MYRModel Year Report

1996 Dodge RAM 3500

● Typical for this model
1996 Dodge RAM 3500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:08:45.087Z

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
124
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

35% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 70 complaints 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1996 124 1997: 125 complaints 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: 210 complaints 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2012: 365 complaints 2012
1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 70 complaints 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1996 124 1997: 125 complaints 1998: 105 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 1999 2000: 58 complaints 2001: 130 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2005 2006: 257 complaints 2007: 210 complaints 2007 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2011 2012: 365 complaints
1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1995 1996: 124 complaints 1996 124 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1998 1999: 104 complaints 1999 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2004 2005: 196 complaints 2005 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 210 complaints 2007 2008: 173 complaints 2008 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2010 2011: 225 complaints 2011 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
2007210
2008173
2009105
2010150
2011225
2012365

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

35% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Power train

16% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.

CRASHFIRE
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, 2004-11-19

The automatic transmission lines failed causing fluid to leak onto turbo charger causing vehicle fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-18

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-16

Suspension

13% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing front and stabilizer bar.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Death wobble. Violent shaking of the truck. Simply google "Death wobble" And Dodge truck. Hope you do something before someone does get killed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-13

Vehicle speed control

9% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control and cables.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Fire in engine area,,,,,fuel pre-heater catches fire in the wiring because of bad seal on electrical connectors that allow rust to form in trucks in snow and salt country...luckily I was getting home and stepping out of the truck when I spotted the...

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-02

Also filed under Electrical system

Structure

9% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1999-06-14Exterior lighting99V024000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2000-12-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-03-07 Loss of throttle control
  3. I
    2003-09-23Defect petitionClosed 2004-04-08 Seat back failure

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 44 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V024000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.