1996 Dodge RAM 1500
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 116 |
| 1995 | 213 |
| 1996 | 298 |
| 1997 | 361 |
| 1998 | 520 |
| 1999 | 610 |
| 2000 | 513 |
| 2001 | 1112 |
| 2002 | 815 |
| 2003 | 1170 |
| 2004 | 1097 |
| 2005 | 1167 |
| 2006 | 792 |
| 2007 | 517 |
| 2008 | 553 |
| 2009 | 670 |
| 2010 | 485 |
| 2011 | 688 |
| 2012 | 695 |
| 2014 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: service brakes — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: power train — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
AFTER TRUCK'S ENGINE WAS STARTED THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN REVERSE SO AS TO BACK OUT OF GARAGE. A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS RETURNED TO P. AS THIS HAPPENED THE TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING THE GARAGE WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030721
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ENGINE FIRE DUE TO THE PLASTIC RETAINERS IN THE TRANSMISSION COOLER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970724
12% of complaints: structure — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
ON 1/27/2018 MY DASH BOARD SHATTERED WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO WIPE CLEAN IT WITH MOIST TOWEL. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED FROM DODGE DEALERSHIP IN JUNE 1998 WITH 45120 MILES. AT PRESENT IT HAS ONLY 83000 APPROX.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180129
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF FOR 30 MINUTES A FIRE BROKE OUT UNDER THE HOOD. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021009
ON SEVEN OCCASIONS CARBON MONOXIDE FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM CAME THROUGH AIR VENTS, CAUSING SICKNESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19961231
10% of complaints: suspension — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and rear.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEAT BACK FAILURE
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 PERFORMAN
Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Campaign 06E024000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Dodge RAM 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.