1996 DODGE RAM 2500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

365

Owner Complaints

21 Crashes 18 Fires

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

0

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500

The 1996 DODGE RAM 2500 has received a total of 365 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (32 complaints), Power Trainautomatic Transmission (19 complaints), and Tires (14 complaints).

Recalls for the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500, potentially affecting up to 44,386 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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Owner Complaints for the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500

365 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 32 7 Crashes 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 19 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 14
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 12
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 11 1 Crash
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 9 2 Fires
Steering
Complaints: 9 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 9
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 9
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 7 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 7 2 Fires
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 7 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 7
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 7
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 6
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 5
Structure
Complaints: 5
Structurebody
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5
Air Bags
Complaints: 4 2 Injuries
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 4
Trailer Hitches
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Equipment
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Power Train
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuumhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 3
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Diesel
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 2
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 2
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 2
Steeringgear Boxshaft Pitman
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Equipmentmechanicalcarrierrack
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Dieselstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakedrivelinehydraulichoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11527189 | AIR BAGS | | 330,000 miles 1 Injury
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag warning light suddenly activated, and moments later the front driver’s side air bag erroneously deployed. During the failure, the driver sustained various facial injuries and injuries to the nose. The contact also sustained an injury to the right arm which required medical attention. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 330,000.
#11439726 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 54,900 miles Fire
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at night with the high beam on, a strong burning odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he thought the burning odor was coming from outside not the vehicle as no warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle was functioning normally. The contact stated that the next morning the headlight switch did not feel normal as the switch was easily pulled out. The contact stated he removed the instrument panel and noticed that wires and connectors were melted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that he ordered the parts himself and would do the repairs. The contact stated that he found manufacturer recall number: 918 for the 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 3500 online, however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 54,900.
#11365274 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 250,000 miles
THE PEALING (DEFECTIVE) PAINT THAT DODGE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT HAS NOW PEALED AROUND THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. THE WINDSHIELD IS STUCK TO THE PAINT, BUT SINCE THE PAINT HAS TURNED LOOSE FROM THE WINDSHIELD FRAME IT'S JUST SORT OF SITTING THERE. I GUESS THE GOOD NEWS IS NOW UPON IMPACT THE WINDSHIELD WILL QUICKLY EXIT THE VEHICLE ALLOWING THE SHARP PLASTIC SHARDS FROM THE BROKEN DASH TO ALSO LEAVE THE VEHICLE RATHER THAN IMPALING THE OCCUPANT'S. THIS JUST WEEKS AFTER HAVING TO WELD A BROKEN LOWER A FRAME BRACKET BACK IN PLACE, YET ANOTHER DEFECT IN THESE TRUCKS.
#11308269 | STEERING | | 176,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE FRONT END SHAKES AND VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING OVER GROOVED PAVEMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER URNESS MOTORS (505 CHERRY HEIGHTS ROAD, THE DALLES, OR. 97058) AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000. *DT*JB*DT CONSUMER ASKS FOR SAFETY RECALL AND STATED HE COULD NOT DRIVE ON OPEN FREEWAY.*JB
#11308269 | SUSPENSION | | 176,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE FRONT END SHAKES AND VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING OVER GROOVED PAVEMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER URNESS MOTORS (505 CHERRY HEIGHTS ROAD, THE DALLES, OR. 97058) AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000. *DT*JB*DT CONSUMER ASKS FOR SAFETY RECALL AND STATED HE COULD NOT DRIVE ON OPEN FREEWAY.*JB

View all Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500

No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1996 DODGE RAM 2500

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 2500

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Other DODGE Models

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