Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
After truck's engine was started the gear selector was placed in reverse so as to back out of garage. A loud noise was heard. The gear shift selector was returned to p. As this happened the truck lurched forward striking the garage wall. The buiding and truck were damaged.
My ball joints, tie rods, steering box, all that has to do with those areas have serious issues and Dodge needs to fox them for free put them under the recall dept so they can be. Steering wheel very loose tons of play very dangerous.
I purchased the truck in 1996 new from parks motors in augusta, since that time I have had the transmission rebuild 3 times for the same problem, the transmission will not shift out of 1 or 2 gear or if it does it takes high rpms to do it. It was determined that a seal in the upper half of the transmission was faulty from the factory. The first time I had this rebuilt I covered the cost myself because of the low mileage warranty the second time I had this rebuilt Chrysler agreed to pay for half of the problem because they knew it had been rebuilt once before and failed a 2nd time, the third time I paid to have it rebuilt out of pocket, I am now at the point of needing it rebuilt for a 4th time my truck has 120,000 miles on it now and I have yet to see a recall on this problem I have talked to many people who have had the same problem and have also been to many web sites describing the …
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? …
S,bar link ,replaced twice within 3 weeks ,no good.transmission failure took to transmission shop ,replaced pressure sol,governor,gov switch,switchand seleriond,still acting the same.left controlarmandboltkit , also say needs right side .will not alligne .light under hood comes on when driving ,and horn does not work no one can fig out why ..?Dodge should cover all tranny and frount sup on these trucks ,found out after purchaced all the things that go wrong with this yr of tk.96 Dodge Ram 4x4 1500 also the 4x4 is hard to shift into and take out and sometimes doesn not come out ,even when light indcates it is out of four wheel.never again Dodge!! Numerous dates of work to this vehicle.
Failed shift interlock system causing vehicle to roll backward, and resulting in injuries to driver's hips and knee. Dealer / manufacturer were notified; still waiting on manufacturer to respond. Please provide us with any further details on this matter.
Normal driving into mountains and auto transmission shifted out of overdrive and would not shift back, even down hill. Checked fluid and very hot and started to smelled burnt. Has been shifting hard.
Dealer replaced transmission quick cooler connect per notification. Dealer left fitting loose, resulting in fluid leak at 15720 miles. I complained to Chrysler headquarters. Chrysler said they would consider goodwill assistance if problem develops after warranty. In June 2000, at 49898 miles, trans failed. I paid $100 deductible on trans overhaul per goodwill assistance file 7360750. A few days later, seal failed and pumped out trans fluid. Dealer replaced seal. In sept 2000, dealer couldn't find reason for trans overheating at 54480 miles. In nov 2000, trans failed at 57426 miles. Dealer finally agreed to replace with remanufactured trans. In dec 2000, trans failed again, at 57492. I have been out tow bills and not lender vehicle.
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.
This is twice the first gear has gone out, both times after a radiator flush, I was informed by a referral from a Dodge dealership that the radiators are getting clogged and causing the tranmission to over heat and by the time the problem is figured out a new transmission in needed as well as a new radiator, approximate cost to the consumer, in the range of $3500.00. The recall for the clamps that were changed on the coolant lines to prevent them from melting was a good idea but they forgot one thing, a blow out valve for the tranmission so when it gets hot it can releive pressure and heat before it burns the transmission.
Transmission complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500, 17% of the model year's 298 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to transmission & drivetrain 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.