AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The ventilation system failed as is common with these vehicles. Due to weal parts, the, "doors" that control air flow through the ventilation ducts broke. I have slowly replace each of the four doors as they failed. As they went out it affected every aspect of ventilation, including the defrost. After doing some research it is evident Dodge was fully aware of this issue but made no improvements to the system, continuing to sell these vehicles to an unsuspecting public for several years.
Dt: the contact stated defogger system stopped working due to the design. The inner routing flap broke, allowing the heat to go to the air conditioning vents instead of the windshield defroster/defogger blower. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer however, no repairs have been made due to excessive expense.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram quad cab. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured along the air conditioner and heater vent. The contact was concerned that the front passenger air bag could inadvertently deploy because of the fracture. The contact stated that the air conditioner and heater vent were inoperable on the lower settings due to obstruction from pieces of fractured debris. The contact stated that the air conditioner and heating system would only function on a high setting. The contact also stated that the windshield defroster was inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. The VIN was not available.
At 65 MPH using cruise control, daytime, dry pavement, good weather, brake warning light and ABS warning light illuminated with warning chime. At next exit, operator took vehicle to repair shop. Technician found right front wheel bearing assembly worn, allowing tire/wheel assembly to be moved 1-2'' from vertical. Vehicle had been checked during state inspection less than 400 miles previously and passed. A total failure in traffic at speed might have resulted in a loss of handling/braking that might have caused or worsened an accident. Failed part is available. Vehicle has also suffered numerous premature failures including: failure of driver heated seat, failure of electric fuel pump, nearly causing accident due to engine stoppage and loss of power steering, failure of instrument cluster, failure of front suspension components, and damage to spare tire due to mis-routed tail pipe. …
While sitting in driveway, unit was connected to engine heater which caught fire and burned unit totaled, manufacturer contacted, sent independent investigator who conducted cursory exam of unit, manufacturer had denied liability despite unit having had no alterations to area where fire started.
Catalytic converter went out. Consumer was traveling on the highway and the vehicle just stopped. Also, transmission fluid and oil was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The dealer could not solve the transmission problem, but the vehicle was taken to the dealer 19 times for repair. Water pump was leaking and was replaced. The engine was over heating due to thermostat and gasket failures. The A/C blows warm air due to low pressure switch failure. The driver seat was coming apart. Rear lights blinkers and brakes were not working due to blown fuse. The rear right brake locksup on hand stop. The left door speakers malfunctions.
A/C performance marginal since new. Extremely poor cooling at idle and low engine speed. Dealer replaced evaporator & condensor evidently due to refrigerant leaks. Also replaced fan clutch performance slightly improved but still relatively poor.
Air conditioning vent always switches to the defroster and back to the ac vent. While driving in the snow and ice the heater was on, the defroster vent automatically switches to the vent on the floor and the ac vent causing the windshield to ice up causing no visibility through the window. Did run off the road. It's been doing this ever since that day. Nothing has been done because of the expense that the garage attendant said. Have dealt with this for along time. Truck is in very good condition. Sharp!! The reason I am reporting this time is that I nearly escaped from hitting a tree this last ice storm. Don't want to be a statistic.
Related recalls (1)
Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Chrysler is recalling 36,793 my 2009 Dodge Ram light duty pickup trucks equipped with manual temperature control (mtc) only. The software programmed into the heating ventilation and air conditioning module May cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the HVAC module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before August 3, 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (10), 1996 (9), 1999 (8), 2002 (7) and 2003 (5) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram ac & heater problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-158 (air conditioner, May 8, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (30 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (16).
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.