1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 4% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 3/9/06 my hood on my 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 blew open on the highway. There is damage to the hood and the hood hidges. There was a recall on the hood latch #01v04000. I contacted Dodge about this, they told me that they would repair the latch but not the damage to the truck. They should repair the damage also, since I did not receive the recall notice.”
NHTSA complaint #10152904, filed 2006-03, 151,232 miles“The hood flew open while driving home, causing me to lose control and hitting the curb to stop the truck. Dodge reused to repair damage or supply me with a new latch, they stated the primary latch gave way, causing the hood to open. Dodge dealer stated the main latch was bad, if the secondary latch was operating as it was meant to the hood cound not have opened, Dodge was at fault. I am now afraid to drive my truck, but it was my only transportation.”
NHTSA complaint #10187342, filed 2007-04, 131,300 miles“I was accelerating onto a limited access highway, j. Turner butler blvd. Traveling approximately 45-50 MPH when the hood of my truck released and crashed into my windshield blinding me. I was able to come to a stop and pull off the roadway without incident. Afterwards I did research to see if there were any recalls and found NHTSA 01v040000 for Dodge RAM 1500 pus for years 1994-1999 which indicated corrosion of the spring on the secondary latch could cause it to bind in the release position. I believe this is what happened to my truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10169729, filed 2006-10, 131,000 miles“The reclining mechanism has been repaired twice and has failed thee times. Two time while the vehicle was in motion, once at highway speed. Parts are not available for correct repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10256029, filed 2009-01, 96,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the hood flew open and struck the windshield. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that the hood was bent, and the windshield was cracked due to the failure. The contact was able to drive to the residence at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V040000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). …”
NHTSA complaint #11566292, filed 2024-01, 152,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 11 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 26 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% |
| 1998 | 17 | 3% |
| 1997 | 10 | 3% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
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 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsTires
12 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