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1996 Dodge Ram: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 1996 Dodge Ram, most recently filed February 2001. Owners have filed 630 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 10campaigns 2 electrical · 2 power train · 1 vehicle speed control Source: NHTSA Complaints 630filed Owner reports, 1992–2001 shown Source: NHTSA ODI
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Recalls (10)

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 1996 Dodge Ram. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V037000 Filed Feb 12, 2001

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/THROTTLE CABLE

Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Consequence
A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE AND UPPER BELL CRANK LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Repair progress not yet reported157,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 01V037000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V040000 Filed Feb 12, 2001

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HOOD LATCH

Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."
Consequence
IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Repair progress not yet reported701,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 01V040000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 00V135000 Filed May 10, 2000

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/IGNITION SWITCH/WIRING

Electrical system · ignition · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING THAT COULD OVERHEAT. HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOADS PASS THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED ON HIGH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING TO OVERHEAT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.
Repair progress not yet reported690,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V135000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 99V115000 Filed May 6, 1999

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE

Power train · clutch assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.
Consequence
THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
Repair progress not yet reported8,883 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V115000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 99V023000 Filed Feb 5, 1999

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/AIR BAG

Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND WAGON MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF WATER/ROAD SALT GETS ON THE INTERIOR FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), THE AECM CAN CORRODE. THE RESULTING CORROSION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY.
Consequence
DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.
Repair progress not yet reported250,845 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V023000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 97V199000 Filed Nov 13, 1997

CHRYSLER/FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES. THE FUEL TANK MOUNTED ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW LIQUID FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH A FLOAT TYPE ROLLOVER VALVE.
Repair progress not yet reported497,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V199000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 97V084000 Filed May 5, 1997

CHRYSLER/TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE

Power train · automatic transmission · cooling unit and lines
Official NHTSA text
Summary
UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Consequence
WHEN THESE TEMPERATURES OCCUR, THE FLUID LINE WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.
Repair progress not yet reported960,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V084000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 97V068000 Filed Apr 28, 1997

CHRYSLER/BRAKES

Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · vacuum · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE ENGINE DRIVEN VACUUM PUMP CAN ALLOW ENGINE OIL INTO THE VACUUM HOSES DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF AN INTERNAL CHECK VALVE. THE OIL CAN CAUSE THE HOSE TO DETERIORATE AND PARTIALLY COLLAPSE, REDUCING THE VACUUM SUPPLY TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Consequence
REDUCED POWER BRAKE ASSIST CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD A VACUUM PUMP CHECK VALVE TO THE VACUUM PUMP. IN ADDITION, THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTED TO THE VACUUM PUMP WILL BE REPLACED WITH A HOSE THAT IS ENGINE OIL RESISTANT.
Repair progress not yet reported58,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V068000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 96V027000 Filed Feb 5, 1996

CHRYSLER/CERTIFICATION LABEL

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE TIRE/WHEEL SPECIFICATION INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL WHICH INDICATES A SMALLER SIZE TIRE THAN REQUIRED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE SMALLER TIRES WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT LOAD CAPACITY FOR THE VEHICLES SPECIFIED GROSS WEIGHT RATING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OVERLAY LABEL WITH THE CORRECT TIRE/WHEEL CERTIFICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THE LABEL ON THEIR VEHICLES. IF OWNERS PREFER, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
Repair progress not yet reported2,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 96V027000
Listed for 1996 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 95V237000 Filed Dec 12, 1995

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR:GENERATOR

Electrical system · alternator/generator/regulator
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE FASTENERS WHICH SECURE THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER CLAMP LOAD. IMPROPER CLAMPING CAN RESULT IN ARCING AT THE CONNECTION.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE FASTENERS PROPERLY.
Repair progress not yet reported12,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 95V237000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Ram years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Dodge RamAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (630)

630 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The service brakes is mentioned most often.

72involved a crash
24involved a fire
49injuries reported
2deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Dodge Ram, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 630.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 1996 compares with other Ram years

Best and worst Ram years →
58 54 469 612 630 398 487 370 151 321
1992199319941995199619971998199920002001
This year (1996)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 1996 Ram for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Ram years

Where to next

Which Ram years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →1997 Dodge Ram report398 complaints · 7 campaigns →1995 Dodge Ram report612 complaints · 12 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

1996 Dodge Ram FAQ

How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Ram have?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns: 01V037000 (vehicle speed control), 01V040000 (latch), 00V135000 (electrical), 99V115000 (power train), 99V023000 (air bag), 97V199000 (fuel system), 97V084000 (power train), 97V068000 (brake), 96V027000 (equipment), 95V237000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Ram problems?

Owners filed 630 complaints with NHTSA. Service brakes (172), Power train (138), Engine and engine cooling (58) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

How does the 1996 Ram compare with other years?

Among the 1992–2001 Dodge Ram model years at least five years old, the 1993 drew the fewest complaints (54) and the 1996 the most (630). The 1996 drew 630. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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