Model year record

1996 Dodge RAM

10 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 905 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V037000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
157,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-02-12
Owners notified
2001-08-03

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.

Safety risk

A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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 REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V040000

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
701,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-02-12
Owners notified
2001-09-17

Defect description

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 TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."

Safety risk

IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Manufacturer 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 CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V135000

Electrical system: ignition: switch

Component
Electrical system: ignition: switch
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
690,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-05-10
Owners notified
2000-06-26

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING TO OVERHEAT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V115000

Power train: clutch assembly

Component
Power train: clutch assembly
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
8,883
Reported to NHTSA
1999-05-06
Owners notified
1999-12-27

Defect description

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 CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.

Safety risk

THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V023000

Air bags: frontal

Component
Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
250,845
Reported to NHTSA
1999-02-05
Owners notified
1999-03-08

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V199000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
497,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-11-13
Owners notified
1998-04-06

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH A FLOAT TYPE ROLLOVER VALVE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V084000

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
960,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-05-05
Owners notified
1997-05-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V068000

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
58,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-04-28
Owners notified
1997-05-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

REDUCED POWER BRAKE ASSIST CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V027000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
2,500
Reported to NHTSA
1996-02-05
Owners notified
1996-03-22

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V237000

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Component
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
12,000
Reported to NHTSA
1995-12-12
Owners notified
1996-02-15

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE FASTENERS PROPERLY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip92
Power train: automatic transmission7665,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components32
Air bags: frontal27
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline24
Suspension: front24
Vehicle speed control2378,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads21
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor18
Engine and engine cooling: engine16
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines16
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar16
Tires: tread/belt1610,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch14
Tires14
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch13
Unknown or other1275,000 mi
Air bags1152,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder11
Suspension11
Seats: front assembly: recliner10
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc10
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper10
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump953,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly985,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal9
Seats9
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum9
Steering9
Vehicle speed control: cables8
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood7
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner7
Exterior lighting: headlights7
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings7140,000 mi
Power train732,701 mi
Power train: axle assembly7
Structure: frame and members7
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers6
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)6
Suspension: rear6
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior6
Visibility: windshield6
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs6
Electrical system: ignition5
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor5
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch59,900 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system5
Power train: driveline: driveshaft5
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)5
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum5
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings598,449 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system4
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.4
Power train: driveline: differential unit4
Power train: driveline: universal joint4
Power train: manual transmission4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders4
Steering: hydraulic power assist system4
Steering: linkages4
Structure: body4
Suspension: front: control arm4
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices4
Electrical system3180,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module3
Electrical system: starter assembly3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control3
Exterior lighting3
Fuel system, gasoline332,701 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter3
Seat belts: front: retractor3
Service brakes, air: antilock3
Service brakes, hydraulic3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum3
Suspension: front: shock absorber3
Tires: sidewall3
Visibility: glass, side/rear3
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator2
Electrical system: wiring2
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2
Engine and engine cooling2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2
Equipment: electrical232,701 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery2
Fuel system, other2
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch2
Parking brake: conventional2
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift2
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch2
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft2
Power train: clutch assembly2
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)2
Seat belts: front: anchorage2
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings2
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump2
Structure: body: bumpers2
Structure: body: door2
Structure: body: hood2
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments2
Structure: body: tailgate2
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint2
Vehicle speed control: linkages2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor2
Wheels2
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1
Electrical system: horn1
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1
Equipment: other: labels1
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights153,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system1
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch1
Parking brake1
Power train: driveline: center support bearing1
Seat belts: rear/other1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic1
Steering: column1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment1
Steering: linkages: drag: link: connection1
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly1
Steering: rack and pinion1
Structure1110,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments1
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1
Suspension: rear: springs1
Trailer hitches1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1
Visibility: power window devices and controls1
Wheels: hub1
Wheels: rim1

The 1995 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1997 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

RQ98002TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.