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2001 Dodge RAM 3500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 130 owner complaints about the 2001 Dodge RAM 3500, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the RAM 3500 median · #9 of 20 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints13021 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage100kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 4, 2020. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 Dodge RAM 3500 has problems

130 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
Structure310
Steering172
Suspension140
Power train141
Service brakes, hydraulic121
Air bags114
Tires91
Fuel system, diesel82
Electrical system62
14 other systems296

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

1 recall

2001 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Air bags

Recall 01V-153 · May 8, 2001 · 216,100 vehicles

Risk. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Mileage at failure

When do structure problems start?

100kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 25 structure complaints. 44% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
0under 30k miles11under 100k miles14100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2001 vs. every other RAM 3500 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 3500 median. How we score

'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 2001 Dodge RAM 3500, and the recalls they led to.

  1. TIRE VALVEPE02049 · closed Oct 1, 2002
    No recall
  2. 2000-2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP HOOD LATCHPE08047 · closed Dec 17, 2008
    No recall
In owners' words

What RAM 3500 owners report

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

THE DASH ON THIS TRUCK HAS CRACKED AND FALLEN IN, EXPOSING THE WIRING INSIDE THE DASH TO THE SUN. THE WIRING INSULATION IS NOT RATED FOR EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT (UV EXPOSURE) AND IS DECOMPOSING, PUTTING THE TRUCK AT RISK OF A FIRE INITIATING INSIDE THE CAB AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, DUE TO EXPOSED…
Complaint 10750341 · Aug 21, 2015 · 72,000 miles
I TRY TO REPLACE THE HEATER CORE ON MY 2001 DODGE RAM 3500.AND WHEN THE MECHANIC START TO REMOVE THE DASH BOARD THIS START TO FALLING IN PARTS.SO HE TRY TO PUT THOSE PARTS BACK UNTIL HE EXPLAIN ME WHAT HAPPEN.I TRY TO FIND AN AFTERMARKET DASH AND PEOPLE ON THE STORE LET ME KNOW.THEY BELIEVE IT'S A…
Complaint 10668547 · Dec 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THE PLASTIC WAS WARPED AND CAVED INTO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING AND COMPONENTS INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO FAIL SPORADICALLY. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ALSO LOW AND THE CONTACT…
Complaint 10604523 · Jun 19, 2014 · 87,000 miles

Own a 2001 RAM 3500?

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