1996 Dodge RAM Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 8%of 625 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 180,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Dodge RAM, 8% of the 625 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 180,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 11 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was being used to plow snow. Vehicle was moving forward at a very slow rate ( approx 1 MPH) and vehicle erupted in flames. Driver had to exit through a wall of flame and within less than a minute, cab was completely engulfed in fire. Vehicle completely destroyed in less than five minutes. Fire appeared to originate from beneath the cab, exact origin unknown. Vehicle will be kept on the premises until we hear from you. Our insurance adjuster has inspected the vehicle for insurance purposes but we have major safety concerns about this vehicle and would like to know what caused the fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #756615, filed 2002-01“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge RAM. The contact noticed a chemical odor coming from the dashboard and the heater. The headlights flickered and the instrument panel lighting suddenly dimmed. The headlights went completely dim. The contact turned everything back on, but the headlights only illuminated for a few minutes. After driving without headlights, he noticed smoke coming from the vents on the driver's side. He pulled into his residence and turned off the vehicle, but the headlights remained illuminated. He attempted to turn the headlights off, but was unsuccessful. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256570, filed 2009-01, 180,000 miles“Headlights don't work when steering wheel is in a downward driving position. If steering wheel is pushed all the way up headlights come on. Consumer received a recall 00v135000/ manufacturer's recall 875. When vehicle was taken into dealer's repair shop, dealer wasn't sure if recall was for that specific problem. Dealer didn't fix it under recall.”
NHTSA complaint #894058, filed 2001-08“Consumer received recall #00v13500 concerning ignition switch failure. Contacted performance Dodge in glendale, az. Dealer claimed there were no parts available , did not set up appointment for consumer . Consumer has been waiting for a long period of time, and has also contacted other dealers. But, can not get recall repairs done.”
NHTSA complaint #865937, filed 2000-07“There was an ignition fire, took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced ignition switch and other parts. Afterwards when starting vehicle starter stayed engaged, and unable to shut off vehicle when turning key in off position. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer but dealer could not duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #898800, filed 2001-11Related recalls
- 00V135000May 10, 2000Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The affected vehicles were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. High electrical…Covers: Dodge RAM 1994–1996
- 95V237000Dec 12, 1995The fasteners which secure the generator cartridge fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load. Improper clamping can result in…Covers: Dodge RAM 1996
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 6 | 22% |
| 2008 | 3 | 12% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 6 | 24% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 10 | 17% |
| 2003 | 4 | 8% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2001 | 20 | 6% |
| 2000 | 13 | 9% |
| 1999 | 17 | 5% |
| 1998 | 48 | 10% |
| 1997 | 22 | 6% |
| 1996 | 47 | 8% |
| 1995 | 72 | 12% |
| 1994 | 64 | 14% |
| 1993 | 4 | 7% |
| 1992 | 6 | 10% |
| 1991 | 5 | 10% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 3 | 17% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM
173 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
135 complaintsEngine cooling
57 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsTires
29 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM
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