680341

175,000 miles · Jan 15, 2015
Structure

DASH BOARD COMPLETELY CRACKED IN HALF LEAVING LARGE JAGGED EDGES OF SHARP PLASTIC AND EXPOSING WIRING. AN ACCIDENT WOULD SEVERELY CUT PASSENGERS WITH FLYING PIECES OF PLASTIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10672806

35,000 miles · Dec 31, 2014
StructureCrash

THE DASHBOARDS ON DODGE TRUCKS ARE CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND A BROKEN SHARD OF THE DASH PLASTIC LACERATED MY FACE WHEN IT CAME LOOSE A FLEW THROUGH THE CAB OF THE TRUCK FROM JUST NORMAL WIND TURBULENCE WITH THE WINOW OPEN AT FREEWAY SPEED. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669225

1,200,000 miles · Dec 23, 2014
Structure

THE DASHBOARD AND THE DASHBOARD BEZEL HAVE DISINTEGRATED AND CAVED IN, LITERALLY FALLING TO PIECES IN CHUNKS AROUND ME INSIDE OF THE CAB ON THIS VEHICLE CAUSING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, FALLING PIECES FROM THE DASHBOARD HAVE CAUSED THE ACCELERATOR TO BECOME JAMMED WHEN PIECES LODGE IN THE OPERATING SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL WIRING HAS BECOME…

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THE DASHBOARD AND THE DASHBOARD BEZEL HAVE DISINTEGRATED AND CAVED IN, LITERALLY FALLING TO PIECES IN CHUNKS AROUND ME INSIDE OF THE CAB ON THIS VEHICLE CAUSING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, FALLING PIECES FROM THE DASHBOARD HAVE CAUSED THE ACCELERATOR TO BECOME JAMMED WHEN PIECES LODGE IN THE OPERATING SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL WIRING HAS BECOME EXPOSED RESULTING IN PREMATURE FAILURES. THE DEFROSTER VENTS HAVE BECOME DISLOCATED BECAUSE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE DASHBOARD WHICH FOR ALL INTENSIVE PURPOSES NO LONGER EXISTS, THUS THEY DO NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING LACK OF VISION WHEN THE WINDSHIELD FOGS AND IS UNABLE TO BE CLEARED OF THAT FOG AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE RESULT IS CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HIGH SPEED SITUATION. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH DODGE THESE PARTS ARE VERY SIMPLE TO INSTALL, THERE IS NO REASON WHY DODGE CANNOT SIMPLY SUPPLY ITS CUSTOMERS WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LET US INSTALL THEM OURSELVES. THESE PARTS ARE ALL MADE OF PLASTIC AND SHOULD COST NO MORE THAN A FEW DOLLARS TO MFG. IF DODGE WERE TO SUPPLY THESE PARTS TO ALL OF THE VEHICLE AFFECTED I SERIOUSLY DOUBT THAT THE COST WOULD BE MORE THAN 1M DOLLARS AND I WOULD BET THAT THE SHIPPING WOULD BE MORE THAN THE ACTUAL PARTS THEMSELVES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668012

217,900 miles · Dec 22, 2014
Power Train

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR, I HEARD A HORRIBLE RATTLING NOISE. VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR DRIVELINE PINION YOKE WAS LOOSE WITH THE NUT HOLDING BY ONE THREAD.. I INSTALLED A NEW NUT AND INSPECTED FOR FURTHER DAMAG…

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DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR, I HEARD A HORRIBLE RATTLING NOISE. VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR DRIVELINE PINION YOKE WAS LOOSE WITH THE NUT HOLDING BY ONE THREAD.. I INSTALLED A NEW NUT AND INSPECTED FOR FURTHER DAMAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667799

78,000 miles · Dec 15, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEATING COIL WAS LEAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER COIL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEATING COIL WAS LEAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER COIL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #10664409

Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2014
Structure

THE DASH HAS DEVELOPED SEVERAL LARGE/LONG CRACKS WHICH ARE GROWING AND THE CLEAR COAT IS PEELING ON THE HOOD, CAB TOP, FRONT FENDERS. I HAD MY LOCAL DEALER CHECK W/CHRYSLER AND THE CLAIM WAS DENIED. I HAVE BEEN A CHRYSLER OWNER SINCE THE 1960'S AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. I DOUBT I WILL EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHRYSLE…

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THE DASH HAS DEVELOPED SEVERAL LARGE/LONG CRACKS WHICH ARE GROWING AND THE CLEAR COAT IS PEELING ON THE HOOD, CAB TOP, FRONT FENDERS. I HAD MY LOCAL DEALER CHECK W/CHRYSLER AND THE CLAIM WAS DENIED. I HAVE BEEN A CHRYSLER OWNER SINCE THE 1960'S AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. I DOUBT I WILL EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT SINCE THE QUALITY HAS DETERIORATED AND THE MANUFACTURE WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEMS. THIS TRUCK WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2000 AND I STILL HAVE. MY LAST NEW PURCHASE IN 2010 WAS A FORD AUTOMOBILE WHICH HAS SO FAR BE EXCELLENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660311

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2014
Power TrainCrash

POWER TRAIN NORTH STAR DODGE, CHRYSLER AUTO DEALER SAN PEDRO SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -POWER TRAIN GRAPEVINE DODGE, CHRYSLER AUTO DEALER, GRAPEVINE, TEXAS- POWER TRAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10659505

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2014
Structure

DASHBOARD HAS COMPLETELY FRAGMENTED APART. IT HAS BEEN TAPED TO PREVENT PIECES OF HARD PLASTIC FROM DROPPING INTO ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR, SERIOUS INJURY WILL RESULT FROM DASHBOARD BREAKING INTO MANY SHARP SHARDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10641044

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2014
Structure

HOOD BECOME UNLATCHED AND FLEW UP AT ~ 50MPH AND HIT TOP OF TRUCK. IT COMPLETELY BENT BACKWARDS AND AFTER SAFELY MANEUVERING OFF THE ROAD, 2 PEOPLE HAD TO STAND ON TOP OF EACH TRUCK SIDE PANEL AND PULL REPEATEDLY TO BEND BACK DOWN AND LATCH SECURELY. METAL IS NOW BENT AND PEELED BACK AT THE JOINT/HINGE NEAR WINDSHIELD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10641042

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.