The 1996 Dodge Ram has 56 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.
56
Electrical System complaints
6%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
2
Related recalls
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING THAT COULD OVERHEAT. HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOADS PASS THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED ON HIGH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING TO OVERHEAT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.
Defect
THE FASTENERS WHICH SECURE THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER CLAMP LOAD. IMPROPER CLAMPING CAN RESULT IN ARCING AT THE CONNECTION.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE FASTENERS PROPERLY.
“THERE WAS AN IGNITION FIRE, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH AND OTHER PARTS. AFTERWARDS WHEN STARTING VEHICLE STARTER STAYED ENGAGED, AND UNABLE TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE WHEN TURNING KEY IN OFF POSITION. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER BUT DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE…”
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Ram electrical system — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 00V135000, 95V237000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.