VehicleVerdict

2001 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 561 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Ram 2500 year — the 2001 model ranks #4 of 22 Ram 2500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 181 reports (32% of the total).

561

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

18

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Ram 2500 years?

See all Ram 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure18132%
Steering7313%
Suspension438%
Other387%
Brakes366%
Engine346%
Fuel System336%
Transmission305%
Tires & Wheels265%
Electrical System214%
Airbags183%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Lighting61%
Speed Control51%
Latches & Locks51%
Trailer Hitch31%
Seats10%
Seat Belts10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

2 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.

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.

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY HOOD FLEW OPEN AT 65 MPH. I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR SEVERAL HOURS PREVIOUSLY NEVER TOUCHED THE HOOD LATCH RELEASE ARM IN THE TRUCK IN FACT THE HOOD HAD NOT BEEN OPEN IN SEVERAL WEEKS. I THINK THERE ARE STILL FAULTY HOOD LATCHES OUT THERE ON SOME OF THESE TRUCKS AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 25, 2012 · crash

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING FORCED VEHICLE OVER AN EMBANKMENT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED STEERING GEAR BOX. PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO DEALER EXPLAINING THAT THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. DEALERSHIP DIDN'T CHECK ANYTHING, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. INSURANCE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 27, 2001 · crash

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND CAN'T GET IT OUT . AND THE DOORS ARE ALL ROTTED ON THE BOTTOM AND IS THE ONLY THING THAT ROTTED ON MY TRUCK I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY TRUCK. AND THAT IS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT IN THIS TRUCK. AND THE FRONT END THAT'S HARD TO KEEP UP WITH. I ONLY HAVE 118000 ON IT. AND KNOW THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 3, 2008

My 2001 Dodge Ram Instrument Panel has cracked in three pieces causing the defroster & vents to stop working recently due to the moisture/UV Issue. I'm aware of this problem because I participated in the investigation as manager of validation and testing for the manufacturer, Textron Automotive.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 2, 2024

WHILE MOVING FORWARD FROM PARKED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE TRUCK ROLLED INTO A FENCE. UPON INSPECTION UNDER THE TRUCK, BRAKE FLUID WAS COVERING THE FRAME RAIL UNDER THE BED, BEHIND THE FUEL TANK. UPON RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT MULTIPLE VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 28, 2012 · crash

2001 Dodge Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 561 complaints put the 2001 model at #4 of 22 Ram 2500 years. It is one of the Ram 2500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Ram 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (181 complaints), steering (73 complaints), suspension (43 complaints).

Does the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 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 2001 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.