1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 3%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,212miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 3% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,212 miles.
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.
“In the 1994-2001 model year Dodge RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks there is no relay in the wiring circuitry use for the headlights. When the ram was redesigned in 1994, the engineers did not find it necessary to change the 40-year old design for the headlight system; feeling only the need to use a larger gauge wire to handle the excessive heat of the halogen bulbs. Unfortunately, neither the wires nor the switch or internal rheostat (for the instrument panel lighting) could handle this load and the following near tragic even has been an all too common occurrence. …”
NHTSA complaint #10465932, filed 2012-07, 141,000 miles“Windshield cracked for no apparent reason in june 02. It had recently progressed the full lenght of the windshiled obstructing drivers view. During winshield replacement technician found windshield was seperated from polyurethane bedding and was loose. The only thing holding the windshield in was the moulding around the windshield. Technician said the windshield was either prepared incorrectly or not prepared at all during factory installation.”
NHTSA complaint #10005415, filed 2003-02, 87,424 miles“Several other Dodge ram owners I know in the area have reported identical windshield wiper failure in the last few days. In each case, the wipers qiut working and repeated fuse replacement (20 a) resulted in immediate fuse failure. I feel this should be a recall item based on the number of incidents occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #737817, filed 2000-12“The passenger's windshield wiper arm motor broke, which may cause visual difficulty. Also, the steering system is very loose, and dealer had to replace the steering shaft. Problem is still occurring. Presently, dealer wants to replace the steering column and other parts. In addition, there are problems with transmission and transfer case which has been replace 3 times. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834260, filed 1999-01“While driving around town mirrors are fine. But on highway, mirrors slowly fold back to the window, making it impossible to see the rear. Dealer in crestview, was aware of problem to the extent that they have a solution for it, using a penny.”
NHTSA complaint #867350, filed 2000-08Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 56 | 8% |
| 2008 | 26 | 5% |
| 2007 | 24 | 5% |
| 2006 | 65 | 8% |
| 2005 | 37 | 3% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 33 | 3% |
| 2002 | 53 | 7% |
| 2001 | 13 | 1% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 1% |
| 1998 | 14 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 3% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
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 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
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 30, 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