1996 Dodge RAM 2500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 4%of 291 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 173,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500, 4% of the 291 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 173,000 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.
“The dash is a big pile of junk! Hard plastic with a vibrating diesel? Turns to pieces and falls into defroster ducts, floor, all in cab of truck! This is why you don't buy Dodge or you buy it for only cummins diesel power! Thats one of the only things that seldom breaks and needs fixing! Take the power train away and you would not sell another! Booo! No good dash!”
NHTSA complaint #10491750, filed 2013-01, 196,000 miles“Truck would not quit leaking inside truck no windows down or doors open after rain? Found through a boroscope investigation that truck welded seams were not properly sealed after the welding took place. Windshield wiper motors removed and in between cab under window motor numerous welds were found to be leaking. Labor intensive to reseal. Cost $1,900 to reseal faulty welds from mexico!”
NHTSA complaint #10491752, filed 2013-01, 200,000 miles“Attempted to turn on headlights. Headlight switch pulled out from dis-integrated instrument panel plastic. Had to release steering wheel and hold body of headlight switch with one hand while operating switch control with other hand. This Dodge ram's dash cover has completely cracked away several years ago. Now, the actual instrument panel is dis-integrating. Currently the headlight switch, the overdrive switch and auxiliary power outlet are hanging by wires. The drink holder and radio are removed as their mounting support is gone.”
NHTSA complaint #10606531, filed 2014-06, 291,000 miles“Hood hinges on early models full size Dodge trucks can slide out of slot thus releasing spring. Should any one be in the area they could receive a serious injury. Later models put a retainer preventing spring from sliding out of slot and releasing.”
NHTSA complaint #10275807, filed 2009-07, 210,000 miles“Dodge RAM 2500 pick up truck: dashboard has been slowly disintegrating to the point where certainly elements are holding only by one screw ' air-condition vents are falling out. Top of dashboard is 50% gone, broken in to small pieces and exposing electrical wires to the harsh sunlight. Some controls such as driver seat electrical window is no longer opening, RPM meter is only working intermittently. The underside, exposing all wires and controls is missing cover (disintegrated). Dodge is no longer selling the dashboard replacement ' would be willing to purchase at almost any price. …”
NHTSA complaint #10299079, filed 2010-01, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use 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, 2019Use 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…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 3% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 35 | 6% |
| 2003 | 146 | 22% |
| 2002 | 40 | 26% |
| 2001 | 181 | 39% |
| 2000 | 56 | 27% |
| 1999 | 53 | 17% |
| 1998 | 22 | 10% |
| 1997 | 11 | 5% |
| 1996 | 13 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 13 | 8% |
| 1993 | 4 | 10% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
14 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