1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 7%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 138,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 7% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine lost power on highway had to get a tow home found a whole with shiny clean threads in intake manifold dealer cant help me. So I tried another dealer. They could not help.the 2nd dealer said my truck should not have this opening in the back of intake manifold my truck is stock 5.9 motor I don't know if my truck takes a plug back there or a tube or a vacuum line.”
NHTSA complaint #10260656, filed 2009-03, 166,000 miles“1996 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 5.2 ltr. 318 ci. Engine. Throttle stuck fully open when pulling into customers driveway hauling small utility trailer. I put truck in neutral and shot off engine. After 10 minutes I restarted truck and it seems fine now. This is an isolated incident at this time. I inspected fuel linkages from pedal to throttle body and all appears well. There is minimal corrosion and I was unable to duplicate this problem manually.”
NHTSA complaint #10419319, filed 2011-08, 92,571 miles“I have a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 pickup truck and today the gas tank fell on the street. Had I been going at highway speed this would have exploded since I a 25 gallons of fuel. I was lucky I was in a parking lot. There should not be a death until something is done to research the potential problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10248635, filed 2008-11, 128,000 miles“I own a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 with the 5.2 liter engine. The engine oil light would flicker when stopped at a stop sign in drive. I took it to the Dodge dealership and they said that the engine would have to be replaced due to the wear. I have used mobile 1 synthetic oil since the breakin oil and never let the oil in the vehicle over 4,000 miles. Each time the oil filter was also changed. The vehicle has 106,000 miles on it and the engine replacement is costing me $4.700. I've been told that the 5.2 liter engine does not handle synthetic oil well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010160, filed 2003-03, 106,000 miles“While driving 10 MPH, the consumer heard a popping sound, and noticed from the rearview mirror a fire coming from under the vehicle. Consumer stopped the vehicle, shut the engine off, and exited the vehicle. There was minimal damage done to vehicle. An individual investigator concluded that the rollover valve was the cause of the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10034150, filed 2003-09, 140,000 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 126 | 18% |
| 2011 | 142 | 21% |
| 2010 | 39 | 8% |
| 2009 | 43 | 6% |
| 2008 | 64 | 12% |
| 2007 | 38 | 7% |
| 2006 | 23 | 3% |
| 2005 | 40 | 3% |
| 2004 | 62 | 6% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 17 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 21 | 4% |
| 1997 | 29 | 8% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1991 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
52 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology