VehicleVerdict

2000 Dodge Ram problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 212 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.1 times the median Ram year — the 2000 model ranks #8 of 33 Ram years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 47 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (28), steering (24), and airbags (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

212

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

1

Investigations

37

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

47

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Ram years?

See all Ram years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Dodge Ram problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2813%
Steering2411%
Airbags2311%
Transmission2210%
Electrical System2110%
Suspension209%
Engine199%
Fuel System94%
Body & Structure73%
Tires & Wheels63%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Other52%
Seat Belts52%
Seats52%
Speed Control42%
Trailer Hitch42%
Latches & Locks42%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2000 Dodge Ram have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

07E066000Electrical SystemAugust 28, 2007 · 175 units

Defect

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

06E060000LightingJune 29, 2006 · 87,745 units

Defect

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

04V185000BrakesApril 12, 2004 · 44,588 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

Consequence

THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

01V253000Electrical SystemAugust 2, 2001 · 98,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT SEATS. IN THE PRESENCE OF ROAD SALT, WATER, AND POSSIBLY OTHER DEBRIS, THE POWER SEAT CONNECTOR LOCATED BENEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT COULD DEVELOP A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CYCLES THE CIRCUIT BREAKER.

Consequence

IF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER CYCLES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, HEAT COULD BUILD UP IN THE CONNECTOR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FROM THE FUSE PANEL. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REPAIR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

01V038000BrakesFebruary 12, 2001 · 2,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT TIRE/WHEEL AND THE BRAKE HOSE/ABS SENSOR WIRE ASSEMBLY. DURING FULL LOCK TURNS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE TIRE OR WHEEL TO CONTACT THE BRAKE HOSE/ABS SENSOR WIRE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

THIS COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN WIRE DAMAGE AND/OR A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE, AFFECTING BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES, AND THE ABS SENSOR WIRE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2001. 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.

00V107000Trailer HitchApril 11, 2000 · 357,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH.

Consequence

BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

00V007000SuspensionJanuary 11, 2000 · 76 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE WELDS AT THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET TO AXLE TUBE ATTACHMENT MAY HAVE INADEQUATE FATIGUE LIFE DUE TO POOR WELD QUALITY. THIS CAN LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET FROM THE AXLE TUBE.

Consequence

IF THE BRACKET SEPARATES THE VEHICLE COULD EXPERIENCE REDUCED DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, BRAKING DEGRADATION AND/OR VEHICLE PULL UNDER BRAKING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE WITH A PROPERLY WELDED FRONT AXLE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

CONSUMER STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY GRABBED AND THEN RELEASED. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK *JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 6, 2004 · crash

2000 DODGE 2500 HAS LOOSE STEERING,WANDERS,DARTS LEFT OR RIGHT AND CONSTANTLY CORRECTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHIMMY. TRUCK DARTED TO THE EDGE OF THE ROAD AND WENT THRU THE DITCH WHILE TOWING A TRAILER AND I HAVE BACK AND NECK INJURYS AND UNABLE TO WORK AT MY OLD PROFESSION. AND DODGE IS TRYING…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 15, 2000 · crash

CONSUMER WAS GOING 35-40MPH AND HIT OTHER VEHICLE BROADSIDE. MASSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE.STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE LIFTED FOR CONSUMER GET OUT OF VEHICLE. FRONT AIRBAGS GAVE NO SIGNS OF TRYING TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. DODGE SENT OUT AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR TO BODY SHOP. CONSUMER HASN'T GOTTEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 22, 2001 · crash

AFTER WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INSTRUMENT PANEL THE OWNER TOOK TO DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS . LAST TIME A SERVICE TECHNICIAN WAS DRIVING WHEN TRANSMISSION FLUID ERUPTED OUT OF THE DIP STICK AND FILL TUBE TO BE IGNITED ON THE HOT CATALYIC CONVERTER. THIS IS PRESENTLY BEING REVIEWED BY CHRYSLER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 26, 2001 · fire

THERES WAS A SMALL HOLE LIKE A SCREW HOLE LOCATED ON SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, AND KEYS THAT HUNG DOWN FROM IGNITION GOT CAUGHT IN HOLE AND LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL, AND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 3, 2001 · crash

2000 Dodge Ram — common questions

Is the 2000 Dodge Ram reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 212 complaints put the 2000 model at #8 of 33 Ram years. It is one of the Ram years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Ram problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (28 complaints), steering (24 complaints), airbags (23 complaints).

Does the 2000 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Dodge Ram. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Dodge Ram under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Dodge Ram years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1998, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 1992, 2004, 1993, 2003, 1991. The cleanest record among Ram years belongs to 2011.

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.