Dodge Ram pickup problems

General information about Dodge Ram pickup
Dodge Ram pickup years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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.

photo of Dodge Ram pickup car production

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Common Dodge Ram pickup problems

Common Problems with Dodge Ram Pickup Cars

Dodge Ram pickup trucks are known for their power and style, but they are also susceptible to various issues that can make them dangerous to drive. Here are some of the most common problems with Dodge Ram pickups based on complaints from owners:

Engine Problems: Ram trucks have been plagued by engine problems ranging from moderate to extremely serious. Many of the Ram truck problems involve exhaust manifold failures, compression issues, leaks, stalls, cylinder head malfunctions, and more. If something seems off with your engine, it's best to get it inspected ASAP.

Transmission Issues: Transmission issues are very common in Ram trucks. These result in problems shifting, for which drivers report jerking, slow acceleration, late shifts, clunking sounds while shifting, and more. Some drivers also experience loud whines and howling coming from the transmission. These Ram truck problems must be addressed immediately.

Totally Integrated Power Module Defects: Problems with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) have been a common thread across Chrysler vehicles. The TIPM is the power distribution center of a vehicle, and when it's defective, it can impact several other critical systems. Some of the most common Ram truck problems with the TIPM include stalling, power window failure, fuel pump issues, doors locking/unlocking randomly, cooling fan failure, and more. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it's essential to get in touch with the manufacturer or dealership ASAP.

Faulty Batteries: Car batteries should ideally last three to four years. However, owners of Ram trucks have reported issues with their batteries dying prematurely. If you're experiencing battery issues with your Ram truck, it's best to get it checked out by a professional.

Coolant Leaks: Owners of Dodge Ram 1500s have complained about their engine overheating due to the coolant leaking. The leaks usually come from the water pump, thermostat gasket, and intake manifold gasket. If you're experiencing coolant leaks with your Ram truck, it's essential to get it checked out by a professional.

Body Structure Issues: Frustrated owners have many complaints about the RAM 1500's body structure problems. Issues such as faulty lock mechanisms, defective paint job, rust buildup, and bumper holes drilled too large are common with this truck. If you're experiencing body structure issues with your Ram truck, it's essential to get it checked out by a professional.

Defective TRW Crash Sensors: Airbag control units (ACUs) are designed to detect a vehicular crash and determine which airbags to be deployed and when to activate the seat belt pretensioners. However, when there's an electric overstress, the ACUs in certain RAM 1500 trucks may be affected and potentially disable the airbag deployment. This issue was mostly reported on the fourth generation of RAM 1500, and is a huge safety risk.

Oil Sludge: Several Dodge vehicles were reported to have oil sludge problems, including the RAM 1500. According to the reports, Dodge’s 2.7L engine had a problem with thick, oily sludge that clogged the passageways in the cylinder block. With these clogged passageways, it can lead to oil starvation for various moving parts including the camshafts and pistons. When left unattended, this problem may cause engine failure.

Death Wobble: The "death wobble" is a well-known issue with Dodge Ram trucks, where the front end of the truck begins to shake violently at high speeds. This issue is caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out suspension components, misaligned wheels, and improperly balanced tires. If you're experiencing the death wobble with your Ram truck, it's essential to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible.

It's important to note that not all Dodge Ram pickups will experience these issues, and many owners have had positive experiences with their trucks. However, being aware of these common problems can help potential buyers make informed decisions and take proactive steps to maintain their vehicles.

What is the most common problem with RAM trucks?

Some of the most common Ram truck problems with the TIPM include stalling, power window failure, fuel pump issues, doors locking/unlocking randomly, cooling fan failure, and more. If you are experiencing any of these issues, get in touch with the manufacturer or dealership ASAP.

What is the best year Ram 1500 to buy?

5 of the Most Reliable Used RAM Trucks

2020 RAM 1500 Classic. For the 2020 model year, RAM redesigned the appearance and features of its trucks. ...
2016 RAM 1500. Slightly earlier into the fourth generation, we can recommend shopping for a 2016 RAM 1500 for a couple of reasons. ...
2021 RAM 1500. ...
2018 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.

Is Ram a dependable truck?

The RAM 1500 has consistently been praised for its reliability, durability, and overall build quality.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge Ram pickup years

We have researched Dodge problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge Ram pickup cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Dodge Ram pickup model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge Ram pickup model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge Ram pickup years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Dodge Ram pickup car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Dodge Ram pickup , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Structure problems
Air bags problems
Power train problems
Service brakes problems
Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Dodge Ram pickup vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ram pickup model years

A total of 10 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ram pickup model years

There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ram pickup model years

There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 94 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Ram pickup . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Dodge Ram pickup vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Dodge Ram pickup 1998

Date Of Incident: 2012-03-31
Date Complaint: 2012-03-31
VIN: 3B7HC12YXWM
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: THE DASH HAS STARTED CRACKING IN TWO PLACES. *JS

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Dodge Ram pickup 1998

Date Of Incident: 2004-06-15
Date Complaint: 2011-08-26
VIN: 3B7HF12Z2WM
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: 1998 DODGE RAM PICKUP 1500 THE DASH HAS CRACKED SO BAD IT IS UNSAFE. IT HAS SHARP EDGED FRAGMENTS. *TT

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Dodge Ram pickup 1999

Date Of Incident: 2003-09-09
Date Complaint: 2011-02-05
VIN: 1B7HC16X8XS
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 DASHBOARD CRACKING AND FALLING APART LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS ALL OVER THE STATES. WILL YOU PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO PRESSURE A RECALL. PLEASE? *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 2000

Date Of Incident: 2011-01-05
Date Complaint: 2011-01-11
Crash: 1
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: 2000 DODGE RAM TRUCK CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, FRONT END CRUNCHED AND TRUCK IS TOTALED, AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF.

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Dodge Ram pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2010-01-16
Date Complaint: 2010-12-28
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: CRACKING OF DASHBOARD, AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS ON HERE AND NUMEROUS OTHER SITES IT APPEARS TO BE A TREND THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. I HAVE CUT MY HAND ONCE ALREADY ON MINE AND THERE IS NO TELLING HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE ALSO. *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 1999

Date Of Incident: 2009-01-01
Date Complaint: 2010-12-09
VIN: 3B7HF13Z4XG
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: 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

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Dodge Ram pickup 1999

Date Of Incident: 2010-09-15
Date Complaint: 2010-10-27
VIN: 1B7HC13Z8XJ
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: MY AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, CALLER DEALER THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T COVERED. HOWEVER I SAW A RECALL NOTICE ON-LINE. *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2010-05-01
Date Complaint: 2010-09-20
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: MY DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP HAS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION IN THE FROM OF A CRACKING AND BROKEN DASHBOARD. I WOULD HATE TO THINK OF COMING IN CONTACT WITH IT IN A COLLISION. *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 2000

Date Of Incident: 2010-07-17
Date Complaint: 2010-07-17
VIN: 1B7HF13Z5YJ
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: I HAVE A 2000 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 PICK UP TRUCK. THE DASH HAS A MAJOR CRACK FROM THE DEFROSTER VENT TO THE AIR BAG COVER. I CAN LOOK INTO THE CRACK AND SEE EXPOSED WIRES. I ALSO HAVE A CRACK STARING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, STARTING AT THE DEFROSTER VENT AND IT IS GOING TOWARDS THE STEERING WHEEL. I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT IT MUCH, BUT I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND AN UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF DODGE OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF I WERE TO GET INTO A WRECK THAT THE DASH COULD BREAK AWAY OR SHATTER SENDING SHARP PLASTIC PIECES FLYING INSIDE THE TRUCK. I HAVE CONTACTED DODGE ABOUT THIS AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT" IT IS A 10 YEAR OLD TRUCK, WHAT DO I EXPECT". I FIRST NOTICED THE CRACK IN 2003 WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. IT HAD 23000 MILES ON IT. THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY BECAUSE I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND IT WAS NOT A POWERTRAIN PART. I HONESTLY THINK THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2008-06-19
Date Complaint: 2010-02-04
VIN: 3B7MF33C52M
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
Summary: DODGE RAM 2002 3500 TRUCK THE BRAKE DISC PADS COME UNGLUED FROM THE BACKING PLATE DEFECT WAS FOUND ON 3 OF THE 4 BRAKE DISC PADS. DODGE IS USING POOR OR THE WRONG GLUE THERE WAS LOTS OF LIFE IN THE DISC PADS AND WAS UNDER 30,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 1998

Date Of Incident: 2009-08-31
Date Complaint: 2009-09-07
VIN: 1B7KF23D8WJ
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: I WAS IN A HOSPITAL PARKING AREA IN TUCSON AZ., ROLLING IN 2ND GEAR, AFTER ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE CLUTCH IT FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LEAVING THE 7200 LB. TRUCK SILL UNDER POWER. LUCKY FOR ME AND NOTHING ELSE I WAS ABLE TO STOP IN A NEAR BY FIELD. THIS IS THE FIRST EVENT FOR ME BUT I HAVE TALKED TO ANOTHER DODGE OWNER AND THE SAME PROBLEM (HE ALMOST BACKED THOUGH A WALL ) THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW HYDRAULIC ASSY. PART. THIS HAPPENED WITH 135K MI. ON THE ODO. THE OTHER OWNER SAID HIS BROKE AT APPROX. 75K MI. *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 1999

Date Of Incident: 2001-01-14
Date Complaint: 2009-05-19
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: DASH CRACKED IN 2001 ,VEHICLE IS A 1999. *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2009-01-21
Date Complaint: 2009-05-01
VIN: 3D7HU18N62G
Components: POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM PICKUP. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO OTHER DEALERS AND THEY STATED THE SAME THING. HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR FOUR MONTHS AND THE VEHICLE STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DASH WAS SEVERELY CRACKED IN 3 PLACES AND THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/01/14

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Dodge Ram pickup 1999

Date Of Incident: 2000-03-16
Date Complaint: 2009-02-25
VIN: 3B7HC12Y4XG
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: I HAVE A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 AND THE DASH IS LITERALLY FALLING APART. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I THINK THIS IS VERY IRRESPONSIBLE ON THE PART OF THE DODGE AND NOT TO MENTION A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE HAD TO SHUT OFF MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG BECAUSE IM AFRAID THAT I COULD BE INJURED BY FLYING DEBRIS IF I WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

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Dodge Ram pickup 1999

Date Of Incident: 2008-09-28
Date Complaint: 2008-09-28
VIN: 3B7HF13Y0XG
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 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, DICK CARLETON. *TR

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Recalls Dodge Ram pickup

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Dodge Ram pickup.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Dodge Ram pickup 2002
Report Received Date: 2007-12-04
Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.