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1996 Dodge RAM 1500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 298 owner complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, most often about the power train. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

66
CarFlaw IndexSolid year49% below the RAM 1500 median · #17 of 19 years by complaints
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints29848 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage106kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 18, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 has problems

298 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train526
Service brakes, hydraulic465
Structure350
Engine and engine cooling324
Suspension270
Electrical system267
Steering230
Fuel system, gasoline193
Exterior lighting122
14 other systems8317

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

0 recalls

1996 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other RAM 1500 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM 1500 median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'14
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT BACK FAILUREDP03006 · closed Apr 8, 2004
    No recall
In owners' words

What RAM 1500 owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

MY BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING BOX, ALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH THOSE AREAS HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND DODGE NEEDS TO FOX THEM FOR FREE PUT THEM UNDER THE RECALL DEPT SO THEY CAN BE. STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE TONS OF PLAY VERY DANGEROUS.
Complaint 11206649 · May 10, 2019 · 100,000 miles
NORMAL DRIVING INTO MOUNTAINS AND AUTO TRANSMISSION SHIFTED OUT OF OVERDRIVE AND WOULD NOT SHIFT BACK, EVEN DOWN HILL. CHECKED FLUID AND VERY HOT AND STARTED TO SMELLED BURNT. HAS BEEN SHIFTING HARD. *TR
Complaint 10238474 · Aug 16, 2008 · 138,000 miles
I PURCHASED THE TRUCK IN 1996 NEW FROM PARKS MOTORS IN AUGUSTA, SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILD 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1 OR 2 GEAR OR IF IT DOES IT TAKES HIGH RPMS TO DO IT. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A SEAL IN THE UPPER HALF OF THE…
Complaint 10147456 · Jan 11, 2006 · 37,000 miles

Own a 1996 RAM 1500?

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