Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2001 Dodge Ram: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2001 Dodge Ram, most recently filed April 2004. Owners have filed 321 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 9campaigns 2 electrical · 2 suspension · 1 brake Source: NHTSA Complaints 321filed Owner reports, 1997–2006 shown Source: NHTSA ODI
Compare

Recalls (9)

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2001 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 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 04V185000 Filed Apr 12, 2004

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/ABS MODULE CORROSION

Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.
Consequence
THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Repair progress not yet reported44,588 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 04V185000
Listed for 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 02V042000 Filed Feb 7, 2002

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/PDC WIRE

Electrical system · alternator/generator/regulator
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALTERNATOR WIRE CONNECTION TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) CAN LOOSEN.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INSTALLATION OF THE ALTERNATOR WIRE CONNECTION TO THE PDC AND IF NECESSARY, REPOSITION THE WIRE SO THAT THE CRIMP CONNECTION WILL FACE UPWARD AND TIGHTEN THE FASTENER TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SETTING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 2002. 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 reported268,740 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 02V042000
Listed for 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V289000 Filed Sep 10, 2001

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/TIRES

Tires
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 2500 WAGONS WERE EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT LOAD RANGE TIRES.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE A TIRE TO BLOW OUT IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED AT THE MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT. .
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOAD RANGE 'D' TIRES WITH CORRECT LOAD RANGE 'E' TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 24, 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 reported151 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 01V289000
Listed for 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V253000 Filed Aug 2, 2001

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/POWER SEAT CONNECTOR CIRCUIT

Electrical system · wiring
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT SEATS. IN THE PRESENCE OF ROAD SALT, WATER, AND POSSIBLY OTHER DEBRIS, THE POWER SEAT CONNECTOR LOCATED BENEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT COULD DEVELOP A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CYCLES THE CIRCUIT BREAKER.
Consequence
IF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER CYCLES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, HEAT COULD BUILD UP IN THE CONNECTOR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FROM THE FUSE PANEL. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REPAIR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Repair progress not yet reported98,000 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 01V253000
Listed for 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V184000 Filed Jun 5, 2001

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/WHEEL LUG NUT

Wheels · lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS. A SUBSTITUTE WHEEL LUG NUT TIGHTENING PROCESS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT TO ASSURE PROPER TORQUE OF THE LUG NUTS.
Consequence
IMPROPER WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE COULD ALLOW A WHEEL TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL LUG NUTS FOR PROPER TORQUE AND CORRECT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 4, 2001. ALL OWNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED.
Repair progress not yet reported212 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 01V184000
Listed for 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V153000 Filed May 8, 2001

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/CLOCKSPRING MATERIAL

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Consequence
WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. 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 reported216,100 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 01V153000
Listed for 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 01V008000 Filed Jan 5, 2001

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/SUSPENSION

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A CAMPER PACKAGE AND OVERLOAD SPRINGS. THE REAR AXLE SPACER PLATE COULD LEAD TO DEFORMATION OF THE UPPER SPRING PLATE DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE AXLE TO THE VEHICLE RESULTING A SOFT JOINT.
Consequence
THE SOFT JOINT COULD CAUSE THE REAR AXLE U-BOLTS TO LOSE CLAMP LOAD, RESULTING IN DISPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE AND A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SPACER PLATES AND THE SPRING PLATES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 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 reported2,400 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 01V008000
Listed for 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 00V366000 Filed Nov 9, 2000

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMVSS 225/CHILD SEAT ANCHOR

Child seat
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Repair progress not yet reported1,211,756 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 00V366000
Listed for 2001 Dodge Ram. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 00V307000 Filed Oct 12, 2000

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/UPPER CONTROL ARMS

Suspension · front · control arm · upper arm
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS ATTACHED WITH CADMIUM COATED NUTS CAN CAUSE THE BOLTS TO STRETCH DUE TO THE APPLICATION OF A HIGHER THAN SPECIFIED CLAMP LOAD. BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER CONTROL ARM FASTENERS COULD CAUSE THE AXLE TO ROTATE FORWARD UNDER BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Consequence
THIS ROTATION COULD TWIST THE STEERING LINKAGE AND POSSIBLY SEPARATE THE BRAKE LINES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BOLTS AND NUTS.
Repair progress not yet reported480 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 00V307000

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 (321)

321 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.

53involved a crash
9involved a fire
21injuries 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 2001 Dodge Ram, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 321.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2001 compares with other Ram years

Best and worst Ram years →
398 487 370 151 321 119 53 58 40 25
1997199819992000200120022003200420052006
This year (2001)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 2001 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 →2002 Dodge Ram report119 complaints · 2 campaigns →2000 Dodge Ram report151 complaints · 6 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2001 Dodge Ram FAQ

How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Ram have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 04V185000 (brake), 02V042000 (electrical), 01V289000 (tire), 01V253000 (electrical), 01V184000 (wheel), 01V153000 (air bag), 01V008000 (suspension), 00V366000 (seat), 00V307000 (suspension). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2001 Dodge Ram problems?

Owners filed 321 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (54), Power train (50), Air bags (46) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

How does the 2001 Ram compare with other years?

Among the 1997–2006 Dodge Ram model years at least five years old, the 2006 drew the fewest complaints (25) and the 1998 the most (487). The 2001 drew 321. 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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