Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the engine, the vehicle would operate as normal. The contact also indicated that the headlights would intermittently dim and the rear passenger side tail light failed causing the bulb to be replaced. In addition, the contact indicated that when applying the brakes, the vehicle would sometimes jerk forward and a section of the dashboard would detach and fall to the floor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 168,859.
Am on third engine each time oil pump failed,and now this one is acting up, powertrain end of year built truck has a lot of 2000 parts on it, rear end seized up drive shaft broke rear yoak split in two, suspension tie rods and idle arms always breaking, two break disks 1 left side 1 right side broke, left one split right down the middle, the right side the center of the hub broke right out at the bearings riped right out
My truck just cut off wouldnt start back run straight wire from ignition changed ignition relay nothing next run straight wire from relay to battery it started up I have no o/d and have to shift by hand sometimes truck stalls but starts right back up been this way since 2010 truck has 55000 miles on it.
Ignition and key are defective. Ignition key can be removed from vehicle ignition during vehicle operation. Ignition key fell out of ignition while driving. Ignition key can be removed from ignition while vehicle is running and in motion. Vehicle sometimes does not need the key in the ignition to start the engine. If the vehicle is running the key can be very easily pulled out of the ignition assembly, the key just slips right out of the ignition. Chrysler has been notified and their response is the vehicle is out of warranty. I asked Chrysler customer service to forward the complaint to a higher up person in Chrysler and was told that after my phone call, that was the end of the issue and Chrysler takes no responsibility for the problem concerning a defective ignition switch. I spoke to Chrysler customer service at [phone]. …
I own a 1999 Dodge Ram regular truck with short bed and it accelerated while I was driving on a highway. At first I thought I hit the cruise control by mistake, but I checked and cruise the light was off. It engine kept ramming and hitting high speeds and I could not stop the vehicle and I almost crashed into other cars. I managed to pull off at an exit and put on the brakes as hard as I could, but it did not stop the truck. Eventually, I had to put the car in park while driving. Eventually the car stopped and I immediately turned off the engine. My mother (who was visiting me and haven't seen in 5 years) was frightened. And so was I. I checked the coolant and it had ran out. It was just checked a few weeks ago. I had it rechecked and it had no leaks. Anyway, I eventually walked to a gas station and bought more coolant (figuring this had to be the problem). …
Steering seemed loose. Dealer replaced trac bar, inner and lower tie rod ends, and an additional bar. Just after warranty expired, mileage 35,982 on November 21, 2002. As of March 5, 2003 front end and steering is worse than when it went in. Very loose feeling, frequent steering wheel correction needed. Very dangerous situation especially on snow covered roads. Very unsafe feeling. Dealer was asked to check work that was performed on November 0f 2002, on January 30, 2003. They did not look into the situation. Also would like to complain about the radiator needing to be replaced along with crank shaft seal, lower pan gasket, and front seal. This was with mileage of 38,105. These items should not fail with this low mileage and age!!!! Obviously a defect in manufacturing, and Chrysler will not admit to any fault of their product. I have records and proof of damaged items if needed. …
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 experience engine noise defective manifold gasket set. The consumer vehicle had several mechanical problems. The consumer complained of noise in the engine compartment. Initially the serpentine belt was replaced but when the noise resurfaced the dealer replaced the intake gasket. Over time the consumer had to also replace the catalytic converter, crankshaft seal and radiator. The vehicle continued to perform poorly. The dealer determined that he gasket needed to be replaced again. The consumer decided to do the repairs himself. While performing the gasket repairs the cons noticed that the old gasket was bent . He determined that the dealer had installed the incorrect gasket for the vehicle.
Tl* - the contact stated that when she got into her 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 (failure mileage: 100000) the seat belts were retracted and locked. The contact took the vehicle to the shop and they notified her of the recall on the retractor. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that they were not aware of the recall and asked her to make an appointment. Updated 2/22/2007 - both front seat belt were locked in the retracted position and could not be used. The seat belt light is illuminated on the dash. The water pump has been replaced. The air conditioning has been replaced. The brake lines have been replaced. The rear end has been replaced. The driver's side window would not roll down.
Engine failure, 1999 Dodge 5.2 liter v8. Purchased used vehicle with 75,000 original miles in 2003. Truck in very nice condition, and well maintained. Last week on a daily drive it seems a coonecting rod snapped and blew through the oil pan. The engine is now garbage. I previously owned a 1987 Dodge Ram pick-up and regretfully sold it with a mere 175,000 mile on it. That truck would run rings around the "new Ram tough" junker sitting in my driveway. I would request Dodge to give me a more dependable engine, like the one in my 1987. I don't need the "sweet" glitz associated with their new technology.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. The stated that he had to replace the water pump due to leakage. Three years later the shaft bearing in the water pump failed, which caused the serpentine belts to break. Engine failure while driving increases the risk of vehicle crash. He speculates that the water pump housing has been sand glassed. He then added that the water pump material was aluminum, which eventually degrades and causes the failure. He replaced the water pump again but the repair was insufficient. The failure mileage 70,000. The current mileage is 147,000.
Engine complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, 7% of the model year's 610 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 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 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.