Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In August of 1999 with approximately 70,000 miles on odometer while driving 35 MPH, there was a vibration, and the driver lost all steering control before crashing into a ditch. Dealership examined vehicle and replaced steering gear box to remedy the problem. Since replacement of original steering gear box, vehicle wanders all over the road during normal operation. Steering gear box has to be replaced again by an independent repair shop.
At highway speeds, vehicle has vibration. Feels like tire slightly out of balance, but tires have been balanced repeatedly, wheels have been checked for true, and tires have been checked for out of round. Dealer stated that stock Goodyear tires "are known for having a rough ride" but are not covered by warranty because they are "wear items". Dealer suggested replacing wheels and tires, both of which were done, but not at dealer; problem was not resolved and cost nearly $2000. Vibration is significant enough that front passenger seat can be seen vibrating. This is more of a nuisance than a safety hazard, but can make for an uncomfortable ride. Dealer's comment has been that "that's the way a truck rides," and stated that there was nothing that they could do to resolve it.
Loud clunking noise and sensation in steering linkage while braking and turning corners. Dealer had same problem with another Ram pickup. Dealer replaced upper and lower ball joints. Fixed problem. However, after additional 10,000 miles problem is re-occurring. Also, three of original five tires had defects including significant bulging and ply separation. Resulted in poor traction, excelerated wear, and bouncing. Owner replaced two tires. When third tire failed, owner replaced all the tires. Dealer stated they receive many tire complaints from new vehicle owners with Goodyear tires.( dot number: tire size: p245 75r16 )
When driving over a bump or pothole, front suspension will shimmy violently. Shimmying continues until vehicle is pulled to side of road and speed is reduced. Shocks have been replaced, and did not resolve problem. There is no rhyme or reason to cause. Some bumps and potholes cause, some do not. Sometimes, shimmy starts mildly and progressively gets worse. Although occurred at 65, also occurs at slower highway speeds. If you know of a fix that is available (e.g., dealer retrofit), please e-mail me! Although this has not caused an accident, chances are it eventually will!
Under normal operating conditions when traveling around 50 to 60 MPH and hitting a bump, front end will vibrate violently. Consumer must stop vehicle in order to get vibration to go away. Dealership has examined vehicle twice: during first incident dealership replaced track bar, and at second incident, dealership could not determine cause. The steering damper has been replaced and consumer hopes that this solves the problem.
Intermittently vehicle would shake/ wobble while driving at approx. 40 or more MPH once it started it continued until speed come down to 25 MPH. Vehicle been in / out of repair shop on four occasions, and condition remained unresolved. Manufacturer notified and informed consumer that a correction can be made. But, the cost would be at consumer's expense. Can NHTSA provide information concerning this matter.
There is a service bulletin number 020496, sequence number 49, date of bulletin 9606, NHTSA item number sb047743 out on this problem of the suspension;independent front control arm; ball joints being rusted and needing replacement. The Dodge people told me it will cost me $880 to fix and the truck only has 26,000 miles on it. It is a defect that needs to be recalled. Thank you.
While driving vehicle kept pulling to the right. Owner stopped vehicle and checked it. Noticed cracks on driver's side, shock tower mounts were cracking and getting worse. Passenger's side was also cracking. Tower mounts were separating from frame. Contacted dealer who informed consumer that this vehicle was not on recall. Vehicle being repaired.
Was driving home when vehicle started to slow down, applied more gas, but vehicle was not going anywhere. Motor would rev up. Managed to get vehicle to side of road. Placed vehicle in park and was getting out when vehicle almost ran over driver. Vehicle did not have park/drive or reverse. Vehicle was towed. Was informed, it had no rear end.
While driving on freeway, consumer applied brakes & vehicle pulled left, across 2 lanes. At a much lower speed, pulled right. Took to dealer several times for brake problem & was corrected 75%. Was informed normal for truck to pull right. Consumer states that the vehicle is now constantly pulling to the left at any speed.
Suspension complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 8% of the model year's 636 complaints. The component named most often is front (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.