VehicleVerdict

1999 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 sits mid-pack among Ram 3500 years: 146 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 160, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (25), body & structure (19), and brakes (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

146

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

2

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Ram 3500 years?

Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted502 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 11 complaints1993: 26 complaints1994: 102 complaints1995: 132 complaints1996: 182 complaints1997: 153 complaints1998: 134 complaints1999: 146 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 168 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 330 complaints2004: 276 complaints2005: 240 complaints2006: 349 complaints2007: 284 complaints2008: 221 complaints2009: 130 complaints2010: 214 complaints2011: 293 complaints2012: 502 complaints
Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2517%
Body & Structure1913%
Brakes1812%
Engine139%
Fuel System118%
Steering118%
Other96%
Suspension85%
Electrical System53%
Airbags53%
Speed Control43%
Tires & Wheels43%
Seats32%
Lighting32%
Seat Belts32%
Trailer Hitch21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK GEAR WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN IT POPPED OUT OF THE PARK INTO DRIVE BY ITSELF. WHEN THIS OCCURRED VEHICLE WENT THROUGH TWO STREETS AND A DITCH BEFORE STOPPING WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER DIDN'T LOCK IN THE PARK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 14, 1999 · crash

“DASHBOARD ON 1999 DODGE RAM PICKUP HAS "SPIDERWEB" CRACKED INTO MANY SHARP PIECES. THIS STARTED OCCURRING A WEEK GO, AND HAS NOW SPREAD TO MOST OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH. IN THE EVENT OF A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, I'M CONCERNED THAT THE DASH WILL DISINTEGRATE INTO MANY MORE SMALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 10, 2008

“WHILE DRIVING WHEELS ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE LOCKED UP AND SHEARED OFF. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, TRUCK WAS PULLING TO RIGHT. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER STATED THAT PROBLEM WAS DUE TO AFTER MARKET BRAKE PADS. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 9, 2000 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UPHILL PULLING A TOW TRAILER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THEY FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD AND THE TOW TRAILER JACK KNIFED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 13, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY AND CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, KNOCKING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 21, 2015 · crash

1999 Dodge Ram 3500 — common questions

Is the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 3500: 146 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1999 Ram 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (25 complaints), body & structure (19 complaints), brakes (18 complaints).

Does the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. 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 3500 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 3500 years to avoid are 2012, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2007, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 3500 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.