1996 Dodge RAM 1500 problems
Owners have filed 407 complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 13.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 13.5%.
Complaints407
Crashes22
Fires17
Injuries18
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 13.5% · 55
Power train 13.5% · 55
Engine and engine cooling 9.1% · 37
Structure 8.6% · 35
Suspension 7.6% · 31
Electrical system 7.4% · 30
Steering 6.6% · 27
Fuel system, gasoline 4.7% · 19
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 17 describe a fire, 18 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Dodge RAM 1500 in this data, 1996 draws comparatively few complaints; 2005 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 111,500 miles.
In owners' own words
When the brakes were applied, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance and rear ended another vehicle. The dealer kept the vehicle for over a month and could not duplicate or correct the problem. *Ak the consumer contacted chrysler who sent an investigator to look at the vehicle. The lights on the dashboard were no longer illuminated, they just flashed. *Ph Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 24,571 miles
Front brakes making a noise like they were rubbing metal to metal. Brake pedal got soft, adjusted rear brakes and machined drums. Deglazed shoes on 12-31-,1-7-97 mileage 1207, brakes making a clingiing nosie. No brake power,replaced master cylinder. Brakes not working. Service brakes, hydraulic
While applying brakes at 35 mph vehicle would slow down, but not stop. Vehicle would continually go on, even with both feet on pedal. Vehicle been to dealer shop on six occasions, and unable to locate problem. Feel free to provide any futher information. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…