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 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, fuel was smelled in the cabin and smoke emitted from the engine compartment. Upon inspection, the contact noticed a crack in the fuel line. The contact was a certified mechanic and personally replaced the number four fuel injector line. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Dt: the contact smelled a gasoline odor and was unaware of where the odor was coming from. This continued for a couple of weeks. The contact inspected underneath the vehicle and discovered that gasoline was dripping from the gas tank onto the pavement. The vehicle was taken to an independent service shop. The mechanic confirmed a crack in the gas tank. The crack was actually on top of the gas tank at the fasteners and mounts that attached to the tank to the truck. The mechanic had no idea why this failure occurred. The mechanic contacted Chrysler in order to find a replacement, and they stated they did not have the tanks available for that model year. The mechanic also searched for aftermarket replacements and was unsuccessful. At this point there have been no repairs due to the lack of parts. The consumer was waiting in limbo for a replacement tank that could not be found at this time.
Dt: contact stated he had a fuel leak. He also checked the vehicle and found that the throttle cable was breaking, 6 out of 7 strands were broken. There is no recall on this vehicle. The vehicle is parked at this time. Repairs have been made to the vehicle. Updated 11/7/2005. While searching for a new throttle cable the consumer discovered that the cable in his vehicle was of the type involved in a recall. The consumer's vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Gas gauge inside on the Dodge Ram 2500 diesel engines corodes and falls off after a short period of time. Our truck is a 1996 and the gauge broke in 1997. The price is too much to fix it and if fixed, was said that it would just break again. It is very hard to drive without knowing how full or empty your gas tank is. This is a very serious problem and needs to be looked into.
Straps broke on my gas tank dropping the tank to the hwy,which punctured the tank and 34 gals of diesel fuel was lost on the hwy. After checking this out with several different sources, it seams to be a recurring problem with Dodge trucks why no service bulletins or owner notifications, to the original owner.
On 9/20/2007 I took my 96 Dodge pickup for an oil change and the attendant noticed that the front gas tank strap (1 of 2) was rusted through and broken. Upon further examination the back strap was found to be corroded also.
I was parked next to a curb in a lot at work care was behind me. Had to go over curb at 1-2mph heard bang tire blew out. Drove across street, pulled into lot, got out, gas tank dragging ground and sloshed gas all over road. Driveshaft had been turning against metal plate on side of tank-straps broke-had no warning of anything wrong-had to have truck towed-sloshed gas all over trailer-drivers' parting words "pray for me". I called Dodge told them I wasn't paying for a safety defect, and that I wasn't happy. They called dealer dealer took care of it no charge. Very upsetting having gas tank fall off of what is supposed to be a heavy duty truck. Appears only one strap holding tank up -no secondary supports. Anybody else have this type of thing happened to them? I can't imagine being in a wreck if it is that fragile.
The front brakes when applied are causing the truck to pull to either side. Left front bearing seatl leaked, dealer has installed new hub and rotor assembly on left front, replaced pads and disc brakes, replaced caliper assembly. Vehicle idles too fast, fuel injector pump replaced due to engine smoking. Steering wheel was off center.
A fuel hose approximately 20" long with a diameter of 5/16" has split and is leaking diesel fuel in excessive amounts. Hose installed in vehicle was not compatible with handling diesel fuel and it corroded. Dealership has not examined vehicle. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Talked w/ several other Ram owners with same problem. Dealer also confirmed that there has been several complaints about the malfunction with the diesel . I feel that because there is no way to know the amount of fuel in the vehicle when fueling this is a safety as well as an envirmental hazard.
Fuel System complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500, 8% of the model year's 291 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. 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 2500 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 118,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries 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.