Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
When applying the brakes, vehicle has no power. Also, the power steering failed, causing consumer to put vehicle into neutral, and rev the engine. Took six months to get part after repeated calls. Front brakes wearing out prematurely because rear brakes are not self adjusting. Very unsafe when braking at higher speeds. The left rear axle seal was leaking. Water collects near the passenger door underneath the carpet.
1500 both mirrors have become so lose as to be folded back towards the vehicle when driving over thirty miles per hour. Contacted local dealer. Was told that due to the aftermarket bug shield the air has been redirected in a way that the mirrors were loosened. They suggestion: super glue the mirrors in place???
Bed has completely cracked in width of vehicle. This condition makes vehicle unstable. Consumer states there are also cracks at edges near tail gate. Tailgate hinges broke. Handles on window broke, causing window to open while vehicle was in motion.
The windshield chips when struck with even small objects also the entire windshield appears as if it was sandblasted and is difficult to see through when driving into the setting sun.. This seems excessive when the milage (34000) is considered
When traveling at speeds higher than 55, the two rearview mirrors on both sides of vehicle will gradually turn inward and consumer can't see whats behind him. Also, wind moves windows inward.
ABS, brakes make a loud noise when coming to a stop, vehicle will jump when coming to a stop, also replaced front brake pads/ windshield wipr blade/rearview mirror.
Windshield wipers motor has burned out, causing the wipers to work off and on at times. Dealer has been contacted.
Mirrors fold inward when going highway speed. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated nothing could be done.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 3% of the model year's 636 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › exterior (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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.
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.