1996 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Common 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily in the areas of accessories, transmission, and engine.
- Accessories - Interior: The most common issue in this category is the sudden appearance of multiple cracks in the dashboard. This problem affects a significant number of 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, with an average cost to fix of around $800 and an average mileage of 114,000 miles.
- Transmission: The worst problem in this category is the blown transmission, which has an average cost to fix of $2,600 and an average mileage of 123,000 miles. This issue is a significant concern for 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, as it can lead to expensive repairs or even require a complete replacement of the transmission.
- Engine: The most common engine problem is the blown engine, which has an average cost to fix of $3,700 and an average mileage of 134,000 miles. This issue can be particularly challenging for 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, as it can result in a complete engine failure, leading to significant repair costs or the need for a new engine.
- Motor Sludge: This is a common problem in Dodge Ram trucks, especially in the 2002 model year. Sludge build-up in the engine can cause the engine to fail or lead to other problems like drops in oil pressure or overheating. This issue can occur even in vehicles with religiously maintained oil changes, and the only solution is to replace the engine, which can cost a few thousand dollars.
- Manifold Gasket Leaks: Engine components can become leaky in older trucks, and the Ram is no exception. Many owners of 1994-2002 Rams experience excessive oil consumption, sometimes up to a quart every 50 miles. This issue can lead to a drop in oil pressure, overheating, and even a loss of power. The plenum gasket is often the culprit and replacing it can solve the problem at a relatively low cost if done by the owner.
- Catalytic Converter Failure: This issue can occur when too much fuel enters the converter, causing it to overheat or form a coating on the catalyst. This can lead to a loss of power, rattling, and the check engine light coming on. Replacing the catalytic converter can solve this problem, but it can be costly.
- Fuel System Relay: A faulty fuel system relay can cause a lag in acceleration, almost to the point where the truck wants to shut off. Replacing the relay can solve this problem and is a relatively inexpensive fix.
- TIPM Issues: The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a significant issue for many 2009-2017 Dodge Ram pickups. When it starts to go, it can cause problems with airbags, the horn, power windows, the fuel pump, the starter, doors, coolant fans, the ABS, and the A/C. This issue can make it hard or embarrassing to drive the truck and can even pose a life-threatening danger if the airbags fail to deploy in a crash.
These problems can significantly impact the reliability and safety of the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500, and it is essential for owners to be aware of them to ensure proper maintenance and timely repairs.
Is a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 a good truck?
Lots of power. This truck is amazing on mpg and even power the rides are also very comfortable. I would trust my Dodge Ram 1500 going anywhere I? ve drove it from Missouri to Alabama and didn?t have any trouble at all and only had to stop and get gas 3 times.
What are the bad years for RAM 1500?
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why
- 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
- 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
- 2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2016 Dodge RAM 1500.
What years did Dodge Ram have transmission problems?
What Went Wrong with the Transmissions in the Dodge Ram Trucks? The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500.
What is the most reliable year for the RAM 1500?
The 2024 Ram 1500 is unmatched when it comes to reliability. With a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 88/100, the 2024 model is not only the most reliable Ram 1500 ever but it's also one of the most reliable American trucks in 2024.
Is a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 a good truck?
Lots of power. This truck is amazing on mpg and even power the rides are also very comfortable. I would trust my Dodge Ram 1500 going anywhere I? ve drove it from Missouri to Alabama and didn?t have any trouble at all and only had to stop and get gas 3 times.
What is the most common problem with Dodge RAM 1500?
RAM 1500 engines fail for a variety of reasons. However, the most common issue appears to be related to a defective transmission. Dodge RAM 1500 engine replacement costs can range widely, with a replacement estimate of as much as $13,000.
What are the bad years for RAM 1500?
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why
- 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
- 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
- 2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2016 Dodge RAM 1500.
What is the most reliable year for the RAM 1500?
The 2024 Ram 1500 is unmatched when it comes to reliability. With a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 88/100, the 2024 model is not only the most reliable Ram 1500 ever but it's also one of the most reliable American trucks in 2024.
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500.
- Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 problems:
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems and Complaints - 23 Issues
Top 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems · Water Leak Due to Faulty Rear Window Seal · Multiple Coolant Leaks · Cam Sensor Failure Causing no Start or Stalling · Locked ...
96 Ram 1500 BIG Problems! - DodgeForum.com
Feb 24, 2012 ... 2nd Gen Ram Tech - 96 Ram 1500 BIG Problems! - I Hope this is the right place, I'm new here. My name is dakota, I Got a 1996 Dodge ram 1500 ...
Need advice on common dodge ram issues : r/MechanicAdvice
Mar 30, 2023 ... Need advice on common dodge ram issues. Looking to purchase this 96 dodge ram 1500 with 340,000 km and I want to have a good idea of what I'm ...
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH 1996 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 ...
Nov 6, 2011 ... It's the overrunning clutch inside the over drive unit. It wasn't anything to do with your transmission. You can even google it if you want. The ...
Q&A: 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems in Walnut Creek - JustAnswer
Oct 13, 2007 ... I have check this each time the engine light comes on and cylinder 1 and 8 are common problems usually but not always, other various ...
Other years of Dodge Ram 1500
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