MYRModel Year Report

1996 Dodge RAM 1500

▲ Better than typical
1996 Dodge RAM 1500
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
298
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

18% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1994: 116 complaints 1995: 213 complaints 1996: 298 complaints 1996 298 1997: 361 complaints 1998: 520 complaints 1999: 610 complaints 2000: 513 complaints 2000 2001: 1,112 complaints 2002: 815 complaints 2003: 1,171 complaints 2003 2004: 1,097 complaints 2005: 1,169 complaints 2006: 792 complaints 2006 2007: 517 complaints 2008: 554 complaints 2009: 670 complaints 2009 2010: 485 complaints 2011: 688 complaints 2012: 697 complaints 2012 2014: 1 complaint
1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 116 complaints 1995: 213 complaints 1996: 298 complaints 1996 298 1997: 361 complaints 1998: 520 complaints 1999: 610 complaints 1999 2000: 513 complaints 2001: 1,112 complaints 2001 2002: 815 complaints 2003: 1,171 complaints 2003 2004: 1,097 complaints 2005: 1,169 complaints 2005 2006: 792 complaints 2007: 517 complaints 2007 2008: 554 complaints 2009: 670 complaints 2009 2010: 485 complaints 2011: 688 complaints 2011 2012: 697 complaints 2014: 1 complaint 2014
1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 116 complaints 1994 1995: 213 complaints 1995 1996: 298 complaints 1996 298 1997: 361 complaints 1997 1998: 520 complaints 1998 1999: 610 complaints 1999 2000: 513 complaints 2000 2001: 1,112 complaints 2001 2002: 815 complaints 2002 2003: 1,171 complaints 2003 2004: 1,097 complaints 2004 2005: 1,169 complaints 2005 2006: 792 complaints 2006 2007: 517 complaints 2007 2008: 554 complaints 2008 2009: 670 complaints 2009 2010: 485 complaints 2010 2011: 688 complaints 2011 2012: 697 complaints 2012 2014: 1 complaint 2014

1996: 298 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19917
19920
19936
1994116
1995213
1996298
1997361
1998520
1999610
2000513
20011,112
2002815
20031,171
20041,097
20051,169
2006792
2007517
2008554
2009670
2010485
2011688
2012697
20141

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

18% · 54 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

18% · 53 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show 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, 2003-07-21

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Engine fire due to the plastic retainers in the transmission cooler.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-24

Structure

12% · 35 reports

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, 2018-01-29

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer states when the engine was turned off for 30 minutes a fire broke out under the hood. Mr

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-09

On seven occasions carbon monoxide from exhaust system came through air vents, causing sickness.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-31

Suspension

10% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing front and rear.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2003-09-23Defect petitionClosed 2004-04-08 Seat back failure
  2. R
    2006-04-20Engine and engine cooling06E024000 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…

    Remedy: K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on April 20, 2006.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Dodge RAM 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 54 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 53 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 35 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E024000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.