1996 Dodge Ram
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 1996 Dodge Ram, covering vehicle speed control, latches/locks/linkages and electrical system, and 624 consumer complaints received since 1995.
The component named most often is service brakes, hydraulic: 253.9 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, above the 121.3 per 1,000 across all 1996 model-year vehicles and against 176.1 per 1,000 for the Dodge Ram line as a whole.
That is more than the average of 122.5 complaints per model year across the 33 Dodge Ram model years on this register; 72 complaints reported a crash and 23 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 1997 (124); the most recent in the file is dated 28 Jan 2009.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 9 investigations naming this model year.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 29 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (manufacturer campaign 970).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (manufacturer campaign 973).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (manufacturer campaign 875).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (manufacturer campaign 828).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (manufacturer campaign 815).
- 97V199000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSReported 13 Nov 1997 · 497,000 units
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION.
- 97V084000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINESReported 5 May 1997 · 960,000 units
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION.
- 97V068000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSReported 28 Apr 1997 · 58,000 units
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION.
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 1996 Dodge Ram (black) against all 1996 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 1996 | Ram line | All 1996 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 253.9 | 176.1 | 121.3 |
| Power Train | 169.6 | 132.4 | 98.2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 73.2 | 73.4 | 141.4 |
| Suspension | 59.9 | 69.1 | 55 |
| Electrical System | 54.3 | 71.9 | 83.8 |
| Steering | 53.2 | 75.6 | 48.9 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 1996 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 229 | 253.9 | 176.1 | 121.3 |
| Power Train | 153 | 169.6 | 132.4 | 98.2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 66 | 73.2 | 73.4 | 141.4 |
| Suspension | 54 | 59.9 | 69.1 | 55 |
| Electrical System | 49 | 54.3 | 71.9 | 83.8 |
| Steering | 48 | 53.2 | 75.6 | 48.9 |
| Air Bags | 39 | 43.2 | 64.2 | 66.6 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 36 | 39.9 | 41.6 | 51.6 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 33 | 36.6 | 41.7 | 41.9 |
| Tires | 33 | 36.6 | 33.6 | 37.3 |
| Visibility | 27 | 29.9 | 37.5 | 59.2 |
| Structure | 25 | 27.7 | 36.4 | 39.4 |
| Seats | 19 | 21.1 | 12.5 | 14.2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 19 | 21.1 | 21.3 | 22.9 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 16 | 17.7 | 18.8 | 13.7 |
| Equipment | 14 | 15.5 | 16.9 | 22 |
| Unknown or Other | 12 | 13.3 | 16.2 | 22.1 |
| Wheels | 10 | 11.1 | 13.1 | 8.6 |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 8.9 | 24.8 | 23 |
| Fuel System, Other | 5 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 4.1 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 3 | 3.3 | 2.9 | 5 |
| Parking Brake | 3 | 3.3 | 3.1 | 4.2 |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | 1.1 | 6.6 | 0.6 |
624 unique complaints, 902 component mentions; 47 injuries and 2 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
| Action | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP03006 | Defect petition | SEAT BACK FAILURE | seats | 23 Sep 2003 | 8 Apr 2004 | — |
| RQ00012 | Recall query | HOOD LATCH | structure | 3 May 2000 | 20 Apr 2001 | 01V040000 |
| DP00002 | Defect petition | STEERING COLUMN FIRE | steering | 20 Jan 2000 | 24 Apr 2000 | — |
| EA99027 | Engineering analysis | STEERING COLUMN FIRES | power train | 10 Sep 1999 | 30 May 2000 | 00V135000 |
| PE99031 | Preliminary evaluation | IGNITION SWITCH | power train | 5 May 1999 | 10 Sep 1999 | — |
| RQ98002 | Recall query | TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS | power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines | 10 Mar 1998 | open | 97V084000 |
| EA98005 | Engineering analysis | CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE | service brakes, hydraulic | 27 Feb 1998 | 24 May 1999 | — |
| PE97043 | Preliminary evaluation | CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE | service brakes, hydraulic | 20 Oct 1997 | 27 Feb 1998 | 99V115000 |
| PE96070 | Preliminary evaluation | TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES | power train | 26 Nov 1996 | 15 May 1997 | 96V084000 |
Other Dodge Ram model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 NHTSA | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1977 NHTSA | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1979 NHTSA | 0 | 3 | — |
| 1981 NHTSA | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1983 NHTSA | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1984 NHTSA | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1985 NHTSA | 0 | 10 | — |
| 1986 NHTSA | 0 | 18 | — |
| 1987 NHTSA | 0 | 18 | — |
| 1988 NHTSA | 0 | 22 | — |
| 1989 | 0 | 28 | — |
| 1990 NHTSA | 0 | 23 | — |
| 1991 | 2 | 51 | 80,800 |
| 1992 | 1 | 58 | 2,800 |
| 1993 | 0 | 54 | — |
| 1994 | 18 | 468 | 4,226,970 |
| 1995 | 12 | 609 | 4,314,837 |
| 1996 | 10 | 624 | 3,337,228 |
| 1997 | 7 | 398 | 2,240,728 |
| 1998 | 13 | 483 | 1,553,319 |
| 1999 | 9 | 365 | 1,497,721 |
| 2000 | 6 | 147 | 717,764 |
| 2001 | 9 | 317 | 1,842,427 |
| 2002 | 2 | 115 | 90,588 |
| 2003 | 2 | 53 | 64,088 |
| 2004 | 1 | 54 | 2,261 |
| 2005 | 0 | 35 | — |
| 2006 NHTSA | 0 | 22 | — |
| 2007 NHTSA | 1 | 13 | 1,498 |
| 2008 | 2 | 20 | 81,167 |
| 2009 | 5 | 6 | 138,509 |
| 2010 | 5 | 20 | 155,443 |
| 2011 | 4 | 0 | 101,446 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All Dodge Ram model years · Dodge: 118 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Ram have?
10 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 01V037000, was reported to NHTSA on 12 Feb 2001 and concerns vehicle speed control. Across all model years the Dodge Ram line has 63 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA's investigation file lists 9 actions naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.
What component do owners of the 1996 Dodge Ram complain about most?
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 229 of 902 component mentions (253.9 per 1,000). Next is power train with 153. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 29 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 29 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.