VehicleVerdict

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 sits mid-pack among Ram 2500 years: 422 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 361, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 37 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (81), body & structure (54), and transmission (38), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

422

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

37

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Ram 2500 years?

Ram 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes8119%
Body & Structure5413%
Transmission389%
Steering379%
Fuel System358%
Suspension276%
Engine266%
Other246%
Electrical System205%
Airbags195%
Tires & Wheels174%
Seat Belts164%
Speed Control82%
Lighting41%
Latches & Locks41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Seats31%
Trailer Hitch10%

Does the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E027000SteeringMarch 28, 2008 · 5,700 units

Defect

AFFINIA IS RECALLING 5,700 AFTERMARKET CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 28, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 17, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 1998 AND 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE DUST SEAL SUPPLIED WITH THE CHASSIS TIE RODS WERE MANUFACTURED TO THE WRONG SPECIFICATION. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE DUST SEAL MAY PREVENT THE BALL STUD OF THE CHASSIS TIE ROD FROM PROPERLY SEATING INTO THE TAPER OF THE VEHICLE STEERING KNUCKLE DURING AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION REMAINS UNDETECTED, THE BOLT CAN EVENTUALLY UNSEAT COMPLETELY, CAUSING THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

AFFINIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA AT 734-827-5400.

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.

“WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH STEERING WENT OUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO RUN INTO A TREE. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THEY WERE HARD AND DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, ENGINE SOPPED/ NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIR BAG UPON IMPACT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 11, 1999 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL WELL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES, WHICH DAMAGED THE AXLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A STRUCTURAL DEFECT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 9, 1999 · crash

“MY PICKUP WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF MY 18 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER CRAWLED IN THE PICKUP AND WAS ABLILE TO PUT PICKUP IN REVERSE WITH OUT PUSHING ON THE BRAKE AND THE PICKUP ROLLED DOWN A HILL CRASHING INTO A TRAILER WHILE MAY DAUGHTER IS BOUNCING AROUND INSIDE THE PICKUP COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · crash

“THIS 1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAS DEVELOPED A VIOLENT SHAKING AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE SHAKING OR WOBBLE LASTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 SECONDS UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAN BE SLOWED AND CONTROL REGAINED. THIS SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO DEATH WOBBLE TALKS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 1, 2014 · crash

“FAILURE OF RUBBER GASOLINE FUEL LINES BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT FUEL RAIL. THERE ARE NO CLAMPS AND IT IS RUBBER LINE THAT SITS UNDER THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY WHICH CAN RUB AGAINST THE LINE, CAUSING IT TO SEPERATE AND EXPOSE GAS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 25, 1999 · fire

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 2500: 422 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1999 Ram 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (81 complaints), body & structure (54 complaints), transmission (38 complaints).

Does the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.