1996 Dodge RAM 2500

● Typical for this model

1996 Dodge RAM 2500
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR

1996: 291 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1991	16
1992	32
1993	39
1994	168
1995	267
1996	291
1997	213
1998	225
1999	313
2000	211
2001	469
2002	155
2003	661
2004	581
2005	422
2006	668
2007	361
2008	317
2009	214
2010	236
2011	297
2012	283

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SERVICE BRAKES 30%

30% of complaints: service brakes — 87 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, I LOST MY POWER STEERING, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HAVE A REAR END COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190518

POWER TRAIN 16%

16% of complaints: power train — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.

CRASH FIRE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

THE STEERING COLUMN ON THIS TRUCK HAS GOTTEN VERY HOT UNDER THE IGNITION SWITCH AREA. SO HOT IN FACT THAT THE WIRES AND PLASTIC COLUMN COVER HAVE SMOKED AND MELTED THROUGH. I FEEL THERE MAY BE A FIRE SOON.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130504

Also filed under STEERING

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH AND WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING SMOKE DRIFTED OUT OF THE VENTS. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT WIRES WERE BURNT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040503

DODGE 1996 2500 CUMMINS DIESEL - VIN - [XXX]. STARTED TRUCK, STARTER REMAINED ENGAGED, TURNED KEY OFF, STARTER REMAINED ON AND ENGINE RUNNING, SMOKE ROSE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ONLY WAY ENGINE COULD BE STOPPED WAS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030520

TIRES 8%

8% of complaints: tires — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and temporary/emergency spare tire.

SUSPENSION 8%

8% of complaints: suspension — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and coil springs.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20001211 — PE (closed 20010307)

LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL

I 20030923 — DP (closed 20040408)

SEAT BACK FAILURE

R 20060420 — engine and engine cooling

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 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes issues (87 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (46 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (27 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1992 ▲ 1993 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ■ 2003 ■ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500 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.