Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, he noticed that fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic stated that the rollover valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.
While driving 10 MPH, the consumer heard a popping sound, and noticed from the rearview mirror a fire coming from under the vehicle. Consumer stopped the vehicle, shut the engine off, and exited the vehicle. There was minimal damage done to vehicle. An individual investigator concluded that the rollover valve was the cause of the fire.
My husband was letting his 96 Dodge warm up after a big snow and ice storm and someone stopped to tell him it was on fire. The fire started under the bed of the truck . They tried to put it out with extinguishers and water but to no avail it was completely lost by the time the fire truck arrived.
I own a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.2 liter engine. The engine oil light would flicker when stopped at a stop sign in drive. I took it to the Dodge dealership and they said that the engine would have to be replaced due to the wear. I have used mobile 1 synthetic oil since the breakin oil and never let the oil in the vehicle over 4,000 miles. Each time the oil filter was also changed. The vehicle has 106,000 miles on it and the engine replacement is costing me $4.700. I've been told that the 5.2 liter engine does not handle synthetic oil well. The oil does not return to the oil pan fast enough to keep the bottom of the engine lubricated. I find this hard to believe but I've never wore out an engine before. My question is how can an engine wear out when it was taken such good care of? …
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. When the engine was started, the rear of the vehicle emitted a fuel odor and fuel leaked from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the vehicle shook while the engine was running. The contact received a recall notice for the fuel tank rollover valve. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the vehicle already received the recall repair; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and NHTSA campaign number were unknown.
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.2 ltr. 318 ci. Engine. Throttle stuck fully open when pulling into customers driveway hauling small utility trailer. I put truck in neutral and shot off engine. After 10 minutes I restarted truck and it seems fine now. This is an isolated incident at this time. I inspected fuel linkages from pedal to throttle body and all appears well. There is minimal corrosion and I was unable to duplicate this problem manually.
Engine lost power on highway had to get a tow home found a whole with shiny clean threads in intake manifold dealer cant help me. So I tried another dealer. They could not help.the 2nd dealer said my truck should not have this opening in the back of intake manifold my truck is stock 5.9 motor I don't know if my truck takes a plug back there or a tube or a vacuum line.
I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck and today the gas tank fell on the street. Had I been going at highway speed this would have exploded since I a 25 gallons of fuel. I was lucky I was in a parking lot. There should not be a death until something is done to research the potential problem.
Roll over valve leaked fuel. Consumer contacted the dealer, who will not assist the consumer in fixing the vehicle. The consumer stated that if he fills the fuel tank or tighten the gas cap fuel leaks on the ground. The consumer stated that the recall did not include his VIN number.
Fuel pump on my 1996 Dodge pickup failed to pump gas to engine in August of 2000, while parked . The cost of replacement was approx. 450.00 dollars. I am concerned only because I paid $25000.00 dollars for this truck and figured that it sholud of lasted at least 100,000 miles. It just irritates me that Chrysler will not, nor have they offered to look into this defective part, fuel pump. Also, transmission started slipping in August of 2000, after several attempts to contact Chrysler, nothing has been done to correct this problem. The transmission slips (automatic) when shifting into third. This should also be considered a safety hasazrd.
Fuel System complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500, 7% of the model year's 298 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 138,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.