1996 Dodge RAM 3500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500, 6% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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.
“My 1996 v10 Dodge RAM 3500 pickup had 3 catalytic converters plug up in a 4 year period due to rear injectors being plugged. There is no fuel filter in line and the screen in the injectors plugs over the course of about a year. At a replacement cost of $600.00, the dealership is not motivated to eliminate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10028583, filed 2003-07, 50,000 miles“Dealership service dept found that the left front frame was totally broken and the right front side was cracked and almost totally broken in same area. They say that it can possibly be welded but no guarantee would hold. We ask that they contact chrsyler to see if anything could be done about it, because we feel that this is not something that should happen. They said chrsyler refused to do anything about it, and said since it was 6 years old, and had that many miles on it that they wouldn't do anything. …”
NHTSA complaint #765617, filed 2002-08“Dodge dealerships received a notice not to use frame filters as they explode and throw fragments of the filter into the engines. Dodge owners were never warned. Fram advertisements say they have the best filters. Evidently, this has happened many times before according to mechanics and owners and the web. Our time warranty ended 01/02, but the mileage isn't even close. We bought the big Dodge thinking it would be the last truck we purchase since we are in our 70's. The cummings diesel engine should run 300,000 miles, so 38,000 is nothing in comparison. …”
NHTSA complaint #766036, filed 2002-08Related service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, 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 | 10 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 13 | 8% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500
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