Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 24 | 3% | 76,000 miles |
| 2011 | 23 | 3% | 62,000 miles |
| 2010 | 26 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 41 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 2008 | 11 | 2% | 111,000 miles |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% | 58,000 miles |
| 2006 | 17 | 2% | 80,000 miles |
| 2005 | 24 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 2004 | 50 | 5% | 68,000 miles |
| 2003 | 237 | 20% | 75,000 miles |
| 2002 | 278 | 34% | 75,000 miles |
| 2001 | 548 | 49% | 75,000 miles |
| 2000 | 248 | 48% | 78,000 miles |
| 1999 | 240 | 39% | 86,000 miles |
| 1998 | 102 | 20% | 97,000 miles |
| 1997 | 70 | 19% | 100,000 miles |
| 1996 | 35 | 12% | 137,000 miles |
| 1995 | 36 | 17% | 93,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The side step detached from the vehicle's driver side of the vehicle while the contact was attempting to enter the vehicle. The bolts that were attaching the component had completely rusted through causing the failure. As a result, the contact sustained a injured knee during their fall. Medical attention was not sought. The dealer was contacted but had not inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed that there was no recall. There was a warranty related repair however the vehicle was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
I'm currently having the Recall no.18V160000 problem on my 2012 ram 1500 slt 4.7 but since the vin number on my truck doesn't show this recall, the dealer doesn't want to fix it. My truck currently has the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket broken.
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle with the key fob, the doors would unlock independently, and the windows would roll down independently. The contact also stated that the front driver's side window had failed to roll down while using the power window switch. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that he had noticed moisture in the storage compartments underneath the rear passenger's side and rear driver's side seats. The contact stated that he also noticed that the rear driver's side floorboard was wet. …
The gas tank fell onto the road while driving to pick up my daughter from the bus. I immediately pulled over due to the sound. I then saw the front of the gas tank on the ground , half a mile down the road I was traveling there are alot of pit holes and that could of ended in a fire or worse with my tank dragging the ground. I have taken it to the dealership that would help repair the recall but they have yet to repair or give me information about what the manufacturer has said on what to do. They told me it is to rusty underneath to repair and contacted manufacturer. I am without a vehicle its been almost 2 weeks and I have a 6 year old child and my own health issues that inquire dr appointments. I have no money for a rental and no family or friends who can help with rides. …
The frame has rusted thru, the fuel tank strap has failed and the fuel tank has dropped. If this had happened while driving, it could have killed him and many others. Upon researching for information, we found recall U04/nhsta 18v-160 which stated this document replaced service bulletin TSB# 1400218 - all for this exact problem. This was a regional recall/extended warranty and was not issued for vehicles in our region. But this document does state that should any vehicle meet the criteria described (make date range, model year, and problem) that that vehicle should be covered. My fathers truck meets all 3 criteria. Upon calling FCA (Fiat, Chrysler Automobiles), who issued the document, we were told that we aren't able to be included in this issue, since we don't have a recall listed and also because the recall turned from a recall to an extended warranty that expired in 2022. …
The rear back up sensors starts to work very late. When I put my truck in reverse (leaving my child at school) I went about 10ft when I hit a lightning pole it start to work when the pole was about 1 ft and I cant brake. Thank god the result my chrome bumper was damaged I thought it was a child. Recently I put the truck entering in reverse to my garage and the wall was about 1 ft and the sensor indicates 3 ft. (3 lines) in the dash monitor. Thanks. Other than since new the truck works perfect! But I think its a very important issue. Thanks again.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the fuel tank was not completely secured to the vehicle and was hanging down from the subframe. The failure was caused by a corroded subframe attaching the fuel tank straps to the vehicle. Both fuel tank straps had failed due to the subframe corrosion. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN and vehicles from the state of Kansas were not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to Hudson Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM (625 NJ-440, Jersey City, NJ 07304) on two separate occasions and the dealers declined to perform the recall repair because the sub frame was rusted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he was responsible for the sub frame replacement. The failure mileage was 165,851. Case number [redacted] . "
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 1500 years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (548), 2002 (278), 2000 (248), 1999 (240) and 2003 (237) model years. Body complaints make up 49% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 1500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Dodge Ram 1500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 1500 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (378 mentions), followed by the frame and members (30).
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.