VehicleVerdict

1996 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 sits mid-pack among Ram 1500 years: 407 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 702, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (55), brakes (55), and engine (39), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

407

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

18

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Ram 1500 years?

Ram 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted1,628 complaints1991: 8 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 148 complaints1995: 273 complaints1996: 407 complaints1997: 468 complaints1998: 645 complaints1999: 769 complaints2000: 641 complaints2001: 1,370 complaints2002: 1,004 complaints2003: 1,362 complaints2004: 1,366 complaints2005: 1,628 complaints2006: 1,080 complaints2007: 701 complaints2008: 720 complaints2009: 884 complaints2010: 630 complaints2011: 988 complaints2012: 978 complaints2014: 1 complaints
Ram 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission5514%
Brakes5514%
Engine3910%
Body & Structure359%
Suspension318%
Electrical System318%
Steering277%
Fuel System205%
Tires & Wheels205%
Other195%
Lighting154%
Visibility & Wipers133%
Speed Control123%
Latches & Locks113%
Airbags102%
Seats72%
Seat Belts31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%
Trailer Hitch10%

Does the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E024000EngineMarch 15, 2006 · 44,386 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Consequence

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CHRYSLER WHO SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 5, 2003 · crash

“AFTER TRUCK'S ENGINE WAS STARTED THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN REVERSE SO AS TO BACK OUT OF GARAGE. A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS RETURNED TO P. AS THIS HAPPENED THE TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING THE GARAGE WALL. THE BUIDING AND TRUCK WERE DAMAGED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 17, 2003 · crash

“THIS TRUCK BURNED FROM THE BACK END MY SON WAS DRIVING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND WHEN HE RETURNED TO PAVEMENT THE TRUCK WENT SIDEWAYS DOWN THE ROAD AND THEN WENT OFF ON THE LEFT SIDE AND CRASHED AND BURNED, BURNING MY SON AND A FRIEND TO DEATH. WHAT WAS SO BAD I RECEIVED A RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 13, 1999 · crash · fire

“I HAVE A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK AND THE DASH BOARD IS FALLING APART. IT STARTED AS SMALL CRACKS AROUND THE VENTS AND SOON SPEED ALL OVER THE DASH. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE FUNCTION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER DODGE TRUCK OWNERS AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK IT MUST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 1, 2006

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT ANY MPH AND WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP, VEHICLE WANDERS FROM SIDE TO SIDE ON THE ROAD. CONSUMER TRIED TO KEEP CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND KEEP FOCUSED ON THE ROAD. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 8, 1998

1996 Dodge Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 407 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ram 1500 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1996 Ram 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (55 complaints), brakes (55 complaints), engine (39 complaints).

Does the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2005, 2001, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among Ram 1500 years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.