VehicleVerdict

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,370 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Ram 1500 year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 23 Ram 1500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 100 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: body & structure issues account for 40% of all reports (548 of 1,370), far ahead of other at 125.

1,370

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

84

Crash-involved

58

Fires reported

100

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Ram 1500 years?

See all Ram 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure54840%
Other1259%
Transmission1027%
Electrical System896%
Airbags876%
Suspension836%
Engine705%
Brakes635%
Steering534%
Tires & Wheels433%
Latches & Locks262%
Lighting191%
Speed Control181%
Fuel System171%
Visibility & Wipers151%
Seat Belts81%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)40%

Does the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

03V504000Tires & WheelsDecember 10, 2003 · 214 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Remedy

DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

01V153000AirbagsMay 8, 2001 · 216,100 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

THE DASHBOARDS ON DODGE TRUCKS ARE CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND A BROKEN SHARD OF THE DASH PLASTIC LACERATED MY FACE WHEN IT CAME LOOSE A FLEW THROUGH THE CAB OF THE TRUCK FROM JUST NORMAL WIND TURBULENCE WITH THE WINOW OPEN AT FREEWAY SPEED. *JS

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 20, 2006 · crash

THE DEFECTIVE PLASTIC DASHBOARD ON THE 2001 DODGE RAM BROKE INTO FRAGMENTS AND STUCK THE DRIVERS RIGHT EYE CAUSING TEMPORARY BLINDNESS AND LOSS OF CONTROL TO VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME WELL KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOUSANDS OF DODGE RAM OWNERS THAT NHSTA STILL SAYS IS A "COSMETIC ISSUE" I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 11, 2017 · crash

THE REAR PASSENGER AXLE FAILED, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER/DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. *JB THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS GOING UP A MOUNTAIN WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT OUT OF CONTROL, DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND WENT INTO A RIGHT TAIL SPIN. THE CONSUMER STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 25, 2002 · crash

While driving and operating the heater, unbeknowst to me leaves/pine needles had come in through the fresh air cowl vent and built up on the heater blower resistor resulting in a fire. This design in dangerous as the default for the air intake is open and allows debris to enter and drop directly…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 16, 2025 · fire

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN TWO SEPARATE CRASHES ONE BEING HEAD ON AT 35MPH OVER $6000. IN DAMAGE TO TRUCK 2 ND TIME SAME TRUCK AFTER BEING ROLLED BECAUSE STEERING BOX GAVE OUT AGAIN 2ND TIME FOR THAT TOO. NO AIR BAGS COMPANY CLAIMS CRASH WAS NOT ENOUGH TO DEPLOY TRUCK WAS TOTALED AND MY HUSBAND IN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 2, 2007 · crash

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,370 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 23 Ram 1500 years. It is one of the Ram 1500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Ram 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (548 complaints), other (125 complaints), transmission (102 complaints).

Does the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 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 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.