1996 Dodge RAM 3500 problems
Owners have filed 182 complaints about the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 23.6% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 11.5%.
Complaints182
Crashes8
Fires12
Injuries3
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 23.6% · 43
Power train 11.5% · 21
Suspension 8.8% · 16
Engine and engine cooling 6.6% · 12
Structure 6.0% · 11
Vehicle speed control 6.0% · 11
Steering 6.0% · 11
Electrical system 5.5% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a crash, 12 describe a fire and 3 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Dodge RAM 3500 in this data, 1996 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2012 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 115,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Front brakes have gone out for the fifth time while driving at 65mph on highway on wet and dry pavements. The brakes go down to the pedal. Several dealers have mentioned that a bulletin was put out 28-mar-97, but no recall has been issued. In addition, back brakes are inoperative because wheel cylinders on back are too small. Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer complaining of brake lining wearing out too soon at 10,000 miles. Consumer believes condition is not normal for this situation. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop for more then three times and condition still occurs. Problem has not been resolved. Dealer will not repair without cost to the consumer. Service brakes, hydraulic
While driving at any speed applied brakes, vehicle steered to left or right. Sometimes vehicle would start to shake, would not stop. Needed to keep pressure on brakes in order to stop. Dealer ships had vehicle in shop 6 times, replaced pads/rotors and did an alignment. This defect can cause an accident. *Ak *nlm Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…