1996 Dodge RAM 3500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 9%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500, 9% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 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.
“I purchased this truck in 2003 and the dash was cracked. It shakes and rattles whenever I hit any bumps in the road. Dodge will do nothing but try to sell me another dash at a sky high rate. I'm afraid the dash will completely fall apart while my wife or I am driving down the road. I am now experiencing a vacuum problem with some lines under the dash caused by this since the dash moves so much. My ABS light is on, my cruise control doesn't work and the airconditioning only blows out of the defrost vent.”
NHTSA complaint #10192493, filed 2007-06, 85,000 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“Driver heard a squeaking noise coming from the front. Vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. The front bumper fell off at the dealership, and mechanic informed the driver that front bumper needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10109185, filed 2005-01“During wheel alignment it was noticed that the welds on the rectangular tubing have disintegrated, left and right front wheels on frame . A welder and front end specialist agreed that the weld was improperly done, the frame had separated entirely on the left front, approximately half way on the right, the only thing holding the left front wheel was the stabilizer and the tie rod.”
NHTSA complaint #894020, filed 2001-08“While driving approximately five MPH and pulling into a driveway a-frame weld broke, causing frame to disconnect and drop to ground. Dealership is in possession of vehicle, and no determination has been made for reason of this problem. Please provide any additional information / attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #897867, filed 2001-10Related 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 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 53 | 19% |
| 2002 | 9 | 20% |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% |
| 2000 | 9 | 16% |
| 1999 | 18 | 17% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% |
| 1996 | 11 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 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 28, 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