VehicleVerdict

1996 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 sits mid-pack among Ram 2500 years: 365 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 358, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (91), transmission (46), and tires & wheels (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

365

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

18

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Ram 2500 years?

Ram 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted903 complaints1991: 16 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 55 complaints1994: 210 complaints1995: 354 complaints1996: 365 complaints1997: 275 complaints1998: 310 complaints1999: 422 complaints2000: 269 complaints2001: 561 complaints2002: 210 complaints2003: 866 complaints2004: 755 complaints2005: 541 complaints2006: 903 complaints2007: 506 complaints2008: 405 complaints2009: 261 complaints2010: 309 complaints2011: 389 complaints2012: 385 complaints
Ram 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes9125%
Transmission4613%
Tires & Wheels288%
Electrical System277%
Suspension247%
Fuel System236%
Steering216%
Lighting216%
Speed Control185%
Engine144%
Body & Structure134%
Airbags123%
Other72%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Trailer Hitch41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Seats31%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 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.

“I WENT TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AND THE BRAKE PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I REAR ENDED AN SUV. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP TO FIND THAT THREE OF THE FOUR BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT AND THE ONE THAT STAYED INTACT WAS LEAKING. I DID HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE SUV AS WELL AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 11, 2006 · crash

“AFTER OPERATING VEHICLE UNDER HEAVY LOAD (SNOWPLOWING), THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE RUPTURED WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED AND THE HYDRAULIC FLUID IGNITED ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM. NOTE: THERE WAS A RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 99V115000 ) ISSUED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 20, 2012 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH TREAD ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE CAME OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. ORIGINAL TIRE EQUIPMENT ON A 1996, DODGE, RAM. TIRE SIZE LT24575R16. TIRE MILEAGE AT 29,000. *AK THE DRIVER FIRST NOTICED VIBRATION FOLLOWED BY LOUD THUMPING. THEN THE TIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 18, 2000

“ON THE MORNING OF 12/7/09 I STARTED MY TRUCK TO WARM IT UP WITH THE HEATING FAN ON HIGH WHEN AT SOME POINT, SOMEWHERE IN THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH OVERHEATED AND STARTED THE INTERIOR ON FIRE. DESTROYING MY VEHICLE. THE WINDSHIELD AND DRIVER DOOR WINDOWS WERE BROKEN FROM THE HEAT BUT LUCKILY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 7, 2009 · fire

“ALL OF THESE APPLIED TO MY MOMS TRUCK OF WAS BUILT ONLY MONTHS BEFORE MINE AND OF CHRYSLER WILL NOT AUTHORIZE TO FIX, THE SUSPENSION IS THE LATEST., IT BROKE ON MONDAY AND MY MOMS RECEIVED HER NOTICE LAST FRIDAY, CHRYSLER WILL NOT AUTORIZE DEALER TO FIX EVEN THOW THEY ARE AWARE IT IS THE SAME AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 10, 2000 · crash

1996 Dodge Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 2500: 365 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1996 Ram 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (91 complaints), transmission (46 complaints), tires & wheels (28 complaints).

Does the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. 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 2500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 2500 years to avoid are 2006, 2003, 2004, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 2500 years belongs to 1991.

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.