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1996 Dodge RAM 2500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 291 owner complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

47
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.1× the RAM 2500 median · #9 of 21 years by complaints
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints29138 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage94kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 15, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 has problems

291 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
Service brakes, hydraulic7411
Power train442
Electrical system268
Tires240
Suspension231
Steering202
Fuel system, gasoline162
Vehicle speed control160
Exterior lighting163
16 other systems7812

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

0 recalls

1996 Dodge RAM 2500 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 2500 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 2500 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
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT BACK FAILUREDP03006 · closed Apr 8, 2004
    No recall
  2. LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROLPE00048 · closed Mar 7, 2001
    Led to recall 01V-037
In owners' words

What RAM 2500 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I WENT TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AND THE BRAKE PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I REAR ENDED AN SUV. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP TO FIND THAT THREE OF THE FOUR BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT AND THE ONE THAT STAYED INTACT WAS LEAKING. I DID HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE SUV AS WELL AS…
Complaint 10167911 · Sep 11, 2006 · 125,000 miles
WHILE TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE BRAKE LINES. THIS CAUSED THE BRAKE LINES TO WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
Complaint 10101315 · Nov 18, 2004
WHILE OPERATING MY 1996 DODGE RAM 2500 EXT CAB 4X4 DIESEL, I SUDDENLY LOST THE NORMAL BRAKING, ON THE VEHICLE I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, JUST BARELY MISSING ANOTHER IN SLOWING/STOPPING(ONLY HAD FRONT BRAKES). THE REAR STEEL BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH, LOCATED INSIDE…
Complaint 10078878 · Jun 27, 2004 · 134,604 miles

Own a 1996 RAM 2500?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.