1999 Dodge Ram Pickup problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Ram Pickup year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 11 Ram Pickup years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (29% of the total).
34
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Ram Pickup years?
What are the most common 1999 Dodge Ram Pickup problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 10 | 29% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 12% | — flat |
| Engine | 4 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 9% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE DASHBOARD IN MY 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 DEVELOPED A SMALL CRACK ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO AND HAS RECENTLY SPREAD INTO A MAJOR BUSTED UP DASH. ALSO, ALL THE OTHER INTERIOR PLASTIC COMPONENTS MUST BE MADE OUT OF THE SAME MATERIAL AS THE DASH AND ARE JUST AS BRITTLE. *TR”
“CRACKED BLOCK IN 5.9 LITER CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE AT 18,000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS A 99 2500 RAM 4X4 PICKUP. WAY TOO MANY OF THESE ARE CRACKING. ENGINE WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT CUMMINS REFUSES TO REPLACE OTHERS OFF WARRANY. COMPANY HAS PRIOR REPUTATION OF PRODUCING ENGINES WITH LIFE EXPECTANCY OF…”
“MY 99 DODGE RAM PICKUP HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES AND WHILE DRIVING IT TODAY A BRAKE LINE RUPTURED, UPON LOOKING AT THE LINE, IT APPEARS TO BE OF STEEL AND IS A MASS OF RUST. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT RESULTED, BUT I WONDER IF THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND IF THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL, OR SHOULD BE. THANKS,…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM PICKUP. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT HAS BEGUN TO CRACK. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE…”
“WHILE DRIVING, IN A FRONTAL COLLISON WITH A VEHICLE AND A TREE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOYED UPON VEHICLE IMPACT. RESULTING IN INJURIES TO DRIVER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. MR”
1999 Dodge Ram Pickup — common questions
Is the 1999 Dodge Ram Pickup reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 11 Ram Pickup years. It is one of the Ram Pickup years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Ram Pickup problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (10 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints).
Does the 1999 Dodge Ram Pickup have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Dodge Ram Pickup.
Which Dodge Ram Pickup years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram Pickup years to avoid are 1999. The cleanest record among Ram Pickup years belongs to 1994.
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.