Dodge Ram quad cab 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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Dodge Ram quad cab model years
Common Dodge Ram quad cab problems
The Dodge Ram Quad Cab is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its power, comfort, and spaciousness. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to certain problems and issues that can affect its performance and reliability. Based on owner complaints and reports, here are some common problems with the Dodge Ram Quad Cab:
- TIPM Issues: The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a crucial component of the Dodge Ram Quad Cab's electrical system, controlling various functions such as airbags, power windows, fuel pump, starter, doors, coolant fans, ABS, and A/C. However, when the TIPM starts to malfunction, it can cause various electrical issues, such as airbags not deploying, faulty A/C systems, coolant fans stopping, power windows not working, and more. These issues can make the truck hard or even dangerous to drive, and they can be challenging and expensive to diagnose and fix.
- PCM Problems: The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the computer that controls the engine and transmission of the Dodge Ram Quad Cab. However, when the PCM fails, it can affect various functionalities of the car, such as the engine stopping to function at intervals, especially in cold weather. Replacing the PCM is the last option, and it can be costly, ranging between $895 and $993, while the labor costs are estimated to be between $39 and $49.
- Exhaust Manifold Bolts: Models with a 3.7L V6 engine and a 4.7L V8 engine have exhaust manifold bolts that are prone to breaking. The standard fix is to replace the exhaust manifold gaskets, which only cost about $15-$20. However, if left unattended, this problem may cause engine failure due to oil starvation for various moving parts, including the camshafts and pistons.
- Coolant Leaks: Owners of 1994-2010 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. These leaks can cause various problems, such as reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and even engine failure.
- Body Structure Issues: Frustrated owners have many complaints about the RAM 1500s 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. These issues can affect the truck's appearance, functionality, and safety, and they can be challenging and expensive to fix.
- 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 is a huge safety risk and mostly reported on the fourth generation of RAM 1500.
- 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 dangerous and potentially deadly issue that affects some Dodge Ram Quad Cab trucks, especially those with aftermarket lift kits or larger tires. The issue is caused by a loose or damaged steering component, such as a tie rod end, ball joint, or track bar, that causes the front end of the truck to shake and vibrate at high speeds, making it hard or impossible to control. This issue can cause accidents, injuries, and even fatalities, and it requires immediate attention and repair.
In conclusion, while the Dodge Ram Quad Cab is a powerful and capable truck, it is not immune to various problems and issues that can affect its performance, reliability, and safety. Owners of this truck should be aware of these common issues and take preventive measures, such as regular maintenance and inspections, to avoid them. If any of these issues occur, owners should seek professional help and repair as soon as possible to ensure the safety and longevity of their vehicle.
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 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 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 is the bad year for the 5.7 Hemi?
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."
Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge Ram quad cab years
We have researched Dodge problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge Ram quad cab cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Dodge Ram quad cab model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge Ram quad cab model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge Ram quad cab years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Dodge Ram quad cab car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Dodge Ram quad cab , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Dodge Ram quad cab vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ram quad cab model years
A total of 9 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 quad cab 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 quad cab model years
There were a total of 12 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 206 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Ram quad cab . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Dodge Ram quad cab vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-26
- VIN: 3D7HU18ZX2G
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PLASTICS USED IN THE 2002 DODGE RAM INTERIOR ARE A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE IS WIDESPREAD EVIDENCE ACROSS THE INTERNET SHOWING THE DASH BREAKING APART LIKE MINE. IT IS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND DODGE SHOULD FIND A SAFE SOLUTION. IF I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT SHARP SHARDS OF DASH FLYING AROUND IS MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE INJURY THAN THE IMPACT OF THE CRASH.
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-02
- Date Complaint: 2019-06-02
- VIN: 1D7HA18Z02J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BOUGHT TRUCK IN 2009. DRIVE A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK. TRANSMISSION HAS WENT OUT 5 TIMES NOW INCLUDING THIS MORNING. WAS TOLD BY A COWORKER THAT THERES AB ISSUE WITH THE DODGERS NOT CIRCULATING FLUID WHEN IDLING IN GEAR.??? EITHER WAY THIS WILL BE THE 5TH TIME IN 10 YEARS TAKING IT TO GET REBUILT!!!! WHICH HAS BEEN 2,500.00 TO 4,000.00 EACH TIME!!! REALLY BOUT TO GIVE UP ON DODGE
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-26
- Date Complaint: 2018-05-27
- VIN: 1D7HU18NX2J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR END LOCKED UP GOING DOWN HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, SENT ME SLIDING INTO THE SLOW LANE AND THEN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY INTO A DRIVEWAY COMING TO A HALTING STOP WITH MY TAILGATE WAS STILL PARTIALLY IN A HEAVILY TRAVELED HIGHWAY. THE DRIVESHAFT ALSO DROPPED DOWN AND EVENTUALLY CAME COMPLETELY OFF AND I HAD TO CALL A ROLL BACK TO COME GET TRUCK. I HAVE HAD THIS 2002 TRUCK FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED BY DODAGE THAT THIS COULD BE A MAJOR ISSUE. ALL IN ALL IT HAS BEEN A GOOD TRUCK. THIS INCIDENT REALLY SCARED ME, AS I WORK OUT OF THIS TRUCK WITH MY BUSINESS AND NOW I HAVE TO SUFFER A LOSS FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO WORK UNTIL I SPEND A GOOD SOME OF MONEY TO FIX THIS ISSUE SO I AM ABLE TO USE IT AGAIN.
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-09
- Date Complaint: 2018-03-16
- VIN: 1D7HA18Z32J
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CRAKED DASH, SHARP METAL AND SHARP BROKEN CHUNKS OF PLASTIC THAT USED TO BE A DASHBOARD. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THIS WAY! THE PARTS IF AVAILABLE ARE EXSPENSIVE, WHY IS THIS NOT RECALLED REPLACING USING BETTER SAFER PRODUCTS.
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-03-13
- VIN: 3B7HA18N42G
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I HAVE A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 P/U TRUCK. I'M AWARE THAT IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. I PLAN TO KEEP THIS TRUCK UNTIL I DIE. THE DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. I NOW HAVE A DASH COVER OVER IT. AND IT'S SEEM TO BE FALLING IN AS WELL. PLEASE CONSIDER REPLACING MY DASH SINCE IT'S THE WRONG MATERIAL ON ALL 3RD GENS WERE MADE OUT OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE. AS TIME PASSES THEY DRY OUT AND CRACK. CAUSING PIECES TO FALL INSIDE CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE BLOWER AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I PLAN TO TRAVEL FROM SAN DIEGO CA TO CHICAGO ILL. IN AUGUST IN MY TRUCK, I CAN'T PUT ANYTHING ON THE DASHBOARD WITHOUT THE FEAR OF DAMAGE OR MALFUNCTION TO THE ELECTRONICS OR OTHER PARTS UNDERNEATH.WITH LIQUIDS OR MORE PLASTICS FALLING INSIDE OR PASSING THOUGH THE THE DASH COVER ITS NOT WATER PROOF OR WATER RESISTANT PLEASE HELP... PLEASE HELP SAVE MY TRUCK, PLEASE AND KEEP ME SAFE ON THE ROAD.
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-24
- Date Complaint: 2018-01-24
- VIN: 1D7HU18Z02S
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: BLOWS HEAT ONLY ON PASSENGER SIDE VENTS. BLOWS COOL AIR ON DRIVERS SIDE.
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2017-12-12
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED ALONG THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER VENT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY BECAUSE OF THE FRACTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER VENT WERE INOPERABLE ON THE LOWER SETTINGS DUE TO OBSTRUCTION FROM PIECES OF FRACTURED DEBRIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATING SYSTEM WOULD ONLY FUNCTION ON A HIGH SETTING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-13
- Date Complaint: 2015-02-13
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MICHELIN LATITUDE TIRES P265/70 R17 BOUGHT SEPT. 2011 FROM COSTCO IN INGLEWOOD CALIF. THE TREAD SURFACE IS PEELING FROM THE TIRE. THERE ARE SMALL CRATER LIKE AREAS WHERE THE TREAD HAS CRUMBLED AWAY. THE LATITUDE TIRE WAS ADVERTISED AS; "LATITUDE TOUR TIRES USE A SILICA-BASED TREAD COMPOUND MOLDED INTO A SYMMETRIC TREAD DESIGN". I WENT TO COSTCO TO SEE IF THEY WOULD WARRANTY THE TIRE. AT FIRST THEY TOLD ME THE DETERIORATION OF THE TIRE THREAD WAS DUE TO THE SURFACE THAT I DROVE ON. AFTER I ASSURED THE COSTCO SERVICE TECH THAT I DRIVE ON THE STREETS AND HIGHWAY, NOT OFF ROAD, HE SAID HE WOULD ONLY PRORATE THE TIRE VALUE BASED ON THE THREAD USE. THAT TURNED OUT TO BE 50 PERCENT OF ON A NEW SET OF TIRES. *TR
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2014-08-08
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ALL THE SUDDEN ALL REAR LIGHTS WENT OFF TOOK TO GARAGE THEY COULDN'T TELL WHAT WAS WRONG AFTER PAYING TO FIND OUT NOTHING AND THEY HAVING TRUCK FOR 2 DAYS AND DEAD BATTERY FROM TRYING A BUNCH OF [XXX], I BROUGHT IT HOME AND STARTED TO TRY FOR MYSELF IT WAS THE FUSE BOX OF ALL THINGS I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE HEARD OF HAVING TO REPLACE FUSE BOX ABOUT 500.00 , AND DASH IS CRACKED ALL OVER THE PLACE PRICED TO REPLACE COST ABOUT 700.00 I WILL WAIT TO SEE IF THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE IT ALREADY HAD TO GET DEFROSTER VENT FIXED FROM STUFF FALLING IN THERE ,I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THESE THINGS GOING WRONG BUT I THOUGHT ONE MORE MY MAKE A DIFFERENCE . I WOULD HOPE THAT THIS IS RECALLED BEFORE SOME ONE GETS INJURED AND ALL SO THE BACK DOOR WIRING ON BOTH SIDES WENT BAD HAD TO REPAIR THEY I WOULD THING THAT IS A FIRE ISSUE BUT WHO AM I THE CONSUMER WE DON'T KNOW ANYTHING THAT'S WHY I A WOMEN FIX MY OWN TRUCK. HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS.. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-24
- Date Complaint: 2014-06-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3D7HU18N32G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: KNOCK ON MY DOOR FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, SAID MY TRUCK BURNED UP. IT WAS NOT DRIVEN THAT DAY. ANY ELECTRICAL RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE? *TR
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-24
- Date Complaint: 2013-04-24
- VIN: 3D7HA18N32G
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I HAVE 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH A CRACKED DASH WHICH IS BAD THE CRACKS STARTED OUT SMALL AND NOW THERE ARE SEVERAL. IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WHAT IS TO STOP THIS DASH FROM SEPARATING AND CAUSING LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. DODGE NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT. *TR
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2012-12-11
- VIN: 1D7HA18Z22J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: AT APPROXIMATELY 25,000 ON MY VEHICLE, IN THE YEAR OF 2004, I NOTICED SMALL CRACKS STARTING TO FORM ON THE DASHBOARD THIS PROGRESSED INTO MUCH LARGER CRACKS, COMPLETELY DESTROYING THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD OVER THE YEARS. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE SMALL SEGMENTS OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL FELL INTO THE BACK OF THE DASHBOARD CAUSING FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS, DEFROSTER, AND ILLUMINATION OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED BASED ON THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS BY DISSATISFIED OWNERS. CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS AGREED TO REPAIR THE DASHBOARD, BUT ONLY IF I AGREE TO A $500 DEDUCTIBLE, IN WHICH I HAVE NOT AGREED TO, SIMPLY BECAUSE I BELIEVE THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICE, OF THE DASHBOARD. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. THANK YOU. ..UPDATED 01/17/2013 *BF
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2011-09-26
- VIN: 1B7HU18N82J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DASH IS CRACKING IN SEVERAL PLACES DROPPING PARTS OF DASHBOARD INTO FAN MOTOR TO OVERHEAT CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION. *TR
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2011-09-13
- VIN: 3B7HA18N22G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: REAR DOOR WIRING FAILURE CAUSING THE WIRES TO SHORT OUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, SPEEDOMETER, DOOR LOCKS, POWER WINDOWS, DOOM LIGHTING. THE WIRING FAILURE IS DUE TO A POOR DESIGN AND POOR QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE READ DOORS WIRING SYSTEM BETWEEN THE B PILLAR CONNECTOR AND THE DOOR. THIS CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY REMOVING THE BLACK RUBBER BOOTH. *TR
Dodge Ram quad cab 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2011-08-28
- VIN: 3D7HU18N02G
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I HAVE 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH A CRACKED DASH WHICH IS BAD THE CRACKS STARTED OUT SMALL AND NOW THERE SO MANY THAT THE BROKEN PIECE HAVE STARTED TO FALL THROUGH INTO THE FLOOR AND DOWN THROUGH THE DEFROST .WHAT THESE DASHES ARE MADE OF YOU WOULD THING THAT THEY WOULD NOT CRACK BUT HAS SOME OF THESE PIECES COULD BECOME AIRBORNE IF YOU HAVE THE WINDOWS DOWN CAUSING ACCIDENT IF IT WERE TO HIT YOU IN THE FACE. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT FROM FLYING PLASTIC. *TT
Are you having problems with your Dodge Ram quad cab?
