1996 Dodge RAM 2500 problems
Owners have filed 365 complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 23.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 12.6%.
Complaints365
Crashes21
Fires18
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 23.3% · 85
Power train 12.6% · 46
Electrical system 7.4% · 27
Tires 6.8% · 25
Suspension 6.6% · 24
Steering 5.8% · 21
Exterior lighting 5.8% · 21
Vehicle speed control 4.9% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 21 describe a crash, 18 describe a fire and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Dodge RAM 2500 in this data, 1996 sits 11th by complaint volume. 2006 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 7 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 136,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Brakes wear excessively after being applied. Brakes were changed. 6,000 Miles later, needed replacing after making squeaking noise. Informed by mechanic rear cylinders too small for brakes on truck. Given printout from napa, indicating defective cylinders. Not enough pressure for rear brakes from cylinders. Contacted manufacturer & informed consumer of a tsb regarding front pads and shoes & cylinders. Service brakes, hydraulic
I went to stop at a red light under normal conditions and the brake petal went to the floor and I rear ended an suv. My vehicle was towed to a repair shop to find that three of the four brake lines rusted out and the one that stayed intact was leaking. I did heavy damage to the suv as well as pushed in my bumper and damaged the hood. Also the application of the emeregency brake did nothing. Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 125,000 miles
While driving vehicle would pull to right when abs brakes were applied. Had brakes repaired and problem had continued. Had taken vehicle to dealership at least 15 times for problem, but had not been resolved. The would not slow vehicle down like it should. Complained to dealer and mechanic since bought it new. Les schwarb was referred by mechanic, but problem still exists. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Dodge RAM 2500 years
1994 210 complaints · 21.0% service brakes, hydraulic 1995 354 complaints · 20.6% service brakes, hydraulic 1997 275 complaints · 15.6% service brakes, hydraulic 1998 310 complaints · 15.8% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 422 complaints · 18.5% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 269 complaints · 21.2% structure