1996 Dodge RAM Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 9%of 625 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,992miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Dodge RAM, 9% of the 625 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,992 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2000-09“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 1999-02“I am a mechanic and have talked to other mechanics about my problem. The motor in my truck is 3 years old and is rusting from the inside out. I am told that chrysler has had previous problems like this for many years. I know that many other people like me are having to fix there problems out of our own pockets. My problem is only fixed temporaly it can not be fixed. The next solution would be a new motor . I feel that this is a problem that chrysler should attend to.”
NHTSA complaint #712544, filed 1999-09“I have a 1996 Dodge RAM van 2500 with a 3.9 liter engine in 117000 miles I had to have 2 timing chains installed and now it is on its 3rd timing chain why?”
NHTSA complaint #10018745, filed 2003-05“While driving, consumer discovered that crankshaft was misaligned and knocked bearings out of the rods. Dealer installed remanufactured engine in truck at 54,000 miles, the remanufactured engine had a knock in it from day one of installation, consumer took truck back to dealer, dealer replaced pan and bearings.”
NHTSA complaint #8006971, filed 2002-04Related recalls
- 97V084000May 5, 1997Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain…Covers: Dodge RAM 1994–1997
Related service bulletins
- 10018993Dec 21, 2005Illuminated 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…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 8% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 8% |
| 2005 | 15 | 38% |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% |
| 2003 | 8 | 15% |
| 2002 | 14 | 12% |
| 2001 | 29 | 9% |
| 2000 | 15 | 10% |
| 1999 | 37 | 10% |
| 1998 | 38 | 8% |
| 1997 | 30 | 8% |
| 1996 | 57 | 9% |
| 1995 | 51 | 8% |
| 1994 | 28 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 7% |
| 1992 | 7 | 12% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM
173 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
135 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsElectrical system
47 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