Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
When the consumer started the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated. The RPM's had gone into the red. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the repair shop, but the mechanic could not repair it because he could not duplicate the problem. The tow truck driver had viewed one of the cables in a "u" shape and it was stuck into a spring on the gas pedal.
Shifted from park to reverse. Engine idled fast, truck took off in reverse and could not be stopped by pressing on the brake. Speed probably accelerated to 20 MPH before hit 3 other vehicles. Witnesses said the rear tires were spinning and the engine noise was high pitched and oscillating.
Consumer was sent a recall notice (01V037000) for the throttle sticking on the vehicle. Consumer made an appointment under the assurance the parts would be in. They were not in so they were ordered. Consumer brought vehicle back and the repair was completed. The vehicle now idles high and the throttle is worse. Consumer oiled the linkages and the problem was better. Consumer brought vehicle back to the repair shop and was informed the throttle rod was bad and would cost for replacement. Consumer feels no charge should accompany the added work because the recall failed to remedy the problem.
On January 26, 2001 during an inspection, I noticed several frayed strands on the accelerator cable where it emerges from the sheath near the injector pump. I bought a new cable that same day and noticed it is of a different design than the original. If there was enough of a problem to cause a redesign of the part, it seems dc corp. Should have notified the owners. With the powerful torque of this engine, this is a definate safety concern as it would be hard to bring it to a stop should the cable fail at highway speeds.
Consumer is not satisified with the length of time it is taking to perform recall, even after having parts ordered in advance, consumer requested that vehicle be serviced the same day, however he received a call stating that the repairs had not been started, consumer then returned vehicle only to later be informed that the part broke and was said to defective, and another part was to be ordered.
Throttle cable on vehicle had frayed with one or two strands of wire holding throttle. Contacted dealer recall 01V037 was issued regarding this problem, however consumers vehicle is not included due to the plant where vehicle was manufactured, dealer replaced cable and lever at consumers cost.
While driving on the freeway and towing a trailer the throttle linkage jammed all the way on. I had to turn the ignition off to stop. The throttle cable had become frayed inside of a sheath on the linkage cable and jammed inside the sheath.
Intermittently accelerator cable became frayed/ getting jammed into the cable housing, causing vehicle to accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly. Dealer has been notified and will inspect vehicle.
Driving slowly attempted to stop at stop sign vehicle accelerated from 5mph to about 40mph .rear tires broke traction, left about 65ft of acceleration skid marks and ran into a wall.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines. The throttle cable could unravel (fray) or break resulting in loss of throttle control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the throttle cable and upper bell crank lever. Owner notification began August 3, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Acceleration complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 5% of the model year's 636 complaints. The component named most often is cables (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram acceleration problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-037 (vehicle speed control, Feb 12, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Ram acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to speed control & acceleration 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.