Most common 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 problems
Share of the 104 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 3500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 3500 years: 2002, 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 2012, 2011, 2006, 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500:
TIRE VALVE
What 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 22 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. When the ignition was turned off, smoke engulfed the front-end of the vehicle. He noticed a small engine compartment fire occurred the second time. He was able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was towed to a local facility, and he was advised that the repair cost approximately $1,000. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were 230,000. Updated 12/18/09 the hydraulic clutch line failed twice. The consumer learned of a recall. The clutch line failed a second time because a plastic pressure line was used. Updated 12/22/09 updated 02/1710 the hydraulic line from the clutch master cylinder to the clutch slave developed a hole. The vehicle caught on fire due to flammable liquid leaking onto the firewall and exhaust. The consumer learned that a steel line was now being used with a heated shield. Updated 02/19/10
Was shifting gears on I-44 on ramp to get up to speed so I could merge with the flow of traffic. When I put the truck into fifth gear it felt as if I had shifted into neutral. Was able to go to next exit driving in fourth gear so I could get the truck back home. Couldn't go over 55 MPH in fourth gear plus didn't know if driving the truck like this was going to cause more problems. Called a few people I knew that had heard others say that the nut that goes onto the fifth gear shift rod would often back off. I took the truck to a mechanic and had them take the transmission apart to see if this is what happened. Sure enough when he split the tail shaft off the nut was just hanging on the shift rod. I went to a local Dodge dealership and purchased the new and improved lock nut that Dodge came out with to fix the problem. …
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the dashboard began to fracture and was currently in several pieces. The contact called I-10 mac haik Dodge Chrysler (located at 12111 katy fwy, houston, tx 77079, [phone]) and was informed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that there was no recall for the failure. The contact was referred to NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the spare tire cables underneath the vehicle were rusted. The failure prevented the contact from placing the tire back in the spare tire compartment, as it could fall while driving. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 240,000.
Brakes
Ever since we purchased the truck used from Dodge dealer in tucson arizona we have had concerns with suspension and steering of the truck. When driving the truck steering is bouncy and unstable. We thought it was alignment so we took it in and truck continues the same. When pulling out 34' 5th wheel steering is very shaky and vibrates a lot. After years of bringing up concern with Dodge dealer we took to another shop where they gave us a huge list of things needing too get fixed. We went back to Dodge dealer where they gave us a 2nd opinion and came up with additional concerns with truck. We have changed shocks, struts, be all joints and other things with the suspension and truck continues to run the same way. But recently we got brakes, drums, and master cylinder since we ran out of brakes while pulling out 34' 5th wheel. …
I just got the truck and have had brakes act funny front brakes some times lock up pulls to the right, acts like your on ice, and some times like you step on a brick so I look it up on the internet to see they have had this going on from 1997 to today all the same things not 100 but 10000s of complaints about the same thing why has there not been a recall on this plus I have read of 100s having accidents when this happens I believe this is a ABS issue for a long time with all Dodge trucks 1500,2500 3500, pickups I have look at the brake system but don't see why this is going on I have had this go on at all speeds 15 to 65 it comes and go's
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 a good car?
Based on 104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Ram 3500 rates average: 34% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ram 3500 at the same age. It is one of the best Ram 3500 years by this measure. 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 3500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 22 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about manual transmission. Next are the body & structure (18) and brakes (15).
How many recalls does the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2011, 2006, 2007 and 2008. See the full Dodge Ram 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 112,000 miles; 6% 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.