Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
While backing out of the driveway, the vehicle would intermittently stall. This stalling occurred six times. On one occasion, the dealer replaced the ignition coil, and on another occasion, the consumer kept hearing a pinging sound coming from the engine. The transmission was replaced, and the transfer case was still leaking. There had been a myriad of problems with this vehicle. Also, there had been several recalls associated with this vehicle. The consumer claimed that the vehicle was in the shop more than it was in her possession. The vehicle experienced the following: airflow noise/sucked air due to a possible vacuum leak, the passenger mirror vibration due to the bug shields, engine ticking, undershield rusted along with the driveshaft, u-joints, and the bumper, there was rust on the rear box panels, engine ping/noise, the check engine light had come on two times, rear window …
1999 Dodge Ram 2500: the complete dash assembly is cracking and flaking into pieces along the top cover from left to right and from the cluster to the windshield. Features are cracking along the lower section of dash, also, from the left to the right side. This will soon effect the structural housing area around the right side SRS airbag mounting. I'm concerned about the stability of the SRS airbag deployment functioning properly in the event of deployment. There is also the possibility of the wiring harness being damaged or failing due to sharp edges of the plastic in the dash assembly. If the sharp edges cut the wiring and the cut wire edges rub together, this will cause a premature deployment of the SRS airbag. …
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 slt laramie, the dash board is cracked and falling in. I am afraid if I get in an accident the cracked dash will cause electrical problems, or a problem with the airbags to tear and possibly hurt or kill someone. I believe it is a manufacture problem and not the owners problem like Chrysler claims when you contact them. My truck has been garage kept for the last 7 yrs and it is still cracking. Chrysler claims that if there were a cover on it, it wouldn't crack. I didn't hear of Chrysler giving out dash covers to owners who requested them. I believe the company should atleast replace cracked dashes with something safer!
My 1999 Dodge dashboard started cracking and months later pieces are breaking away as I clean it. It is so brittle I can't touch it any more. I always use a sun shield and always leave my windows cracked open to allow proper air flow to prevent issues from happening. This is unacceptable. "come on Dodge" what kind of garbage is this. I've had many other trucks with way more miles than this and had never had a problem like this. This is not normal wear. This is the sign of poor quality!!! Do to the fact that Dodge is turning a blind eye on this problem I will not buy another Dodge again.
This vehicle is very seldom driven, once a week 1/4 mile. It is parked with a windshield cover across windshield to protect dash. The dash is completely falling apart in pieces. It began with small hairline cracks, then pieces began to fall in. It appears that a defective material was used to make the dashboard. The plastic has turned into a ceramic type material. Now huge pieces are falling in. I ordered a dashboard cover when the problem first began but before it has even arrived I am concerned that there won't be anything left to place the cover on.
Dt*: the contact stated the am/fm radio volume control would not work. Also, when raining hard, there was a leak inside the truck that stemmed from the roof of the vehicle. Third, the undercarriage was rusted. Fourth, the hydraulic brakes were fractured. The contact heard a leak noise and when the brake pedal was depressed, it went to the floor. The vehicle was parked in an idle position and there were no prior warnings. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer, who determined the brake line was rusted, fractured and needed to be replaced.
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 entire dashboard cracked and fell apart. Regular maintenance was performed, and it was usually in covered parking. Pieces fell into the wiring and mechanisms stopping their use. I bought an OEM replacement and it also cracked. I had to replace the ventilation controls because a piece of the plastic wedged into it and broke the levers. Also, noticed two wires that had a sharp piece of plastic between them ,and the vibration had worn away the insulation. I replaced those wires before they could short out.
Dt*: the contact stated while braking from various speeds, there was a clicking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. It was first taken to a private repair shop, who determined there were cracks throughout the frame on the front end. The vehicle was then taken to a service dealer, who determined that the vehicle would need to be inspected by a factory representative. The manufacturer was contacted and the vehicle was inspected. The manufacturer deemed the vehicle unsafe to be driven. Updated 12/18/06.
Body complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the body & structure of the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500, 17% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1999 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 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.