1996 Dodge RAM problems
Owners have filed 905 complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 25.4% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 16.9%.
Complaints905
Crashes84
Fires26
Injuries53
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 25.4% · 230
Power train 16.9% · 153
Engine and engine cooling 7.3% · 66
Suspension 6.0% · 54
Electrical system 5.5% · 50
Steering 5.3% · 48
Air bags 4.3% · 39
Fuel system, gasoline 4.0% · 36
Severity
Of those complaints, 84 describe a crash, 26 describe a fire, 53 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Dodge RAM in this data, 1996 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 26 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 78,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Consumer was driving and applied the brakes vehicle could not stop, took to dealer, replaced the rear brake shoes and turned the drums . *Ak. Consumer states the rear brakes work for about 30 miles after dealer has replaced them , however then one has to stand on them for any braking power, consumer states that the front brakes are beginning to wear now due to they are the only ones operating on vehicle. *Slc Service brakes, hydraulic
While driving the truck applied the brakes and the abs brakes failed. On 4-3-98, driver applied the brakes and the entire brake system went out, leaving the driver with no brakes. Owner has taken the truck into dealer three times, and they replaced numerous parts, such as the fuel pump, spark plug wire, and etc. The truck still is having brake problems. Service brakes, hydraulic
Front right brake caliper keeps pulling shortly after replacement. 4 Have been replaced. Sometimes a very strong pull where steering is pulled from hands. Especially dangerious when pulling a travel trailer. -- Fuel cell has a badly worn sleeve which causes floating suction to hang up causing air suction and running out of fuel at 1/2 tank plus or minus. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Dodge RAM years
1994 623 complaints · 17.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1995 852 complaints · 21.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1997 513 complaints · 17.0% service brakes, hydraulic 1998 644 complaints · 20.0% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 496 complaints · 19.2% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 212 complaints · 12.7% service brakes, hydraulic