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1999 Dodge RAM

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAM years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Dodge RAM are substantially higher than the model-year median of 27.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 39 of 366 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

46 crash reports6 fire reports32 injury reports

What owners actually said

366 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I DO NOT HAVE EXACT MILEAGE INTREVALS BUT THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS HAVE HAD TO BE CUT TWICE ALREADY AND NEED IT AGAIN. THE TRUCK JUST TURNED 44000 MILES AND IS NOT USED FOR WORK OR HEAVY HAULING. NORMAL DRIVING HAS CAUSED THIS PROBLEM WHICH I FEEL SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. SINCE THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE DRUMS ARE OUT OF ROUND, I HAVE TO …

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I DO NOT HAVE EXACT MILEAGE INTREVALS BUT THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS HAVE HAD TO BE CUT TWICE ALREADY AND NEED IT AGAIN. THE TRUCK JUST TURNED 44000 MILES AND IS NOT USED FOR WORK OR HEAVY HAULING. NORMAL DRIVING HAS CAUSED THIS PROBLEM WHICH I FEEL SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. SINCE THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE DRUMS ARE OUT OF ROUND, I HAVE TO BUY NEW DRUMS AS THEY CAN ONLY BE CUT DOWN A COUPLE TIMES AND KEEP THEIR SAFE THICKNESS. NOT ONLY IS THIS A COSTLY ITEM BUT A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION AS THE REAR BRAKE SHOES ARE NOT IN CONTACT WITH THE DRUMS AS THEY SHOULD BE, AND THE TRUCK JERKS AND JOLTS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO UNEVEN BRAKING SURFACES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #759331

Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

INFORMED BY OTHER CUMMINS DIESEL OWNERS , AND CHRYSLER TECHNITION, THAT PUMP FAILURE IS NOT A QUESTION OF IF, BUT A MATTER OF TIME. OWNERS HAVE TO INSTALL EXTRA GUAGES & EQUIP TO MONITOR A MANUFACTURERS WEAK LINK ,AT NO SMALL EXPENSE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #759183

Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineSeats

WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE WILL PULL TO LEFT UNTIL RELEASE OF BRAKE PEDAL. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WILL PULL TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING AND WILL DRIFT TO THE RIGHT ON FREEWAY AND BRAKES ARE SQUEAKY WHEN BRAKING ON STOP, DEALER REPLACED CALIPERS, TURNED ROTORS AND CHANGED BRAKES, DEALER FO…

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WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE WILL PULL TO LEFT UNTIL RELEASE OF BRAKE PEDAL. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WILL PULL TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING AND WILL DRIFT TO THE RIGHT ON FREEWAY AND BRAKES ARE SQUEAKY WHEN BRAKING ON STOP, DEALER REPLACED CALIPERS, TURNED ROTORS AND CHANGED BRAKES, DEALER FOUND STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER, DEALER HAS REPLACED UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, DEALER HAS ADJUSTED THE FRONT END AND REPLACED THE RIMS AND TIRES, VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LACK OF POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED, VEHICLE IDLES HIGH AND IS EXPERIENCING POOR FUEL ECONOMY, WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY IT GETS MAX OF 14.5 MPG, SMOKE ALSO COMES OUT OF THE EXHAUST, LEFT SIDE ELECTRIC MIRROR GLASS HAD FOGGED, LEFT SEAT BOTTOM LOOSE, ONE MISSING BOLT FOUND, LEFT SEAT TRIM BEZEL KEEPS MIMING LOOSE WON?T STAY IN SEAT FOR SEAT BELT ON SEAT BACK. DEALER STATED THAT THE 2002 MODELS DO NOT HAVE VIBRATION PROBLEMS DUE TO THE SUSPENSION BEING CHANGED TO INDEPENDENT. *YD

NHTSA ODI #8004887

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2002
Air BagsCrashInjury

THIS IS THE SECOND ACCIDENT I HAVE REPORTED TO YOU. THE FIRST WAS YESTERDAY. I WANT TO APOLOGIZE. I SWITCHED THE VIN NUMBERS. THE VIN NUMBER FOR ODI # 758677 SHOULD HAVE BEEN [XXX]. THE ACCIDENT THIS CURRENT REPORT REFERS TO A SACRAMENTO COUNTY DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK THAT WAS USED BY OUR PARK RANGERS. IT WAS TRAVELING DOWN…

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THIS IS THE SECOND ACCIDENT I HAVE REPORTED TO YOU. THE FIRST WAS YESTERDAY. I WANT TO APOLOGIZE. I SWITCHED THE VIN NUMBERS. THE VIN NUMBER FOR ODI # 758677 SHOULD HAVE BEEN [XXX]. THE ACCIDENT THIS CURRENT REPORT REFERS TO A SACRAMENTO COUNTY DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK THAT WAS USED BY OUR PARK RANGERS. IT WAS TRAVELING DOWN A TRAIL ROAD AT HIGH SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE SEE MY COMMENTS FROM MY PREVIOUS REPORT FOR MY WORRIES ABOUT THE QUALITY OF DODGE'S INVESTIGATION.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #758680

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2002
Fuel System, GasolineFire

WHILE TRAVELING ON A SIDE ROAD AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. WAS ABLE TO COAST CAR TO A PARKING LOT, CONSUMER OPENED DOOR AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT FIRE STARTED AT FUEL PUMP AREA AND SPREAD. *YD

NHTSA ODI #8004224

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2002
Power Train

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE CRACKED AND FLUID SEEPED OUT. CONSUMER IS WONDERING IF THE SAME HEAT FROM EXHAUST MIGHT CAUSE SOME KIND OF BREAKDOWN. *YD

NHTSA ODI #785879

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE STEERS TO RIGHT WITHOUT CONTROL OF STEERING WHEEL.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT BOTH REAR DRUMS AND PADS WORN OUT. *YH

NHTSA ODI #8003364

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2002
Steering

WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING STEERING BECAME REAL HARD TO CONTROL, AND EVENTUALLY CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8002300

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL. IN A MONTH VEHICLE HAD TO BE FILLED WITH 9 QUARTS OF OIL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ,AND DEALER NOTED THAT GASKET ON HAD BLOWEN. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8002299

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2002
Power Train

TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING PROPERLY. TRANSMISSION HAS BECOME REAL HARD TO CHANGE AND PUT INTO GEAR. CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8002292

Official recalls

9

04V185000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Apr 12, 2004

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

Apr 11, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.

01V040000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Feb 12, 2001

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. 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.

00V107000 · Trailer Hitches

Apr 11, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

99V190000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

Jul 16, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE UNDERBODY HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE HEAT SHIELD IS TOO SHORT, ALLOWING THE PLASTIC CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL TO BE DIRECTLY EXPOSED TO EXHAUST TEMPERATURES. IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXCEED THE MELTING TEMPERATURE OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE LINE MELTS, HYDRAULIC FLUID CAN LEAK ONTO THE VEHICLE EXHAUST AND CAUSE AN UNDERBODY FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE PROPER LENGTH HEAT SHIELD.

99V115000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

May 6, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

99V044000 · Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Mar 11, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VANS AND WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE FUEL HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL RAILS MAY SHRINK AND LEAK FUEL IF EXPOSED TO HIGH ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY.

99V034000 · Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

Feb 24, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL TANKS. INCORRECT FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE INSTALLED ON THE SMALL FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT BE SECURELY ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE FUEL TANK COULD MOVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MOUNTING STRAPS FOR THE SMALL FUEL TANK.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.