Door Lock & Latch complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 0% | 32,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% | 43,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% | 1,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% | 2,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% | 25,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2004 | 11 | 1% | 54,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% | 43,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% | 31,000 miles |
| 2001 | 26 | 2% | 94,000 miles |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% | 96,000 miles |
| 1998 | 17 | 3% | 102,000 miles |
| 1997 | 10 | 3% | 112,000 miles |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% | 131,000 miles |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% | 245,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the tailgate unlatched and opened inadvertently while driving down the driveway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The dealer stated that the failure was a known issue however, there was no recall associated with the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to contact the NHSTA hotline and file a complaint. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle would read that the key was damaged when the door was ajar. As a result, the contact was unable to start the vehicle until a minimum of 35 minutes of closing the door. In addition, the contact was unable to shut off the vehicle and the contact had to disconnect the battery cable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the main computer module was replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not further repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 43, 000....updated 11-12-13 the consumer stated the vehicle would not crank, and when the vehicle did start, it would not cut off. The consumer had to disconnect the battery cable. The dealer replaced the main computer.
The rear power door locks do not work whatsoever in my truck. Trying to unlock/lock the doors in my truck with the key fob only operate the front doors. Trying to unlock/lock the doors with the front driver and passenger side power door lock controls only operate the front doors as well. The only way the back doors will lock/unlock is if it is done manually. When the doors are unlocked, the back doors do not lock when the truck reaches the speed that engages all door locks when in drive. The doors will not unlock when putting the truck into park. I could understand if one or the other is malfunctioning, but not both. This definitely indicates an electrical issue. This is a safety hazard. …
The automatic door lock on driver side failed to engage at 15 MPH. The passenger side did engage. Manually locking the driver side door resulted in failure to unlock when vehicle was shut down although the passenger side lock did successfully unlock. The door mounted locking button failed to lock the driver side door but did lock the passenger door. When manually locked, the door mounted locking button failed to unlock the driver side door. The remote control door lock will not operate the driver side door lock. Dealer service dept. Says this is not covered by warranty and I must pay to have this repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. When releasing the emergency brake, the latch detached. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the latch was replaced; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
The driver's side door lock actuator failed causing it to be stuck in the "locked" position. Using the key fob and manually turning the key in the door lock had no effect on the mechanism. The only way to open the door was by entering through the passenger side. Upon opening the door from the inside by use of the door handle the handle became stuck in the open position and had to be pushed back to its default setting. The lock makes a very loud "pang" noise now when locking as if metal on metal contact is being made.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the driver side door lock was jammed and the key could not be inserted into the manual key lock. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Updated 11/29/11 the consumer stated the door actuator was replaced. 12/07/11
Tl contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the handle located in the roof above the passenger side door failed as the passenger grabbed it for support while entering the vehicle. As a result, the passenger fell and fractured her left wrist. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that it was a very common failure. The current and failure mileages were 29,000.
NHTSA investigations
2000-2001 Dodge Ram pickup hood latch
The agency opened this investigation based on 30 complaints alleging that the hoods on model year (my) 2000 and 2001 Dodge Ram pickup trucks flew up and blocked the driver's vision.these vehicles have a primary hood latch and a secondary (backup) hood latch.the secondary latch is designed to secure the hood if the primary hood latch is not properly closed or otherwise malfunctions.in these complaints, the secondary…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 1500 years have door lock & latch problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (26), 1998 (17), 1999 (16), 1996 (11) and 2000 (11) model years. Door Lock & Latch complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 1500 door lock & latch problems?
No. NHTSA lists no locks & latches 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 door lock & latch problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hood › latch (63 mentions), followed by the doors › latch (19).
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.