1996 Dodge RAM 3500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 70 |
| 1995 | 108 |
| 1996 | 124 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 105 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 58 |
| 2001 | 130 |
| 2002 | 44 |
| 2003 | 286 |
| 2004 | 214 |
| 2005 | 196 |
| 2006 | 257 |
| 2007 | 210 |
| 2008 | 173 |
| 2009 | 105 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 225 |
| 2012 | 365 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: service brakes — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH16% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.
CRASH FIREShow 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
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
13% of complaints: suspension — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and stabilizer bar.
CRASHShow 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, 20150513
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and cables.
FIREShow 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, 20030402
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL
SEAT BACK FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V024000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.