2001 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500, 5% of the 1,112 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,300 miles. 13 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 5.2 v-8 engine. The engine has very poor performance due to tapping valves and lifters, when trying to merge onto the highway the truck losses power so I'm afraid this may be a serious safety issue by causing a accident on the highway. I have complained to chrysler Dodge and they do nothing we as consumers really need the help.”
NHTSA complaint #10371196, filed 2010-12, 113,000 miles“Vehicle just died no warning no check engine lights oil pressure gauge normal, and now I have a blown engine. I was told there was some sludge in the engine due to lack of regular oil changes. The oil was changed every three to five thousnd miles. Still has extended warranty coverage that the dealer where it was towed to will not honor.”
NHTSA complaint #10066271, filed 2004-04, 58,000 miles“My 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 keep stalling when decelerating. The engine will start right up again when I turn the key but unless I keep my foot on the gas it dies again and again. It's always at low speeds like in a parking lot or approaching stop signs or red lights. This is very dangerous in traffic. I have had it to 3 different mechanics and we've replaced the alternator and the battery (twice on the battery) and it is still doing the same thing. Sometimes it runs fine and then it just starts quitting on my.”
NHTSA complaint #10484030, filed 2012-11, 119,000 miles“While driving the vehicle to college it just quit on me. It would not start again. I had it towed to the dealership where purchased and it is still under warranty.the next day they called and told me there was sludge build up in the engine and that it was locked up. They took a oil analysis test and said that we were liable for the damage caused by not having recommended oil changes. I have receipts showing oil changes but I was denied by chrysler any work done on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10045775, filed 2003-11, 35,800 miles“2001 Dodge quad cab pickup has failing wiring in steering column which makes truck die while driving . Which in turn there is no power brakes or steering and no electrical functions that makes the truck run . Dead on the road literally. Who knows at what speeds this problem may occur. Luckily, it happened to me while going slow and I was able to stop the truck. No known human deaths yet that I have heard of from this. If the problem is not fixed with wiring harness there will be deaths, I'm pretty sure due to this problem. I would like to do my best to keep my family and other families safe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241972, filed 2008-09, 55,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191455Sep 7, 2016Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% |
| 2005 | 77 | 7% |
| 2004 | 116 | 11% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 7% |
| 2001 | 51 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 6% |
| 1998 | 35 | 7% |
| 1997 | 20 | 6% |
| 1996 | 32 | 11% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500
548 complaintsOther or unknown
113 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
95 complaintsAir bags
84 complaintsElectrical system
81 complaintsSuspension
69 complaintsBrakes
59 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsTires
33 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
26 complaintsEquipment
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology