1996 Dodge RAM Problems
- Complaints
- 625filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 81,500miles, 18 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 10campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Dodge RAM (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake and transmission problems, with complaints spanning from low mileage to well past 150,000 miles. Braking complaints frequently involve a soft or floor-level pedal and illuminated ABS lamps, while transmission reports center on delayed or missing shifts between second and third gear. Electrical symptoms, especially headlights going dark and ignition switch overheating, also appear repeatedly in the sample.
- Brakes
Soft or sinking brake pedal with ABS light on
- 144 complaints (23%)
- median 112,724 mi at 8.1 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 22 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2024
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floor and the vehicle taking longer to stop, sometimes with the ABS and brake warning lamps lit on the dash. Some owners report pulling to one side while braking, and several mention the ABS cycling or wheels locking on wet pavement. Others link the problem to oil entering the vacuum system and degrading the brake booster hoses; dealers in those cases recommended an external check valve and hose. Reports in the sample span a wide range of mileage, from under 40,000 miles to over 125,000 miles, with no single age or weather pattern.
What to check: Ask whether the vacuum pump and brake booster hoses have been serviced, and check for oil contamination in the vacuum line. Test the pedal for firmness at a stop and confirm the ABS lamp goes out after startup.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle vacuum system became contaminated with oil. This effected the vehicle's hav system, brake booster and deteriorated all the vacuum hoses which caused the brakes to fail intermittently. A recall was initiated for this problem but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN. The dealer recommended that the consumer install an external brake booster check valve and hose, replace vent and defroster actuator. The customer declined the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10056106, filed 2004-01, 98,449 miles“While driving at any speed vehicle took a long time to slow down when the brake pedal was pressed. Brake light stayed on, and oil was leaking into the vacuum system.”
NHTSA complaint #10044508, filed 2003-10, 127,000 miles - Electrical system
Headlights cut out and ignition switch overheats
Mentioned in 11 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe headlights going dark while driving, sometimes returning after the switch is cycled or after the truck cools, and instrument panel lighting dimming at the same time. Several owners report burnt wiring, melted connectors, or a melted ignition switch shroud, often with the blower motor or air conditioning running. Dealers in some cases replaced the ignition switch and part of the harness, and owners note the switch has been replaced more than once. Reports in the sample range widely, from under 10,000 miles to around 180,000 miles, with several describing repeated failures over years of ownership.
Recall 00V135000Recall 95V237000
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch recall work was completed and whether the headlight switch or harness has been replaced. Check the switch and connector for discoloration or a burnt smell, and test the headlights with the blower on high.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“- the contact owns a 1996 Dodge RAM pickup. While driving at 55 MPH the lights turned off. The contact was forced to stop the vehicle while it cooled off, and after approximately 15 minutes, the vehicles lights illuminated. Also, the failure caused the wiring harness to melt. The contact stated that this failure occurred too frequently . It began to occur 1 year after purchasing the vehicle, and he replaced the headlight switches over 12 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10187340, filed 2007-04, 9,900 miles“Consumer states henderson chrysler dealership refuses to honor recall NHTSA 00v135000/manufacturer recall 875 concerning ignition problems. Due to past differences. Consumer feels that since it is a safety defect recall done by manufacturer and not by the consumer, dealer must honor it. Because of dealer's refusal, consumer must travel into another town to the next closet dealer, which is 35 miles one way. Work has been performed.”
NHTSA complaint #864974, filed 2000-07 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission fails to shift into third gear
- 70 complaints (11%)
- median 75,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2004
Owners describe the automatic transmission sticking in second gear, refusing to go into third, or losing reverse entirely, sometimes only when the engine is cold. Several complaints mention repeated seal or clutch drum replacement, with the same failure returning after tens of thousands of miles. Some report the fluid lines or connectors letting go under load, and a few mention the dealer replacing the transmission with a remanufactured unit. Often reported between roughly 20,000 and 90,000 miles, with some owners describing the problem appearing first when the truck is cold.
What to check: Drive the truck cold and confirm it moves through all gears, including reverse and overdrive. Ask for transmission service records and look for fluid leaks or weepage at the cooling line connections.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My main complaint is the transmission. The pressure seal for second gear has been replaced 3 times. It lasts for about 30,000 miles and then goes. I've had to pay for the repair 2 out of 3 times. Approx 1400.00.. The last time I had parts put in that were not chrysler products.”
NHTSA complaint #10070694, filed 2004-01, 32,701 miles“We experienced a complete transmission failure and had to be towed. The dealer had to replace the transmission with a factory rebuilt unit because this transmission is no longer manufactured. We can only assume this is because the transmission was under designed and not suitable for use in this truck. We feel that the entire cost of the repair and replacement should be borne by the vehicle manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #712814, filed 1999-10 - Fuel system
Fuel pump and fuel system contamination or leaks
- 33 complaints (5%)
- median 69,000 mi at 8.1 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2004
Owners describe the truck stalling or running roughly, with the dealer finding a failed fuel pump, contaminated tank, or internally rusted fuel rails sending debris into the injectors. Some report a strong fuel smell or a leaking return line, and diesel owners mention a fuel gauge stuck on empty. In some cases parts were on back order for weeks. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 90,000 miles, with several complaints involving stalling at low speed.
What to check: Ask about fuel pump and filter service history and look for a fuel smell around the tank and lines. On diesel models, confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly with a known fuel level.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, the vehicle shut down completely. Dealer notified. . It was determined the fuel pump failed which caused the vehicle to stall. Also the rear hazard lights did not work.”
NHTSA complaint #10026742, filed 2003-08, 53,000 miles“Fuel shut off valve does not work properly; return fuel line leaking. The problem is causing wear and tear on the starter and battery, and now theres a strong deisel smell. Consumer took car to dealer and parts have been on back order for 8 weeks.”
NHTSA complaint #850618, filed 1999-10 - Engine cooling
Sudden acceleration or throttle cable sticking
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
A small number of complaints describe the engine revving unexpectedly or the truck surging forward after startup, with a mechanic finding a throttle-related cable kinked or caught. One owner reports an unravelled cable. These accounts appear alongside broader engine complaints about stalling without warning and repeated oil pump replacement. Reports in the sample cover a range of mileage, with the surge complaints filed at moderate mileage and no clear seasonal pattern.
What to check: Inspect the throttle cable and linkage for fraying or binding, and confirm any open speed-control recall has been performed. Ask whether the truck stalls or idles irregularly when cold.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When the consumer started the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated. The RPM's had gone into the red. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the repair shop, but the mechanic could not repair it because he could not duplicate the problem. The tow truck driver had viewed one of the cables in a u shape and it was stuck into a spring on the gas pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10040808, filed 2003-10, 78,000 miles“While traveling vehicle would stall without indicaton. Dealer has been notified. Also, oil pump needed to be replaced. Vehicle is on its third replacement. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #857557, filed 2000-02
Buying note. Check the brakes, transmission shift quality, and headlight and ignition switch operation carefully on a test drive, and ask for records of any recall work. Given the age of these trucks, service history and a pre-purchase inspection matter more than mileage alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 625 consumer complaints for the 1996 Dodge RAM. 18 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 81,500 miles. Of all complaints, 72 involved a crash, 23 a fire, 47 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes173 28%
- Transmission and drivetrain135 22%
- Engine cooling57 9.1%
- Suspension49 7.8%
- Electrical system47 7.5%
- Steering43 6.9%
- Air bags38 6.1%
- Fuel system37 5.9%
- Vehicle speed control30 4.8%
- Tires29 4.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (24), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (24), Exterior lighting (18), Seats (18), Latches, locks and linkages (16), Equipment (13), Other or unknown (13), Wheels (10), Seat belts (7).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The brakes have not been 100% since I purchased this vehicle. I took the vehicle to the dealer at41,000 miles and complained about low pedal . I was told that the pads and shoes were fine. At about 50,000 miles, the brake booster failed and the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. Squealing noise from under the hood was found to be the water pump.”
NHTSA complaint #703282, filed 1999-02Transmission and drivetrain: “Manufacturer defect could have caused an accident or even harm. Problems with vehicle not shifting properly. Vehicle was taken to dealership and the high clutch drum was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10057290, filed 2004-01, 77,158 milesEngine cooling: “After trying to change foward oxygen sensor four times I find out I have 1995 sensors in my 1996 truck. The connectors on the 1996 sensors for the forward and aft oxygen sensors are opposite on 1995. How many other componets on this wiring harness will be affected? A 1996 forward sensor lists for $75.00 while a 1995 sensor lists for $130.00.”
NHTSA complaint #731673, filed 2000-09Suspension: “There is a service bulletin number 020496, sequence number 49, date of bulletin 9606, NHTSA item number sb047743 out on this problem of the suspension;independent front control arm; ball joints being rusted and needing replacement. The Dodge people told me it will cost me $880 to fix and the truck only has 26,000 miles on it. It is a defect that needs to be recalled. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #738710, filed 2001-01Mileage when problems were reported
17% of the 18 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 53,000 and 116,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 01V037000Feb 12, 2001Vehicle speed controlCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1996
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines. The throttle cable could unravel (fray) or break resulting in loss of throttle control.
- 01V040000Feb 12, 2001Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of…
- 00V135000May 10, 2000Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1996
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The affected vehicles were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. High electrical current loads pass through the switch when the blower motor is operated on high for an extended periods of…
- 99V115000May 6, 1999Power train › Clutch assemblyCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the…
- 99V023000Feb 5, 1999Air bags › FrontalCovers: Dodge RAM 1995–1997
Vehicle description: van and wagon model passenger vehicles. If water/road salt gets on the interior floor of the vehicle in the proximity of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), the aecm can corrode. The resulting corrosion can cause the driver…
- 97V199000Nov 13, 1997Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Dodge RAM 1994–1996
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel tank mounted rollover valve can allow liquid fuel to leak onto the ground under certain vehicle operating conditions.
See all 10 recalls for the 1996 Dodge RAM → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ00012HOOD LATCHClosed · May 3, 2000
- DP00002Steering column fireClosed · Jan 20, 2000
- EA99027Steering column firesClosed · Sep 10, 1999
- PE99031Ignition switchClosed · May 5, 1999
- RQ98002Transmission quick connectorsOpen · Mar 10, 1998
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10018993Dec 21, 2005Engine cooling. Illuminated mil as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have failed a california smog or state I/m test but without an illuminated mil, or a rattling…
Other model years of the Dodge RAM
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 27 | 10,025 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2009 | 9 | 43,992 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 25 | 25,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 17 | 59,436 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2006 | 25 | 36,470 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 40 | 22,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 58 | 37,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 53 | 38,750 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 116 | 37,827 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 318 | 45,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 147 | 63,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 366 | 78,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 483 | 74,000 | 13 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 398 | 80,000 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 625 | 81,500 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 611 | 102,398 | 12 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 469 | 125,254 | 18 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 54 | 111,275 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 58 | 87,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 51 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 23 | 17,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 22 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge RAM model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge RAM?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake and transmission problems, with complaints spanning from low mileage to well past 150,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Soft or sinking brake pedal with ABS light on; Headlights cut out and ignition switch overheats; Transmission fails to shift into third gear.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Dodge RAM have?
NHTSA recorded 625 consumer complaints for the 1996 Dodge RAM as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Dodge RAM is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 173 complaints (28% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 135.
Has the 1996 Dodge RAM been recalled?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Dodge RAM reported?
Among the 18 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 81,500 miles and the middle half falls between 53,000 and 116,000 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.