Most common 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
Share of the 313 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 2500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 2500 years: 2002, 2000, 1998. Years to avoid: 2006, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500:
Oversensitive steering
ODI has received 14 consumer complaints concerning steering control concerns.Complainants typically alleged that the steering is loose, oversensitive, or has excessive play.They further alleged that this phenomena contributes to the vehicle wondering back and forth and being difficult to maintain in its lane.The majority of the complaints are on vehicles which are equipped with the V-10 or diesel engine.A…
What 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 owners say
Brakes all 72 →
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. While decelerating to approximately 10 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and it extended to the floor. The brake failure LED her to cause a three vehicle crash. The contact was injured and a police report was filed. She noticed that brake fluid was leaking after the crash occurred. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and they stated that the brake lines failed. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The vehicle currently remains at the shop. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. The current and failure mileage were 35000. While driving 25mph, the contact engaged the brakes and crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle; however, it hasn't been driven since the crash. The police were not notified of the crash. There was also minor damage to the vehicle. The dealer has not diagnosed the failure. The contact received reference # 16187860 from the manufacturer.
Body & structure all 53 →
This is my second complaint regarding dash board. The dash started cracking with just 30,000 miles on truck, when I put in compliant to NHTSA. Now 109,000 the electrical, air bags, computer harness wiring are exposed with a intermittent stalling and a guessing game from authorized Dodge dealers as to what might be the issues. "undetermined electrical shorts from cracked dash a possibility" "ABS service light stays on, also "undetermined by dealer", "can't track code" "don't drive as airbag might deploy because dash has dash debris from cracks" plus hearing "refuse to service unless replace the dashboard" all these quotes when trying to take to get the truck fixed. Main computer harness intermittent "no bus" can't find shorts! Stalls out on freeway. The glove box even hangs on only one side. Unsafe if airbags deploy. …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving 20 MPH, the wheel detached from the wheel well. As a result, the contact crashed into two other vehicles, which damaged the axles. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the failure was due to a structural defect. She also spoke with the manufacturer and they stated that they would assist; however, the contact has not heard from them since the incident. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. There was a defect investigation case number pe99069, but it has been closed. The current and failure mileages were 102,206.
Steering all 36 →
1999 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab truck - when a bump or rough patch in the road is hit, the front end begins to shake violently. Wheel hop occurs and the vehicle must be pulled off the road and stopped completely before the steering returns to normal - happens almost everytime on the same bumps or patches on the same roads. The problem is so bad the truck is basically undrivable and is a very dangerous concern - only 74,000 miles on the truck and have replaced most all the frontend parts as well as brake rotors, etc. Still occurs. Seems daimler Chrysler has known of this issue for some time, but has done nothing to resolve the issue. …
I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4 x 4 quad cab with the v-10 manual transmission. Since I purchased it new in March 1999, I have twice replaced the rr track bar ($200 part, not including labor) and the steering intermediate shaft ($89 part, not including labor). This truck wanders all over the road and a heavy clunk is felt in the steering wheel. The dealer mechanics keep telling me "that's typical of this vehicle," but there is no recall. Why? I have also noticed an abundance of coolant loss at each oil change since about 10,000 miles...up to 1 gallon per 3000 miles. The radiator pressure checked OK. Dealer mechanics and chat rooms have told me this is another "typical" problem with this truck. Apparently the antifreeze blows through the headgasket and into the exhaust system where it evaporates. Still no recalls. Why are automanufacturers getting away with this?
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 a good car?
Based on 313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Ram 2500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram 2500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500?
The brakes — 72 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the body & structure (53) and steering (36).
How many recalls does the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 2500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2000 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2003 and 2004. See the full Dodge Ram 2500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 19% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.