MYRModel Year Report

1996 Dodge RAM 3500

● Typical for this model
1996 Dodge RAM 3500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:31:20.460Z

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

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM 3500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1996 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 223 complaints 2012: 365 complaints 2012
1996: 124 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19914
199210
199320
199470
1995108
1996124
1997125
1998105
1999104
200058
2001130
200244
2003286
2004214
2005196
2006257
2007208
2008173
2009105
2010150
2011223
2012365

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 15 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LINES FAILED CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK ONTO TURBO CHARGER CAUSING VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980518

1ST TIME FIRE OCCURRED IN TRANSMISSION WHILE TOWING TRAILER, 2ND TIME FIRE OCCURRED IN TRANSMISSION WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO REPLACED PLUG 1ST TIME, BUT DID NOTHING 2ND TIME. SENDING COPIES OF INVOICES. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970116

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
SUSPENSION 6%

6% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER TO VERIFY IF MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 722 REPAIRS WERE DONE. MANUFACTURER INSISTED THAT REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED BUT THEY HAD NO RECORDS OF IT DONE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041119

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19990614 — exterior lighting

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OU

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.

Campaign 99V024000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20001211 — PE (closed 20010307)

LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL

I 20030923 — DP (closed 20040408)

SEAT BACK FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V024000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 2000 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2003 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.