Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 MPH on dry highway pavement the rear driver tire had tread separation without warning. The vehicle was maneuvered off the road and the tire was changed. The dealer has not been alerted. The consumer stated he inspected the other threee tires and noticted the same defects. Updated 08/21/06.
Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 50mph on highway and lost control. Vehicle veered into another vehicle due to rear tire tread having separated. Firestone,#steeltex, #lt235/85r16. There was an injury. Attorney representing injured party is brian allen [phone], please contract attorney for information.
I am the owner of a 96 Dodge Ram 1500 ext. Cab truck. I purchased the truck with 33000 mile from vancouver Dodge in vancouver, washington on jan 17, 1998. At the time of purchase the vehicle was equipped with Firestone firehawk atx tires size 30 x 9.50 r15.( dot number: tire size: 30x9.50r15 )
Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 70mph on highway and heard a noise. Was able to pull over onto shoulders, and noticed that left rear tire separated from vehicle. Firestone, wilderness at, lt265/75r126 ms, dot vdw8aw2128. Dealership and Firestone were notfied of incident.
I carry a heavy camper, although in spec for the tires, about 25% of the time. Two tires failed by tread separation at about 13000 miles, no more than 5000 miles loaded. I paid for replacements. There was lots of tread left. Two more had failed by about 25000 miles, with about 5000 miles of loaded operation. These miles were at greatly reduced speed because of fear of failure. Again I replaced the tires, they were not given to me. Goodyear says the truck is at fault, Dodge says the tires are bad. No one laughed out loud. In all cases the tires had lots of tread left and the failure was delamination around the tread area. The tires did not lose air and therefore no accident vehicle damage resulted. I went thru the customer arbitration board at Dodge, claiming they selected inappropriate tires, to no avail. …
Front right tire separated at 65mph almost causing a major accident and possible death. Dealer was notified at 2,410 mileage about front end vibration/shimmy. No cause found. Vibration in front end reported numerous times to dealer without problem being found since it continued. Was told "normal ride" for truck. Truck experienced numerous problems with front end suspension, rattles in dash from vibration, steering column excessive play etc, etc, etc. Remaining tires show signs of bluging and cracking. Tire was defective from begining in my opinion and put me at risk! Dealer rebalanced/rotated tires many times and simply concluded the vibration/shimmy was normal for truck and stated I might have a better ride when loaded. (dot number: load e tiresize: lt24575r16)
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 )
Lt245/75r16 e, dot md11 btov 116 333l, tread separation, tire stayed inflated to 80lbs, tread flew off exposing steel belt, damaging left rear fender well and side panel, had to replace pickup box side panel. Goodyear dealer found 2nd tire with bubble in tread area. They refused to prorate but did give me $10.00 discount on each of two replacement tires. They tried to keep defective tire but after a big argument let me keep tire so my insurance adjuster could take pictures of it. I still have tire. If you have any questions contact me at [email] . Thanks. (dot number: md11 btov tiresize: t245/75r16)
Model lt245/75r16, dot#mk11rt0c375, original equipment on 1996 Dodge, Ram z10, with 40,000 miles. While driving at approximately 65 MPH left rear tire tread peeled off, but the tire is still inflated, causing approximately $1700 worth of damage to the rearend panel. There were three incidents of tire tread separation while traveling. One of them came of the vehicle and struck another vehicle causing no damage. The tire incident caused a significant damage to this vehicle and the customer wants reimbursment for repair cost.
1/2 in from the rim the tire looks like sun rot as well as all the way around the sidewall, it is cracked and splitting aon the front and back tire, my mechanic said that this is very unsafe and if the tire gets hot the front and back will blow out, these tires only have 26000 miles on them, I haul a horse trail and a camper and am very concered about a blow out , while hauling a load. Both techs that looked at these tires said that the cracking and splitting is not right? Can you give me advice to help ??
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 6% of the model year's 636 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 116,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to wheels & tires 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.