1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 9%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 9% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving on highway at 65 MPH, I crossed a small bump in the road and lost all control of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 pickup. It shook all the stuff off of my seat as well as my cd holder. This is the second time this has happened. I am at a loss as to how to look for the problem. I love this truck but I have gone through two wheel bearings and a tie rod end and I have only had it for a year.... I want to know how to fix this problem before someone gets killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10234595, filed 2008-07, 129,385 miles“I have a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4. My mileage is at 85,020. I have taken real good care of this truck and I use it to drive in the snow when I need the 4 wheel drive. I was doing a oil change and I noticed the passinger side trailing arms and coil spring bracket welds are pulling away from the axle. I looked over to driver's side and the trailing arm welds on the front axle are cracked. I have a dana 3.5 axle ratio. The tag under the hood numbers are 3850 front axle dana 4. I purchased this truck thinking the frame and axles would last the life time of the truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10469064, filed 2012-08, 85,020 miles“Vehicle is on fourth engine and only 44,000 miles on present engine. Dealer says engine is out of warranty. Excessive blow by from engine. Check engine light comes on. Sensors have been replaced but problem still occurs. Also the truck wanders on the road, and has a rumbling rattle noise on front passenger side that sounds like its coming from the shocks area. But my mechanic says shocks are ok. The dealer did not check into problem when I purchased the truck but it is listed as complaint when the first engine was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043497, filed 2003-10, 68,000 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“Consumer heard a clung then a metal to metal noise while driving. Passenger's side front wheel bearing malfunctioned, but the wheel didn't fall off. The consumer pulled over in time to keep the wheel from falling off.”
NHTSA complaint #10050337, filed 2004-02, 92,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 20 | 3% |
| 2011 | 40 | 6% |
| 2010 | 29 | 6% |
| 2009 | 34 | 5% |
| 2008 | 49 | 9% |
| 2007 | 69 | 13% |
| 2006 | 106 | 13% |
| 2005 | 82 | 7% |
| 2004 | 66 | 6% |
| 2003 | 57 | 5% |
| 2002 | 71 | 9% |
| 2001 | 69 | 6% |
| 2000 | 35 | 7% |
| 1999 | 31 | 5% |
| 1998 | 34 | 7% |
| 1997 | 21 | 6% |
| 1996 | 27 | 9% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 16 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500
52 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine cooling
32 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 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