Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl*- the contact's 1996 Dodge van had been excluded from the recall involving a catalytic converters used in Dodge van of that year and it failed to pass smog test due to the failure of the catalytic converter. The dealer declined to perform the recall repairs, and a follow up call to the manufacturer was placed, and they were also not helping. The contact believed that they excluded the van from the recall because they had a very limited number of electrical high powered vans. Even though the parts were defective Dodge declined to fix it. Updated 04/12/07/.
Consumer states engine stalled while traveling down a mountain, consumer lost all control of vehicle and went off a 300 ft revene, vehicle finally stopped after striking a tree head on, air bag did not deploy, consumer sustained injuries, a month after purchasing vehicle, recall repairs were completed on vehicle regarding blower and igntion, consumer was later informed of additional recalls that needed to be repaired on vehicle, however consumer was never given any specific details about what was repaired/replaced.
While the truck was parked it caught on fire near exhaust pipe. Owner had just driven truck about 3/4 of a mile. Owner was able to put out the fire. The dealer was notified about the fire. The truck has not been repaired.
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. …
Original failure took place on nov 26, 1997. The oil light came on and oil pressure droppped to zero. The oil pump was replaced under warranty. Then, on jan 21, 1999 the same scenario happened again. This time the oil pump, connecting rod,crankshaft and gaskets were replaced at my expense as the vehicle was no longer under warranty nor were the parts that had been replaced. Finally, on February 14, 2000 the entire scenario took place again. The oil light came on and oil pressure dropped to zero. It appears that the oil pump will agin need to be replaced. At this point, the dealership is trying to say it is a lack of maintenance and should be repaired at my expense. My concern is that the vehicle has been maintained and that after 3 failures there is a definite problem with the vehicle. …
Spent $1200 to rebuild entire front end of car due to excessive clunking and looseness after only 40,000 miles of lite street use. Factory installed componants obvoiusly inferior quality or defective. Dailmer Chrysler was willing to assist in the costs of the repair until the bills came in. Daimler Chrysler walked away from the issue. Rear window water leak - suggest other owners to look on passenger side for water ponding adjacent to sill plate at rear of seat. Rear factory sliding window defective. Must replace with alternate selection. Headliner will not fit properly on alternate selection - beware. Dodge Ram owners beware. This owner jumping ship from Dodge/Chrysler products. Only owned this vehical for 11 months.
Initial transmission problem started @ 38000 just out of warranty. Dealer said they couldn't help. I never thought of contacting manufacturer. Trans. Diagnosis complete at 72500 mis, dealer say rebuild, r+r at 89300mis. Brake mastercylinder lid was leaking causing insufficiet fluid level lead to pad and shoe failure. Transmission failure LED to lifter failure in the engine. Trans would long shift putiing strain on engine causing a higher rev. Ultimately weakening 2 lifters. I am now hearing a noise and feeling jolts on the steering wheel turning left . Problem is unknown at this time.
Engine completely fell apart and was replaced by northe star Dodge in san antonio. Air conditioner has relay problems. Transmission found to have clutch pieces in it by independant used car tester. All windows and doors have air leaks and rain leaks. Vehicle leaks water up throught he floor board when driving in rain. Vehicle also shudders dramatically when going over 40 MPH. Carberator has choke problems and is hard to start. Most if not all of these problems were reported to Dodge within 10,000 miles of purchase but due to stalling techiches by fiesta Dodge nothing has ever been remedied.
I am a mechanic and have talked to other mechanics about my problem. The motor in my truck is 3 years old and is rusting from the inside out. I am told that Chrysler has had previous problems like this for many years. I know that many other people like me are having to fix there problems out of our own pockets. My problem is only fixed temporaly it can not be fixed. The next solution would be a new motor . I feel that this is a problem that Chrysler should attend to.
Freeze plugs are leaking and after repairs they are still leaking. Was told by dealer that it was caused by sand left in the block after casting and the plugs are corroding. Last time in they put a stop leak in the system and it has slowed down the coolant consumption to about a pint every 3 months. I feel they have not corrected the problem but delayed it until there is a problem at a future date.
Engine complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 9% of the model year's 636 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1996 Dodge Ram, though it has 10 recalls for other components. 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 1996 Dodge Ram engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 7 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.