1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 12%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 136,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 12% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 136,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 1/27/2018 my dash board shattered while I was attempting to wipe clean it with moist towel. I bought this vehicle used from Dodge dealership in june 1998 with 45120 miles. At present it has only 83000 approx. The vehicle at the time was stationary. I have the photos, unfortunately I do not know how to upload it.”
NHTSA complaint #11065684, filed 2018-01, 83,009 miles“Dashboard started cracking in 2010 and broke off into sharp pieces. I have about 25% of my dashboard left. This was not caused by anything I did. I kept a sun reflector in the windshield and have never been in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10715053, filed 2015-05, 140,000 miles“I have a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 truck and the dash board is falling apart. It started as small cracks around the vents and soon speed all over the dash. I am worried about the function of the air bag system. I have talked to other Dodge truck owners and they have had the same problem. I think it must be bad material the Dodge used in the dashes.”
NHTSA complaint #10160683, filed 2006-06, 162,000 miles“1996 Dodge RAM 1500 slt: I bought this truck brand new and approximately 5 years ago, the dashboard started cracking. It has been continuously cracking into little pieces and now I have no dashboard and I don't know if the passenger airbag is operable.”
NHTSA complaint #10377933, filed 2011-01, 70,000 miles“I bought the Dodge ram used a (1996) I love the truck, except for the dashboard. It started as one small crack, and is from the windshield all the way back to the gauge cluster. And now there are more cracks starting ! I know it's just a matter of time before I too have a caved in dashboard!”
NHTSA complaint #10189461, filed 2007-05, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 3% |
| 2010 | 26 | 5% |
| 2009 | 41 | 6% |
| 2008 | 11 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% |
| 2006 | 17 | 2% |
| 2005 | 24 | 2% |
| 2004 | 50 | 5% |
| 2003 | 237 | 20% |
| 2002 | 278 | 34% |
| 2001 | 548 | 49% |
| 2000 | 248 | 48% |
| 1999 | 240 | 39% |
| 1998 | 102 | 20% |
| 1997 | 70 | 19% |
| 1996 | 35 | 12% |
| 1995 | 36 | 17% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
52 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsFuel system
20 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 29, 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