1996 Dodge RAM Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 3%of 625 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1996 Dodge RAM, 3% of the 625 complaints for this model year. 3 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Was driving on e-way going 70 miles per hour which is the speed limit when hood flew up and smashed into windshield the hood has not been open since nov. 21st ,2000 when I had the oil changed and this happened on feb. 1st, 2001 there was no indication that the hood had been released and when we pulled on the release lever inside truck the latch under the hood does not move there are no broken parts on the latch either.”
NHTSA complaint #740370, filed 2001-02“Was driving down a country road at 60mph and the hood of my 1996 Dodge chose to fly up. Fortunately, all I did was take the ditch and a gaurd rail. Could have been much worse. Chrysler said they turned it over to an investigation group back in early may. Still no word!”
NHTSA complaint #748787, filed 2001-07“While driving hood flew up, causing damage to the vehicle. A recall has been issued on vehicle's make and model; however, this vehicle is not included due to VIN. The manufacturer has inspected vehicle. During inspection inspector showed consumer where latch and secondary latches were rusted, the secondary latch once opened would not spring back into position.”
NHTSA complaint #885126, filed 2001-04“Consumer received notification that his vehicle was affected by recall 01v040000 concerning hood latch. Dealership was refusing to replace hood latch as described by corrective action for this recall. Please provide any additional information / attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #897202, filed 2001-10“Vehicle locks consumer out intermittently. Dealership is aware of problem. When the doors are locked all the consumer has to do is pull the inside door handle and the door opens, this also occurs when the truck is in motion, possible design flaw. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #893840, filed 2001-08Related recalls
- 01V040000Feb 12, 2001On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode…Covers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 11% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 8 | 2% |
| 1996 | 16 | 3% |
| 1995 | 28 | 5% |
| 1994 | 19 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM
173 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
135 complaintsEngine cooling
57 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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