1996 Dodge RAM 2500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 5%of 291 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500, 5% of the 291 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“The engine raced at a high RPM when it should have been idling as it slowed down. When this occurred, the consumer put the vehicle into neutral which slowed the engine. The dealership performed a diagnostic test in which no failure code was found. The cause of the problem was undetermined. The dealership took an educated guess and replaced the ais motor and tps sensor and did some general cleaning. Thus far the problem hasn't recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10074413, filed 2004-06, 75,000 miles“When engine is cold engine dies when you come to a stop this pickup was taken to coliesum motors on twice while under warranty, the first time they informed me this was normal for a diesel this is the 4th Dodge diesel I have owned none of the others had this defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #740418, filed 2001-02“We have a 1996 Dodge truck ram p/u 2500 2door e with 78,155 miles. The sleeve threading for the oil plug to screw into under the oil pan broke during a chrysler mileage driven maintenance schedule for my ram pickup cummins diesel. There have been 17 oil changes done up to now. The dealership said the breakage was due to wear and tear and was not covered under warranty or maintenance agreement. The dealership gave me 2 options for repair: 1. Upgrade to the new design oil tank with plug and sleeve threading that eliminated this problem. The old and new oil tank parts are not interchangeable. 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #10122161, filed 2005-05“My truck developed a running problem and I took it to the dealer and I was told that the converter is plugged. Then I was also told that since I put a non chrysler part on my truck which caused the failer that they was going to void my warrenty. Well the part I put on is a set of carb. Certified cat forward headers. I did not alter the exhaust system. The factory converter remained and untouched. I went to chrysler with info from the header manufactor and with the magnuson moss act that says the dealer can not void my warrenty for putting this product on my truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #765227, filed 2002-08“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge RAM 2500. While attempting to downshift at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the clutch would not engage into any gears. He was forced to use the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 151,000. Updated 8/28/09 the consumer stated the exhaust flange was leaking, which in turn melted the hydraulic clutch line which was plastic and within inches of the exhaust. Updated 09/03/09”
NHTSA complaint #10279664, filed 2009-08, 151,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 11 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 23 | 7% |
| 2007 | 20 | 6% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 13 | 3% |
| 2004 | 24 | 4% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 26 | 6% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 24 | 8% |
| 1998 | 13 | 6% |
| 1997 | 15 | 7% |
| 1996 | 14 | 5% |
| 1995 | 12 | 4% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
44 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTires
24 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEquipment
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500
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