2001 Dodge RAM 1500 Problems
- Complaints
- 1,112filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles, 736 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 5.2L 8-cyl RWD · 12 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report the plastic dashboard cracking and breaking apart, frequently starting with small cracks near the windshield and widening into holes that expose wiring. Transmission and driveline complaints, brake line failures, and airbag warning lights also appear repeatedly in the sample, at widely varying mileage, from low-mileage trucks to ones well past 150,000 miles.
- Body and structure
Dashboard cracking and breaking apart
- 623 complaints (56%)
- median 75,000 mi at 6.9 yrs old (436 state mileage)
- 28 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 32 quotes)
- filed 2003–2023
Owners describe the top of the dashboard cracking, then losing chunks until holes expose wiring, the instrument cluster and the passenger airbag area. Many say cracks first appeared near the windshield and spread within a year or two of purchase, with some attributing it to sun exposure and plastic aging. According to the complaints, dealers and the manufacturer generally declined to cover replacement, describing it as wear and tear or telling owners the repair would be at their expense. Reported from as low as 5,000 miles up to about 210,000 miles, often starting within the first few years of ownership and worsening over time.
What to check: Inspect the top of the dash above the instrument cluster and near the windshield for cracks, missing pieces or a dash cover hiding damage, and look for exposed wiring. Ask whether the dash has been repaired or replaced and keep in mind replacement panels can be costly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dash board is falling apart. Started cracking 2 years ago and now is segmented into about 5 main parts. Purchased truck new in 2001. Contacted Dodge and they said I had to pay for repair,if a recall was done then I would get rembursed. This is a safety hazard if in crash parts could fly into the face of driver or passenger.”
NHTSA complaint #10239436, filed 2008-08, 50,000 miles“I could not get past the enter 'failed component' requirement so I had to chose air bags because it is the closest component related to the dash area I could find. I am one of the thousands of people who owns a Dodge truck with a severely cracking dash. I realize that this may not seem to be a 'safety' issue, but believe me, when you have a dash that is cracked into pieces with numerous sharp edges it should be. …”
NHTSA complaint #10457452, filed 2012-05, 118,000 miles - Air bags
Dash debris near airbag and airbag warning light
- 201 complaints (18%)
- median 78,026 mi at 6.8 yrs old (140 state mileage)
- 49 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2001–2026
Complaints describe cracks around the passenger airbag opening and worry about sharp fragments if the airbag deploys. Some owners report the airbag warning light staying on after startup along with a chime, with one complaint attributing it to the clock spring in the steering wheel. A recall addresses sound deadener material inside the steering wheel that could detach from the cover. Airbag warnings reported from roughly 80,000 to 146,000 miles; dashboard damage around the airbag area reported across a wide mileage range.
Recall 01V1530001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether the airbag recall work was completed and check that the airbag warning light goes out after the bulb check on startup. Look at the dash around the passenger airbag for cracks or previous repair.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2001 Dodge 1500 4x4 total dashboard is cracked and big pieces falling out, started at 20,000 miles and would not fix. Have 90,000 know and Dodge can not tell me if it will effect my air-bag deployment on passenger side. Joked to me saying have people ride in the back seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10192585, filed 2007-06, 20,000 miles“I own a 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 pickup truck. Recently I went out to my truck to go to work and noticed a large crack in my dash board running the entire length of the dash from the windshield to the front of the dash. This occurred about 2 months ago. And now as of this date 11 sep 2008 I have noticed several more cracks are now present. It is concerning because the biggest crack runs close to the passenger side airbag area. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241865, filed 2008-09, 210,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, sticking or failing
- 61 complaints (5%)
- median 57,137 mi at 4.5 yrs old (44 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,346 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2001–2021
Owners report the transmission sticking when shifted into drive, slipping, or failing entirely, sometimes with the engine and transmission lights coming on after overheating. Several complaints mention repeated dealer visits without a lasting fix, and one describes transmission heat melting wiring. A bulletin covers a replaceable shift shaft seal for these transmissions. Mostly reported between about 29,000 and 120,000 miles, with some failures under 60,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive from cold and check for delayed or harsh engagement into drive and reverse, slipping under acceleration, and transmission fluid condition. Ask about service history and any prior transmission repairs or seal replacements.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a Dodge 1500 v6 truck that has been a pain every since I have had it. It never ran right from day one and I would take it back to the dealership and they said nothing was wrong with it. Now at 64,000 miles the transmission is blown. They really suck this was my 3rd vehicle from Dodge and I had problems with everyone”
NHTSA complaint #10128738, filed 2005-07, 64,000 miles“Had to have the transmission rebuilt,water pump replaced, ignition problems which lead to a burnt computer box. All of this was suppose to be under my extended warranty; which they dropped when I told them that I had 2 drivers. This was always under a business contract. Never heard again from the warranty co. Except to say that I was cancelled. Dodge RAM 1500 are junk vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10080870, filed 2004-07, 69,713 miles - Electrical system
Engine stalling and no-start electrical faults
- 143 complaints (13%)
- median 79,463 mi at 6.4 yrs old (80 state mileage)
- 20 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2000–2021
Owners describe the engine stalling at operating temperature and restarting only after a cooldown, and one complaint reports an engine control unit replacement without a lasting fix. Another describes smoke and fire at the rear of the engine on startup along with a fuel smell. Others report instrument panel lights dropping out over bumps and the shifter sticking in drive. Reported from about 88,000 miles up to nearly 200,000 miles; several cases involved warmed-up engines at highway speed.
What to check: Ask about any stalling history and whether the engine control module, crank sensor or wiring have been replaced. Check for fuel smells around the engine bay and confirm electrical accessories and gauges work consistently over rough roads.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Several times while I have been driving on a highway or busy road and the engine gets to normal operating temperature, the engine stalls and shuts off. Then I have to maneuver it to the side of the road and let it cool off approximately 15 minutes and then it cranks back up and I can drive 5 minutes and it does the same thing again, very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11406817, filed 2021-04, 198,000 miles“I turned the key to start the engine and as it started cranking smoke started coming out of the defroster and then fire started coming out the engine hood. Luckily I had a fire extinguisher handy and opened the hood and put out the fire. Wondered where the fire started so tried starting again and fire started immediately at the rear of the engine or on top of the bell housing. I also smelled fuel. The truck was next to my garage and had been driven a few days earlier. If I had not put out the fire my whole house could have burned down. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360192, filed 2020-09, 144,000 miles - Brakes
Rear brake line corrosion and failure
- 53 complaints (5%)
- median 85,000 mi at 9.9 yrs old (37 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2026
Complaints describe the rear brake line between the fuel tank and the frame corroding and bursting, sometimes while the truck was parked, leaving the pedal going to the floor. One owner notes the surrounding parts showed little corrosion. Others mention brake and ABS warning lights at the same time. Reported from about 100,000 to over 250,000 miles, typically on older trucks in rust-belt conditions.
What to check: Have the brake lines, especially the run above the fuel tank and along the frame, inspected for rust and pitting before purchase. Ask whether they have been replaced and check pedal feel and brake fluid level.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Rear brake line heavily corroded and ruptured in between the fuel tank and the frame (very little corrosion to the surrounding parts/frame). Fortunately the vehicle was parked when the line broke and I noticed I had lost virtually all braking ability while attempting to put it in gear. I had driven it 10 minutes prior to the line failing, and had noticed no degradation whatsoever.”
NHTSA complaint #10850137, filed 2016-03, 112,000 miles“My truck has 185000 miles on it and started sounding like the back brakes were grinding. On the way to the mechanic the back tires locked up and broke the drive shaft off. Lucky for me I was only going 40 miles an hour.”
NHTSA complaint #10724067, filed 2015-06, 185,000 miles
Buying note. The dashboard condition deserves the closest look on this model year, since cracking and missing pieces are the most commonly reported problem and replacement parts are expensive. Have brake lines and the underside inspected for corrosion, and check transmission behavior on a cold test drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 1,112 consumer complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500. 736 of the complaints include a mileage, and 26% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles. Of all complaints, 65 involved a crash, 35 a fire, 80 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 21 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure548 49%
- Other or unknown113 10%
- Transmission and drivetrain95 8.5%
- Air bags84 7.5%
- Electrical system81 7.3%
- Suspension69 6.2%
- Brakes59 5.3%
- Steering53 4.8%
- Engine cooling51 4.6%
- Tires33 3.0%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (26), Equipment (18), Vehicle speed control (18), Exterior lighting (17), Fuel system (17), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (13), Seat belts (8), Wheels (8), Engine (5), Interior lighting (2).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “Dash, fromt cover covering instument panel. Severly cracked so brittle,that even just a single touch makes it crack and fall apart. My youngest son has gotten cut by the sharp edges of the cracks before. Vehicle was stationary. I haven't been involved in an accident, but I would be concerned that those sharp shards of hard plastic could fly an injury my xhildren and myself.”
NHTSA complaint #11081955, filed 2018-03, 50,000 milesOther or unknown: “Dash started chipping away several years ago but now it is literally going to fall in my lap. It is definitely a safety issue and should have been a recall. After doing research it sure is something that was a well known issue. This is a truck that I intend on keeping forever so it was an investment and I trusted the company but they didn't do a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10970582, filed 2017-04, 75,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Driving down the highway at approximately 70 miles per hour, I heard a horrible rattling noise. Vehicle started to shake violently, I was able to pull over to the side of the road. Upon inspection the rear driveline pinion yoke was loose with the nut holding by one thread.. I installed a new nut and inspected for further damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10667799, filed 2014-12, 217,900 milesAir bags: “I went out to my truck the other day and noticed that the dashboard was starting to crack above the airbag. I have owned this truck since new buying it from the dealer. This truck has never been in a wreck. Now that the dash is cracking right above the airbag I'm afraid to drive in anywhere let alone putting my family at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #10779615, filed 2015-10, 185,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
26% of the 736 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,398 and 98,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 17 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 03V504000Dec 10, 2003TiresCovers: Dodge RAM 1500 2000–2002
On certain 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with the snow plow preparation package, the tires supplied on some vehicles may have gross axle weight ratings that slightly exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no…
- 01V153000May 8, 2001Air bagsCovers: Dodge RAM 1500 2000–2001, RAM 1997–2001, Dakota 1997–2000 +3 more
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th vin position) from may 16, 2000…
Recall details for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE080472000-2001 dodge ram pickup hood latchClosed · Jul 25, 2008
- PE00025Rear safety belt anchorage disengagementClosed · Jul 6, 2000
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 21 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10176211Mar 23, 2020Electrical system, Air bags. This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use 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, 2019Body and structure. Use 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 parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use 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 parts.
Other model years of the Dodge RAM 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 698 | 70,875 | 6 | — | 16 | 53 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 689 | 75,557 | 4 | — | 16 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 488 | 64,600 | 4 | — | 16 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 670 | 67,074 | 2 | — | 16 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 554 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 15 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 517 | 69,250 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 792 | 61,110 | 9 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,173 | 86,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,099 | 70,992 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,171 | 70,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 815 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 1,112 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 513 | 78,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 610 | 85,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 520 | 95,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 361 | 99,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 298 | 122,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 213 | 117,500 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 116 | 108,250 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 6 | 100,003 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 7 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge RAM 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners of this model year most often report the plastic dashboard cracking and breaking apart, frequently starting with small cracks near the windshield and widening into holes that expose wiring. The issues reported most often: Dashboard cracking and breaking apart; Dash debris near airbag and airbag warning light; Transmission slipping, sticking or failing.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 1,112 consumer complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 548 complaints (49% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 113.
Has the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 (Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 5.2L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 reported?
Among the 736 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,000 miles and the middle half falls between 48,398 and 98,000 miles; 26% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.