1996 Dodge Ram 2500 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 2500 problems
The 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 has several common problems reported by owners, which can be grouped into various categories. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues and their details:
- Interior Accessories: The 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 has 14 reported problems in this category, with 44 NHTSA complaints. This issue can lead to a caved-in dashboard, making it challenging to drive the vehicle.
- Body / Paint: There is only one reported problem in this category, with 38 NHTSA complaints. The issue is related to the paint quality, with some owners reporting that the paint peels or fades prematurely.
- Clutch: There is one reported problem in this category, with 5 NHTSA complaints. The issue is related to the clutch, with some owners reporting that the clutch fails or slips, making it challenging to shift gears.
- Engine: There is one reported problem in this category, with 104 NHTSA complaints. The issue is related to engine performance, with some owners reporting that the engine stalls or misfires, leading to a loss of power.
- Suspension: There is one reported problem in this category, with 78 NHTSA complaints. The issue is related to the suspension, with some owners reporting that the suspension is too soft or too hard, leading to a uncomfortable ride.
- Wheels / Hubs: There is one reported problem in this category, with 71 NHTSA complaints. The issue is related to the wheels or hubs, with some owners reporting that the wheels or hubs crack or break, leading to a loss of control.
- Brakes: There are 326 NHTSA complaints related to brakes for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is a brake pull, where the vehicle pulls to one side when the brakes are applied. This issue can be caused by a bad caliper or a faulty brake hose.
- Transmission: There are 142 NHTSA complaints related to transmission for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is poor transmission shifting, where the vehicle has difficulty shifting gears, leading to a loss of power.
- Electrical: There are 76 NHTSA complaints related to electrical issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the headlights, with some owners reporting that the headlights flicker or fail, leading to a loss of visibility.
- Steering: There are 69 NHTSA complaints related to steering issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the steering, with some owners reporting that the steering is too loose or too tight, leading to a loss of control.
- Fuel System: There are 64 NHTSA complaints related to fuel system issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the fuel gauge, with some owners reporting that the fuel gauge is inaccurate, leading to a loss of fuel.
- Seat Belts / Air Bags: There are 60 NHTSA complaints related to seat belts or air bags for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the air bags, with some owners reporting that the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, leading to a loss of protection.
- Drivetrain: There are 52 NHTSA complaints related to drivetrain issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the driveshaft, with some owners reporting that the driveshaft breaks or cracks, leading to a loss of power.
- Lights: There are 40 NHTSA complaints related to lights issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the headlights, with some owners reporting that the headlights burn out prematurely, leading to a loss of visibility.
- Exterior Accessories: There are 33 NHTSA complaints related to exterior accessories issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the mirrors, with some owners reporting that the mirrors crack or break, leading to a loss of visibility.
- Windows / Windshield: There are 22 NHTSA complaints related to windows or windshield issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the windows, with some owners reporting that the windows fail to roll up or down, leading to a loss of visibility.
- Exhaust System: There are 19 NHTSA complaints related to exhaust system issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the muffler, with some owners reporting that the muffler falls off or cracks, leading to a loss of power.
- Miscellaneous: There are 15 NHTSA complaints related to miscellaneous issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the interior, with some owners reporting that the interior trim falls off or cracks, leading to a loss of aesthetics.
- Cooling System: There are 8 NHTSA complaints related to cooling system issues for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most common issue is related to the radiator, with some owners reporting that the radiator leaks or cracks, leading to a loss of coolant.
What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?
The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.
What are bad Cummins years?
We recommend staying away from the 1991, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011 models. Many issues stem from these years. A few of the common appear in the format of transmission failure, charging system troubles, and electrical issues. These can be costly to handle and inconvenient for any driver.
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.
Which Ram 2500 engine is the best?
The Ram 2500 is available with two engine options - one gas and one turbo diesel. Overall, the gas HEMI engine provides the best gas horsepower among 250/2500 pickups - and more payload capacity than the Cummins - but the turbo diesel outperforms it with mountains of torque and more maximum towing capacity.
What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?
The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.
Which Ram 2500 engine is the best?
The Ram 2500 is available with two engine options - one gas and one turbo diesel. Overall, the gas HEMI engine provides the best gas horsepower among 250/2500 pickups - and more payload capacity than the Cummins - but the turbo diesel outperforms it with mountains of torque and more maximum towing capacity.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
Are Ram 2500 trucks reliable?
The Ram 2500 received an average of 2.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal in terms of reliability. It can become expensive to own once it becomes old. The Ram 2500 is known to have electrical problems, transmission issues, malfunctioning cruise control functions, and engine knocking, among other issues.
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram 2500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Dodge Ram 2500
The NHTSA has received 304 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 vehicles.
2023-06-15
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 3B7KF23CXTM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag warning light suddenly activated, and moments later the front driver’s side air bag erroneously deployed. During the failure, the driver sustained various facial injuries and injuries to the nose. The contact also sustained an injury to the right arm which required medical attention. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 330,000.
2021-11-08
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1B7KC26C0TJ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at night with the high beam on, a strong burning odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he thought the burning odor was coming from outside not the vehicle as no warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle was functioning normally. The contact stated that the next morning the headlight switch did not feel normal as the switch was easily pulled out. The contact stated he removed the instrument panel and noticed that wires and connectors were melted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that he ordered the parts himself and would do the repairs. The contact stated that he found manufacturer recall number: 918 for the 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 3500 online, however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 54,900.
2020-10-19
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-19
- VIN: 1B7KC23C9TJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE PEALING (DEFECTIVE) PAINT THAT DODGE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT HAS NOW PEALED AROUND THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. THE WINDSHIELD IS STUCK TO THE PAINT, BUT SINCE THE PAINT HAS TURNED LOOSE FROM THE WINDSHIELD FRAME IT'S JUST SORT OF SITTING THERE. I GUESS THE GOOD NEWS IS NOW UPON IMPACT THE WINDSHIELD WILL QUICKLY EXIT THE VEHICLE ALLOWING THE SHARP PLASTIC SHARDS FROM THE BROKEN DASH TO ALSO LEAVE THE VEHICLE RATHER THAN IMPALING THE OCCUPANT'S. THIS JUST WEEKS AFTER HAVING TO WELD A BROKEN LOWER A FRAME BRACKET BACK IN PLACE, YET ANOTHER DEFECT IN THESE TRUCKS.
2020-02-10
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-01
- VIN: 3B7KF23W2TM
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE FRONT END SHAKES AND VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING OVER GROOVED PAVEMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER URNESS MOTORS (505 CHERRY HEIGHTS ROAD, THE DALLES, OR. 97058) AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000. *DT*JB*DT CONSUMER ASKS FOR SAFETY RECALL AND STATED HE COULD NOT DRIVE ON OPEN FREEWAY.*JB
2019-09-13
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-01
- VIN: 3B7KF23C3TM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AT NIGHT TIME. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AFTER TEN MINUTES AND THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.
2019-05-18
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-24
- VIN: 3B7KF23C0TM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, I LOST MY POWER STEERING, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HAVE A REAR END COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD MY TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND MY BRAKE SYSTEM TO BE CONTAMINATED AND TOLD ME THAT ALL PARTS OF THE SYSTEM WITH RUBBER IN THEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF, I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD FIND ALL THE PARTS EXCEPT ONE, THE COMBINATION OR PROPORTIONING VALVE. I PAID FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO ANOTHER LOCAL DEALER-I NEEDED A SECOND OPINION, NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY A DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIX MY TRUCK. I TOLD THE SECOND DEALERSHIP MY STORY, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OF THEIR OWN AND CAME UP WITH THE SAME EXACT CONCLUSION, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE COMBINATION VALVE. I BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR AND WAS PLANNING ON SELLING THE TRUCK, BUT NOW AM UNABLE TO DO THAT, AS IT HAS NO BRAKES AND THEY CAN'T BE FIXED. I'M WRITING THIS IN HOPES THAT SOMEONE ELSE THAT IS LOOKING TO BUY A TRUCK LIKE THIS UNDERSTANDS THE SITUATION IF THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS TO THEM.
2016-07-07
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-06
- VIN: 1B7KF26C0TS
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: DEATH WOBBLE
2016-04-12
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-01
- VIN: 3B7KC23C5TM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DISINTEGRATED TO THE POINT THAT THE WIRES UNDERNEATH WERE VISIBLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
2015-03-12
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-28
- Fire: 1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE THE CABIN. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IGNITED INTO SMALL FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS UNVAILALBE.
2015-01-08
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 3B7KF23C4TM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER, ARM, JAW, AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 291,000.
2014-11-17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3B7KF23W3TM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
2014-09-19
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-12
- VIN: 1B7KC23C3TJ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN TOWING A TRAILER THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MIN. THEN COME BACK ON. WITH THE BRIGHTS ON THE SHUT OFFS HAPPEN EARLIER IN THE DRIVE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. DODGE DID A RECALL ON THE 3500 TRUCKS WITH THE SAME HEADLIGHT SYSTEM, BUT THEY DID NOT RECALL THE 2500 TRUCKS. ALL THE ELECTRICAL POWER FOR THE HEADLIGHTS IS ROUTED THREW THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE SWITCH HEATS UP AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SHUT OFF OR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MELTS FROM THE HEAT AND THEY NEVER COME BACK ON. DODGE EVEN SELLS A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM WHICH USES RELAYS, WHICH THEY SHOULD HAVE USED WHEN THEY BUILT THE TRUCK. *TR
2014-06-27
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-16
- VIN: 1B7KC23W1TJ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON HEADLIGHTS. HEADLIGHT SWITCH PULLED OUT FROM DIS-INTEGRATED INSTRUMENT PANEL PLASTIC. HAD TO RELEASE STEERING WHEEL AND HOLD BODY OF HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH ONE HAND WHILE OPERATING SWITCH CONTROL WITH OTHER HAND. THIS DODGE RAM'S DASH COVER HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED AWAY SEVERAL YEARS AGO. NOW, THE ACTUAL INSTRUMENT PANEL IS DIS-INTEGRATING. CURRENTLY THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, THE OVERDRIVE SWITCH AND AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET ARE HANGING BY WIRES. THE DRINK HOLDER AND RADIO ARE REMOVED AS THEIR MOUNTING SUPPORT IS GONE. *TR
2014-05-15
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-15
- VIN: 3B7KC23ZXVM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ON A BUSY STREET, IN DAYLIGHT, IN GOOD WEATHER, TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEED....THE SPARE TIRE JUST FELL OFF INTO THE ROAD. INSPECTION BY OWNER SHOWS THE CABLE THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE BROKE. THANKFUL NOT TO BE AT HIGH SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. *TR
2014-04-24
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1D7KS28C36J
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, FUEL WAS SMELLED IN THE CABIN AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE FUEL LINE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND PERSONALLY REPLACED THE NUMBER FOUR FUEL INJECTOR LINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
2013-11-05
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-02
- VIN: 1B7KF26C4TS
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: EARLY MORNING, DARK, SOME FOG, MOUNTAIN ROADS, 45 TO 55 SPEED LIMITS. USING HIGH BEAMS AS NEEDED BUT NOT CONSTANTLY DUE TO FOG AND SOME ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT,FLASHED BACK ON AND OFF,SEEMED TO HAPPEN A COUPLE OF TIMES AS I WAS BREAKING AND TRYING NOT TO HIT SOMETHING OR GO INTO A DITCH. HIT DIMMER SWITCH AND LOW BEAM LIGHTS CAME ON. STOPPED AT NEXT AVAILABLE SAFE PULLOUT. CHECKED TRUCK OVER,FOUND NOTHING. RESUMED TRIP. LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN,USING HIGH BEAMS,FINISHED TRIP WITH ONLY LOW BEAMS AND HAD NO OTHER PROBLEM. CHECKED OUT HEADLIGHT SWITCH,AND FOUND OVERHEATED WIRING THAT COULD RESULT IN FIRE. *TR
2013-09-01
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-09
- VIN: 3B7KF23Z1TM
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 55MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED TO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION. IT CAUSED THE WHOLE TRUCK TO SHAKE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER IT AND ALL AROUND IT BUT FOUND NOTHING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT AND IT DROVE FINE. EVERY TIME IT GETS AROUND 55 IT STARTS THE SHAKING. I KEEP FINDING ONLINE THAT IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE CASES.
2013-08-11
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-11
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: AFTER USING HEADLIGHTS ON HIGH BEAM FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, WENT TO SWITCH TO LOW BEAM AND LOST ALL LIGHTING. UPON EXAMINATION, HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS MELTED. THIS IS THE SECOND SWITCH THAT HAS DONE THIS. *TR
2013-05-04
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1B7KF23C0TJ
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE STEERING COLUMN ON THIS TRUCK HAS GOTTEN VERY HOT UNDER THE IGNITION SWITCH AREA. SO HOT IN FACT THAT THE WIRES AND PLASTIC COLUMN COVER HAVE SMOKED AND MELTED THROUGH. I FEEL THERE MAY BE A FIRE SOON. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY MODEL YEAR BUT THE MELTED HOLE IN MY STEERING COLUMN SAYS OTHERWISE I'VE READ THERE WAS A RECALL OF THIS NATURE BUT WAS TOLD IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE HELPING ME. HELP... *TR
2013-01-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-10
- VIN: 3B7KC23C5TM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SEVERAL YEARS BACK IGNITION SWITCH WAS RECALLED FOR BURNING UP. AT THAT TIME HAD REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH TWICE PREVIOUSLY. DODGE PAID FOR THE SWITCHES AND LABOR AND REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH WITH NEW AND IMPROVED IGNITION SWITCH. NOW APPROX. 5 TO 7 YEARS LATER IGNITION SWITCH BURNING UP AGAIN TAKING OUT DOOR LOCK, WINDOWS, AIR BAG, AND ABB LIGHTS ARE ALL ON AND YOU CANNOT OPERATE EITHER WINDOW OR DOOR LOCK. TOOK INTO SHOP IN SPRING, TEXAS CALLED RILEYS OF RAYFORD ROAD IN SPRING, TEXAS WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN! CALLED DEMONTRON DODGE IN CONROE, TEXAS TO SEE ABOUT SWITCH REPLACEMENT. NOTHING YET! *TR
2013-01-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-04
- VIN: 3B7KC23C5TM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: NUMEROUS HEADLIGHT SWITCHES REPLACED DUE TO THEM BURNING UP TO INCLUDE SEVERAL INCHES OF THE EXISTING WIRING HARNESS TO SWITCH. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS TYPE OF SAFETY ISSUE IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED. YOU DAM SURE HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE THE AFTERMARKET AUTO PARTS O REILYS ETC. CARRY THE SWITCH OR SWITCH WITH WIRING HARNESS AS AN OPTION. AFTER READING HERE ALL SWITCHES GO OUT ABOUT THE SAME... THE HEADLIGHTS START GOING ON AND OFF THEN LOOK FOR SMOKE COMING FROM AROUND DASH WHERE SWITCH MOUNTED. YOU CAN FEEL THE HEAT FROM UNDER WHEN SWITCH IS BURNING UP. NEED A SIMPLE RELAY TO STOP THIS SHOW HOW MUCH DODGE LOVES ITS CUSTOMERS! *TR
2013-01-07
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-16
- VIN: 3B7KC23C5TM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DASH IS A BIG PILE OF JUNK! HARD PLASTIC WITH A VIBRATING DIESEL? TURNS TO PIECES AND FALLS INTO DEFROSTER DUCTS, FLOOR, ALL IN CAB OF TRUCK! THIS IS WHY YOU DON'T BUY DODGE OR YOU BUY IT FOR ONLY CUMMINS DIESEL POWER! THATS ONE OF THE ONLY THINGS THAT SELDOM BREAKS AND NEEDS FIXING! TAKE THE POWER TRAIN AWAY AND YOU WOULD NOT SELL ANOTHER! BOOO! NO GOOD DASH! *TR
2013-01-07
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-08
- VIN: 3B7KC23C5TM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUCK WOULD NOT QUIT LEAKING INSIDE TRUCK NO WINDOWS DOWN OR DOORS OPEN AFTER RAIN? FOUND THROUGH A BOROSCOPE INVESTIGATION THAT TRUCK WELDED SEAMS WERE NOT PROPERLY SEALED AFTER THE WELDING TOOK PLACE. WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS REMOVED AND IN BETWEEN CAB UNDER WINDOW MOTOR NUMEROUS WELDS WERE FOUND TO BE LEAKING. LABOR INTENSIVE TO RESEAL. COST $1,900 TO RESEAL FAULTY WELDS FROM MEXICO! *TR
2012-01-23
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1B7KF26Z4TS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AFTER OPERATING VEHICLE UNDER HEAVY LOAD (SNOWPLOWING), THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE RUPTURED WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED AND THE HYDRAULIC FLUID IGNITED ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM. NOTE: THERE WAS A RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 99V115000 ) ISSUED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR TRUCK WITH A V10 ENGINE VERSES THE V8. THE HEAT FROM THE NEARBY EXHAUST PIPE EXCEEDED THE TEMPERATURE RATING OF THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL CAUSING IT TO RUPTURE. *TR
2011-09-12
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-02
- VIN: 3B7KF23C4TM
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: THIS REPORT IS REGARDING THE FAILURE OF A GOODYEAR WRANGLER ATS TIRE, LOAD RANGE D, SIZE 305/70R16. FOR SEVERAL MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A MILD TO MODERATE TIRE SHAKE OR IN-BALANCE. A GOODYEAR DEALER RE-BALANCED THE TIRES, BUT THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THE SHAKE. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER WHO THEN STATED THE TIRES WERE OUT OF ROUND AND COULDN'T BE BALANCED. THEY DID NOT ADVISE US TO REPLACE THE TIRES OR TO STOP USING THE VEHICLE. TWO MONTHS LATER, AFTER AN HOUR AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE TIRE SUDDENLY DELAMINATED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED OVER $3,000 IN DAMAGE FROM THE TIRE EXPLOSION. CONTROL WAS NOT LOST. LOOKING AT THE TIRE, IT'S VERY OBVIOUS THIS WAS THE RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HALF OF THE STEEL BELTS ARE COVERED WITH A LAYER OF BONDED RUBBER. THE OTHER HALF OF THE BELTS ARE EXPOSED. THE SEPARATING LINE IS RIGHT DOWN THE CENTER OF THE TIRE. THE SMALL PORTION OF TREAD THAT REMAINS IS SEPARATED FROM THE BELTS, BUT IS STILL BONDED ON THE OTHER SIDE. IT APPEARS TWO STRIPS OF RUBBER WERE PLACED LATERALLY ON THE FACE OF THE TIRE AND ONE OF THEM DID NOT BOND PROPERLY. I DON'T SEE ANY SIGNS OF PATCHES. ALTHOUGH NOW RUSTED, THE STEEL BELTS WERE BRIGHT WHEN THE TIRE FIRST SEPARATED. *TR
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500.
2006-03-15
- 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 2500 problems:
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems and Complaints - 25 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1996-dodge-ram-2500/problems
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