Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact noticed a chemical odor coming from the dashboard and the heater. The headlights flickered and the instrument panel lighting suddenly dimmed. The headlights went completely dim. The contact turned everything back on, but the headlights only illuminated for a few minutes. After driving without headlights, he noticed smoke coming from the vents on the driver's side. He pulled into his residence and turned off the vehicle, but the headlights remained illuminated. He attempted to turn the headlights off, but was unsuccessful. Smoke filled the vehicle and produced an awful odor. He removed the lamp fuse, but the buzzing noise still indicated that the headlights were illuminated. He reinserted the fuse and the buzzing sound continued. He noticed that the wiring harness was melted. The vehicle has not been repaired and is parked at his residence. …
Vehicle was being used to plow snow. Vehicle was moving forward at a very slow rate ( approx 1 MPH) and vehicle erupted in flames. Driver had to exit through a wall of flame and within less than a minute, cab was completely engulfed in fire. Vehicle completely destroyed in less than five minutes. Fire appeared to originate from beneath the cab, exact origin unknown. Vehicle will be kept on the premises until we hear from you. Our insurance adjuster has inspected the vehicle for insurance purposes but we have major safety concerns about this vehicle and would like to know what caused the fire. There was no service recently performed on the vehicle other than routine oil changes etc. The vehicle seemed to be running normally right up to the time that the vehicle caught fire.
There was an ignition fire, took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced ignition switch and other parts. Afterwards when starting vehicle starter stayed engaged, and unable to shut off vehicle when turning key in off position. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer but dealer could not duplicate the problem.
Consumer was driving and smelled fumes, pulled over, the engine almost caught on fire this is the same thing that happened in the electrical recall # 95V237000, dealer said consumer not in recall . Please describe .
While vehicle was parked 3 hours, fire started in dashboard in area of light switch harness. According to fire department, electrical fire, leased vehicle, reported by michelle machor, motorist ins co, [phone].
Transmission shudders at 45 MPH, does not shift and shakes when going into 3rd or overdirve, and jerks and slips, dealer has replaced the valve body and reconditioned transmission and replaced convertor, transmission continues to lock up and jerk. Driver and passenger side mirrors were both replaced due to being loose. Emergency brake handle came off and was replaced. Fuel gauge read empty with 12 gallons in tank, dealer replaced fuel pump module. Wiper blades weren't cleaning windshield, dealer replaced both wiper blades, windshield washer was inoperable, dealer replaced washer motor. Vehicle has experienced many problems with the interior and dome lights failing, dome light keeps blowing fuse and dealer has replaced the strip lighting and fuse box door and repaired the open circuit to junction block. Radiator cap was replaced due to low coolant. …
The ignition switch melted the plastic shroud under the steering column. The air conditioner was running when this occurred. The radio was on also. After this occurred, the radio no longer works right either. The dealer said there is a replacement switch, but did not cover it under the warranty. The dealer said they were having problems with the switch, that's why there was a new replacement switch. Cost over $350, including installation. This does not include replacing the radio. They did not know why the radio went bad. The dealer was fred beans in doylestown, pa. The original ball joints and front axle were never greased at the factory. There are no grease fittings to add grease. The dealer would not cover it under warranty. The mechanic said he could tell that they were bone dry & never greased at the factory.
Received recall 00V135000 & contacted dealer. Informed repairs can be done on ignition switch. Took vehicle in & was told it will take over 2 hours. Talked to general manager of dealership jerry, and was informed that he must take care of employees. He urged consumer to take vehicle elsewhere. This happened after requesting service manager to give $20 for fuel & time. Took vehicle to another dealership & was informed to come back in 4 weeks. Problem might cause fire if waiting 4 weeks for repairs.
Consumer states henderson Chrysler dealership refuses to honor recall NHTSA 00V135000/manufacturer recall 875 concerning ignition problems. Due to past differences. Consumer feels that since it is a safety defect recall done by manufacturer and not by the consumer, dealer must honor it. Because of dealer's refusal, consumer must travel into another town to the next closet dealer, which is 35 miles one way. Work has been performed.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The affected vehicles were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. High electrical current loads pass through the switch when the blower motor is operated on high for an extended periods of time.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay and overlay harness.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
The fasteners which secure the generator cartridge fuse to the power distribution center May have an improper clamp load. Improper clamping can result in arcing at the connection.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the generator cartridge fuse fasteners properly.
Electrical complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 7% of the model year's 636 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-135 (switch, May 10, 2000); NHTSA recall 95V-237 (alternator/generator/regulator, Dec 12, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Ram electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 180,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 12 fires and 2 injuries to electrical 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.