1996 DODGE RAM — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
905
Owner Complaints
14
Recalls
15
Service Bulletins
2
Investigations
Overview of the 1996 DODGE RAM
The 1996 DODGE RAM has received a total of 905 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 14 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (92 complaints), Power Trainautomatic Transmission (76 complaints), and Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components (32 complaints).
Recalls for the 1996 DODGE RAM
NHTSA has recorded 14 recalls for the 1996 DODGE RAM, potentially affecting up to 3,485,704 vehicles.
Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 42,540 vehicles affected
Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
View full details →Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 16,270 vehicles affected
Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
View full details →Recall 08E050000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 1,921 vehicles affected
Defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
View full details →Recall 06E060000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 87,745 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
View full details →Recall 01V040000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
| 701,000 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM...
Consequence: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD...
View full details →Recall 01V037000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 157,000 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Consequence: A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE AND UPPER BELL CRANK LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE...
View full details →Recall 00V135000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
| 690,000 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING THAT COULD OVERHEAT. HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOADS PASS THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED ON HIGH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING TO OVERHEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.
View full details →Recall 99V115000 — POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
| 8,883 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS...
Consequence: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
View full details →Recall 99V023000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 250,845 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND WAGON MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF WATER/ROAD SALT GETS ON THE INTERIOR FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), THE AECM CAN CORRODE. THE RESULTING CORROSION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY.
Consequence: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.
View full details →Recall 97V199000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 497,000 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES. THE FUEL TANK MOUNTED ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW LIQUID FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH A FLOAT TYPE ROLLOVER VALVE.
View full details →Recall 97V068000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 58,000 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE ENGINE DRIVEN VACUUM PUMP CAN ALLOW ENGINE OIL INTO THE VACUUM HOSES DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF AN INTERNAL CHECK VALVE. THE OIL CAN CAUSE THE HOSE TO DETERIORATE AND PARTIALLY COLLAPSE, REDUCING THE VACUUM SUPPLY TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Consequence: REDUCED POWER BRAKE ASSIST CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A VACUUM PUMP CHECK VALVE TO THE VACUUM PUMP. IN ADDITION, THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTED TO THE VACUUM PUMP WILL BE REPLACED WITH A HOSE THAT IS ENGINE OIL RESISTANT.
View full details →Recall 97V084000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
| 960,000 vehicles affected
Defect: UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Consequence: WHEN THESE TEMPERATURES OCCUR, THE FLUID LINE WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.
View full details →Recall 96V027000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 2,500 vehicles affected
Defect: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE TIRE/WHEEL SPECIFICATION INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL WHICH INDICATES A SMALLER SIZE TIRE THAN REQUIRED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE SMALLER TIRES WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT LOAD CAPACITY FOR THE VEHICLES SPECIFIED GROSS WEIGHT RATING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OVERLAY LABEL WITH THE CORRECT TIRE/WHEEL CERTIFICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THE LABEL ON THEIR VEHICLES. IF OWNERS PREFER, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
View full details →Recall 95V237000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
| 12,000 vehicles affected
Defect: THE FASTENERS WHICH SECURE THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER CLAMP LOAD. IMPROPER CLAMPING CAN RESULT IN ARCING AT THE CONNECTION.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE FASTENERS PROPERLY.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 1996 DODGE RAM
905 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 DODGE RAM. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CHEMICAL ODOR COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THE HEATER. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SUDDENLY DIMMED. THE HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY DIM. THE CONTACT TURNED EVERYTHING BACK ON, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS ONLY ILLUMINATED FOR A FEW MINUTES. AFTER DRIVING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HE PULLED INTO HIS RESIDENCE AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OFF, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. SMOKE FILLED THE VEHICLE AND PRODUCED AN AWFUL ODOR. HE REMOVED THE LAMP FUSE, BUT THE BUZZING NOISE STILL INDICATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. HE REINSERTED THE FUSE AND THE BUZZING SOUND CONTINUED. HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS PARKED AT HIS RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM PICKUP. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE IT COOLED OFF, AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THE VEHICLES LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE FAILURE CAUSED THE WIRING HARNESS TO MELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED TOO FREQUENTLY . IT BEGAN TO OCCUR 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, AND HE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCHES OVER 12 TIMES. DAIMLER/CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT AND THAT IT WAS NOT RELATED TO RECALL #99V024000 DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,000. *AK
View all Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip complaints →
Safety Rating for the 1996 DODGE RAM
NHTSA has not yet tested the 1996 DODGE RAM in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 1996 DODGE RAM
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1996 DODGE RAM. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
051199 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
INFORMATION REGARDING A REVISED POWER BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE. *TT
182997 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE MAY BUCK/JERK WHILE UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION OR WHILE DRIVING AT STEADY STATE SPEED DUE TO THE SENSITIVITY OF THROTTLE LINKAGE TO DRIVE RINPUT. *AK
211098 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION OPERTES NORMALLY THROUGH ALL RANGES EXCEPT FIFTH GEAR. *YC
233598 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
WHEN REMOVING DOOR TRIM PANEL FROM THE DOOR, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL PLASTIC RETAINER CLIP IS SEPARATED FROM DOOR BY USING ATRIM PANEL REMOVAL TOO, SUCH AS SNAP ON TOOL A161B/DOOR PANELS SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED BY HAND. *AK
180798 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CUSTOMER MAY BE CONCERN OF INCORRECT IDLE ADJUSTMENTS. *YC
180698 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
COMPLAINTS OF HARD OR NO START CONDITONS. *YC
210697A — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES OVERDRIVE UNAVAILABLE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES, BYPASS KIT INSTALLATION, INHIBITOR PROGRAMMING. *NLM
021197 — SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A CLUNKING NOISE BEING HEARD IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS. *YC
236197 — STRUCTURE:BODY
THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES OIL CANNING NOISE COMING FROM BOX AREA. *NLM
250397 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
CONDITIONS ON FUEL DOO AND/OR FUEL DISCHARGING FROM THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CANISTER. *NLM
Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 1996 DODGE RAM
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1996 DODGE RAM.
Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM
- 1991 DODGE RAM — 63 complaints
- 1992 DODGE RAM — 75 complaints
- 1993 DODGE RAM — 66 complaints
- 1994 DODGE RAM — 623 complaints
- 1995 DODGE RAM — 852 complaints
- 1996 DODGE RAM (current)
- 1997 DODGE RAM — 513 complaints
- 1998 DODGE RAM — 644 complaints
- 1999 DODGE RAM — 496 complaints
- 2000 DODGE RAM — 212 complaints
- 2001 DODGE RAM — 417 complaints
Other DODGE Models
- DODGE DURANGO — 19,139 total complaints
- DODGE GRAND CARAVAN — 18,729 total complaints
- DODGE RAM 1500 — 15,420 total complaints
- DODGE CARAVAN — 14,266 total complaints
- DODGE DAKOTA — 9,227 total complaints
- DODGE CHARGER — 8,114 total complaints
- DODGE RAM 2500 — 8,092 total complaints
- DODGE INTREPID — 8,078 total complaints