Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
My main complaint is the transmission. The pressure seal for second gear has been replaced 3 times. It lasts for about 30,000 miles and then goes. I've had to pay for the repair 2 out of 3 times. Approx 1400.00.. The last time I had parts put in that were not Chrysler products.
While shutting vehicle off fuel shutoff solenoid caught on fire. Restarted starter, and vehicle would not shut off even when turning key. Burned wires and was smoking under hood. Consumer finally got vehicle shut off. Dealer contacted.
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 truck smelled of fuel and gradually became difficult to start. Although the smell of diesel fuel is common with these trucks it was gradually covering the underside and the back of the truck with diesel mist. A very difficult inspection determined that the fuel return hose was leaking large amounts of fuel but a split or crack could not be found. When I inquired to the dealer, the mechanic knew right away what it was but suggested that I do the replacement myself since it was not difficult but very time consuming which would be very expensive.. A section of new hose was obtained and the old piece replaced. The original hose had totally come apart and in many places the reinforcing cord was easily visible. After the replacement the truck again started easily and the fuel leakage was eliminated. I believe I have retained the section of hose if needed. …
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.
While driving the truck applied the brakes and the ABS brakes failed. On 4-3-98, driver applied the brakes and the entire brake system went out, leaving the driver with no brakes. Owner has taken the truck into dealer three times, and they replaced numerous parts, such as the fuel pump, spark plug wire, and etc. The truck still is having brake problems.
Transmission slips and fails on ingrades.... Excessive tire wear on the front tires and excessive fuel consumption.. And rough vibration in the front end even after a tire change and balance, and front end alignment... Gas milage is 230 miles to a 26 gallon tank of gas( dot number: tire size: p225/75r16 )
Consumer experiencing ongoing problems with vehicle on varouis parts. 1. Transmission failed to operate at 58,000 mile of wear 2. Intake manifold gasket broke, and 3. Fuel pump failed to operate. Dealer notified and refused to repair because the consumer did not have extended warranty.
While traveling at 30 MPH with a half to 1/4 of tank of fuel, fuel injector stopped operating, causing vehicle to lose power. Dealer was notified. Check the engine light came on as the vehicle started to cut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and serviced.
The plastic molded gas tank is loose, and moves around when driving. Dealer has been contacted. Heat shield will not stay secured to the tank, dealer has attempted to repair twice, however has been unsuccesful and states that the whole ank needs replaced.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel tank mounted rollover valve can allow liquid fuel to leak onto the ground under certain vehicle operating conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank rollover valve with a float type rollover valve.
Fuel System complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 6% of the model year's 636 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-199 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Nov 13, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Ram fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.