2001 DODGE RAM 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,370

Owner Complaints

84 Crashes 58 Fires 1 Death

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

3

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500

The 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 has received a total of 1,370 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, TIRES, AIR BAGS. 3 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Structure (483 complaints), Unknown Or Other (113 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (59 complaints).

Recalls for the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500, potentially affecting up to 260,700 vehicles.

Recall 06E024000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 44,386 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND...

Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

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Recall 03V504000 — TIRES

| 214 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT...

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Recall 01V153000 — AIR BAGS

| 216,100 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000...

Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE...

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Owner Complaints for the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500

1,370 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Structure
Complaints: 483 4 Crashes 2 Fires 18 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 113 1 Crash 3 Fires 6 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 59 2 Crashes
Electrical System
Complaints: 56 1 Crash 11 Fires 1 Injury
Structurebody
Complaints: 46 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 45 15 Crashes 1 Fire 15 Injuries 1 Death
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 38 27 Crashes 21 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 35 23 Fires
Tires
Complaints: 28 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 26 4 Crashes 2 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 23 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 20 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 16 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 15 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 15
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 14
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 14
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 13
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 13 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 12
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 12 1 Fire
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 11 1 Injury
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 11 1 Injury
Equipment
Complaints: 10 3 Crashes 5 Injuries
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 1 Fire
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 10
Service Brakes
Complaints: 9
Wheels
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 6 3 Crashes 4 Injuries
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 6
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 5
Engine
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 5 2 Fires 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4 1 Injury
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 4 Injuries
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 4 2 Fires
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 3
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 3
Structurebodyhood
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Visibility
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 2
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 2
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 2
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 2
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 2
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 2
Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanical
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockinterconnecting Assemblywiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Airsupplyhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warning Lamp
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assemblyleaf
Complaints: 1
Tiresbead
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11717773 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
The contact owned a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while exiting a parking lot and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal floored, causing the contact to roll to a stop on the side of the road. The ABS and Brake Warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive at 2 MPH to their home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the brake line had blown and replaced it where it had failed. Approximately 6 months later, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated again. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed no leaks. When restarting the vehicle, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. While driving at an unknown speed, the ABS and brake lights illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to Meineke Car Care Center to a certified mechanic. The following morning, the lights were not illuminated. The vehicle was returned to Meineke Car Care Center, who stated that it may have been a computer glitch causing the lights to illuminate, then turn off when the vehicle was restarted. The contact had the brakes replaced as routine maintenance; however, after doing so, while driving in the rain at approximately 25 mph and attempting to apply the brakes, the brakes failed, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain injuries or require medical attention. The contact assumed the other driver had injuries, but could not confirm. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive at a slow speed to their home. The ABS and Brake lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to Meineke Car Care Center, where it was diagnosed that the other brake line had blown. The front end and brake line, which had blown was repaired. After the vehicle had been repaired, when coming to a stoplight, the failure occurred again, causing the vehicle to crash a second time. There were no injuries, air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact drove the vehicle to Meineke Car Care Center, who was
#11700714 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
While driving and operating the heater, unbeknowst to me leaves/pine needles had come in through the fresh air cowl vent and built up on the heater blower resistor resulting in a fire. This design in dangerous as the default for the air intake is open and allows debris to enter and drop directly into the fan and blower motor resistor. I've searched online and seen multiple reports of this issue. I have a video I can provide if contacted.
#11700714 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles Fire
While driving and operating the heater, unbeknowst to me leaves/pine needles had come in through the fresh air cowl vent and built up on the heater blower resistor resulting in a fire. This design in dangerous as the default for the air intake is open and allows debris to enter and drop directly into the fan and blower motor resistor. I've searched online and seen multiple reports of this issue. I have a video I can provide if contacted.
#11579853 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles Fire
Passenger side airbag exploded while sitting in my yard.
#11527071 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
The headlights no matter what bulbs I buy are extremely dim making it unsafe to drive at night. Now truck will not start for some unknown reason. It tries to turn over but will not crank. The mileage flashes NO BUS. I was literally only getting at best 8 miles per gallon.

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Safety Rating for the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 3 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

0053 — STEERING

SOME VEHICLES WITH A LONG WHEEL BASE RAM TRUCK STEERING GEAR MAY HAVE SENSITIVE STEERING AND EXHIBIT A STEERING WANDER CONDITION - ADVANCE SERVICE ACTION. *TT

0041 — STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

SOME SHORT WHEEL BASE TRUCKS BUILT AT THE WARREN TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH THE WRONG STEERING GEAR. *TT

0009 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

ADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING THE RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER'S BLEEDER SCREW LOCATED ON BOTTOM OF CALIPER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO BLEED THE BRAKES. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2001 DODGE RAM 1500.

Investigation PE00025 — SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Closed

Opened:

REAR SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE DISENGAGEMENT

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 1500

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Other DODGE Models

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