IllustrationWHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE A FIRE DEVELOPED UNDER THE HOOD.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RUBBER MOULDING THAT SEALS THE BACK OF THE HOOD AT THE FIRE WALL HAD NO WAY TO SECURE IT AND IT SLIPPED OFF, HANGING DOWN ON TOP OF THE TURBO CHARGER AND CUGHT FIRE. *YH
2001 Dodge RAM 2500
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM 2500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 275.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAM 2500 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
220–25K
5125–50K
5450–75K
7275–100K
71100–150K
49150K+
319 reports with mileage · 150 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 181 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
20 crash reports11 fire reports15 injury reports
What owners actually said
469 reportsWHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OIL WILL BURN OUT QUICKLY, AND CONSUMER WILL BE FORCED TO PULL OVER AND REFILL VEHICLE WITH OIL. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
I CAN FEEL THE STEERING SHAFT CLUNKING/CHUNKING/MOVING WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS PROBLEM APPEARED WITHIN LAST 2 WEEKS. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL IS NO LONGER CENTERED BUT ROTATED ABOUT 2 INCHES LEFT OF CENTER IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT LINE OF DRIVING. I AM CONVCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE, BOTH TO OC…
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I CAN FEEL THE STEERING SHAFT CLUNKING/CHUNKING/MOVING WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS PROBLEM APPEARED WITHIN LAST 2 WEEKS. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL IS NO LONGER CENTERED BUT ROTATED ABOUT 2 INCHES LEFT OF CENTER IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT LINE OF DRIVING. I AM CONVCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE, BOTH TO OCCUPANTS AND OTHER MOTORISTS BECAUSE THE STEERING MAY FAIL. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED LAST YEAR AS IT WAS LEAKING. I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SERIOUS CRASHES DUE TO STEERING ABNORMALITIES AND DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS REPURCHASED NUMBERS OF THESE UNITS BOTH FROM THE STATE OF MAIN AND INDIVIDUALS. I WOULD HOPE THAT YOU WOULD FORCE DM TO RECALL ALL 2001 2500 DODGE RAMS TO REPAIR THE STEERING DEFECTS OR ORDER THEM TO BUY THEM BACK.
FUEL LIFT PUMP FAILURE COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, LOSS OF POWER WILL CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKES,POWER STEERING, AND CONTROL. THOUSANDS OF FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED, THE FAILED PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF SYSTEM FAILURES. CHRYSLER/DODGE HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE!!! *AK
WHILE STOPPING OR SLOWING DOWN, FUMES FROM THE CRANKCASE FILL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND COME INTO THE CAB. CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE FUMES ARE BEING CAUSED BY THE OPEN CRANKCASE SYSTEM AND STATES THAT THIS IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERSONAL HEALTH HAZARD. *YD
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW ON 6/01/01. ON 6/26/01 RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL AND AT THAT TIME I INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE MISSING "VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL". DEALER STATED "HE WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT DISTRICT MANAGER TO SEE ABOUT THIS ITEM. I HAVE CONTACTED THIS DEALER 3 MORE TIME OVER THE PAST YEAR ABOUT THIS ITEM AN…
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I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW ON 6/01/01. ON 6/26/01 RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL AND AT THAT TIME I INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE MISSING "VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL". DEALER STATED "HE WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT DISTRICT MANAGER TO SEE ABOUT THIS ITEM. I HAVE CONTACTED THIS DEALER 3 MORE TIME OVER THE PAST YEAR ABOUT THIS ITEM AND EACH TIME HAVE BEEN TOLD, "WE ARE WORKING ON IT". DEALER SEEMS UNABLE TO AQUIRE THIS REQUIRED LABEL FROM DODGE. *AK
SAME COMPONENTS HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES. SECOND 10/31/2001 THIRD 4/2002. CALIPER CONTINUES TO FAIL AND RUIN ROTOR AND DISCS. *AK
MY TRUCK WANDERS ON THE ROAD. IT IS A CHALLANGE TO KEEP IT IN THE LANE AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS. I ALWAYS HAVE TO CONTINUE TO TRY TO STEER IT LEFT THEN RIGHT. THERE IS SEVERAL INCHES OF TRAVEL IN THE STEERING WHEEL BETWEEN GOING LEFT AND RIGHT. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND STAY IN YOUR LANE, EVEN MORE, IT IS DANGOU…
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MY TRUCK WANDERS ON THE ROAD. IT IS A CHALLANGE TO KEEP IT IN THE LANE AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS. I ALWAYS HAVE TO CONTINUE TO TRY TO STEER IT LEFT THEN RIGHT. THERE IS SEVERAL INCHES OF TRAVEL IN THE STEERING WHEEL BETWEEN GOING LEFT AND RIGHT. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND STAY IN YOUR LANE, EVEN MORE, IT IS DANGOURUS TO DRIVE WHEN IT IS SNOWY AND ICY. HERE IN MINNESOTA WE HAVE POOR DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR OUR LONG WINTER SEASON. I BOUGHT THIS TO BE SAFE IN THE SNOW AND ICE, ACCTUALY IT IS THE OPPOSITE!!*AK
UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE FAILING IN OUR FLEET (33000+ MILES). *AK
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING FORCED VEHICLE OVER AN EMBANKMENT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED STEERING GEAR BOX. PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO DEALER EXPLAINING THAT THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. DEALERSHIP DIDN'T CHECK ANYTHING, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. INSURANCE COMPANY REPAIRED ALL THE DAMAGE AND…
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LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING FORCED VEHICLE OVER AN EMBANKMENT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED STEERING GEAR BOX. PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO DEALER EXPLAINING THAT THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. DEALERSHIP DIDN'T CHECK ANYTHING, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. INSURANCE COMPANY REPAIRED ALL THE DAMAGE AND REPLACED STEERING GEAR BOX. *JG *AK
Official recalls
101V153000 · 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
1PE08047 · 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.