Equipment complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The engine light keeps coming on. When we took it to the service center the first time we were told that the problem was with the transmission; the colinoid was then replaced. The second time we took it in to the service department because the engine light came on we were told that the computer is sending the exact same code. We were told we would need a new computer, at 56,000 miles. It was installed. The third time we took it in to the service department for the engine light being on we were told once again that the computer is indicating the same problem. After three days of being without transportation we were told that a ball bearing in the valve body was in the wrong spot , to quote the service manager. We told this was fixed so we took our vehicle home. …
Dt: on July 6, 2005 the tire blew out without warning. There was no road construction or road damage. There was no accident. The tire was purchased new on July 1, 2005. The trailer that the tire was on was custom made by a manufacturer. The trailer is a two wheeled trailer. It was the tire on the driver's side that blew out. It is an enclosed tow trailer.
Normal brake usage with no aggressive driving. A few panic stops where the anti lock brake system was used. Severe brake shudder causes suspension hop - unsafe to drive especially in wet - or winter conditions. Replaced front pads and rotors twice. 1st replacement at 21.5K miles under TSB. 2cd replacement at 29.3K miles was purchased by owner (warranty would not be honored). 2003 truck has 29K miles.
While entering the driver side of the vehicle using the a-pillar grab handle assembly, the entire assembly broke free from the vehicle structure. I fell backwards onto the pavement injuring my back and left shoulder. My head missed striking a concrete curb by mere inches. This failure constitutes a serious safety condition with a strong possibility of personal injury. This is also a latent defect that is unable to be detected by the consumer until the component fails. My injuries resulted in two lost-work days, but could have been fatal if my head had struck the concrete curbing mentioned previously. This safety condition affects both the driver and passenger a-pillar and b-pillar grab handle assemblies (if quad cab) in all Dodge Ram series trucks. An inspection of the component showed that the assembly is held to the vehicle structure with two 8mm bolts. …
Purchased 2002 Dodge Ram used. At first service interval, rack and pinion boots were leaking, main seal was shot. Also had manifold leak, along with a steering problem that causes shaking at 40 MPH. Steering problem still remains, and there is a loud rattle that the dealership cannot find. This vehicle has been a nightmare, most recently, my fuel pump decided to quit working. Also, the interior trim, namely the hand grips on the driver and passenger door have been replaced numerous times, due to the cheap plastic that is used as a holding ring. Do not purchase this type of vehicle. Have had nothing but headaches with the truck, from the simple things, to the expensive things...was just told that my head gaskets are shot as well, have spent thousands on this truck, with no returns, do not get this year/model of Ram 1500.
Dt: the contact owns a 1992 haul right 60 boat trailer manufactured by b and m. While traveling 60 MPH the tongue broke where it hooks on the truck, causing the boat and the trailer to fall down and hit the pavement. When the boat trailer was inspected it showed additional weakness in the tongue. The consumer product safety commission told the contact to contact NHTSA because the trailer had brake lights. She has tried to contact the boat manufacturer, and could not contact them by phone or letter. They have not gotten a response, and the dealership was out of business.
2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup has cracked dashboard. Started about 2 years after I bought the truck new. Still has new cracks developing. Some cracks extend into passenger airbag compartment and into driver's instrument panel. Installed carpeted dashboard cover to help prevent the cracks from progressing but they still remain to increase in size. Appears that whenever the A/C or heater is used the cracks extend and can be heard audible. The rapid change in interior temperature when using the A/C or heater can cause the cracks to quickly extend. Have to slowly increase temperature to reduce the failure rate. Have tried everything to prevent the cracks but nothing helps. Concerned now about the airbag compartment being comprised and leading to premature airbag deployment. The dashboard appears to very brittle and every precaution is used not to place any weight on dashboard. …
Bought a 2 yr old durango with 60,000 miles on it at carmax. At 116,000 miles it started knocking. I took it to allen samuels dealership and they claimed the engine failed. We replaced the engine at our cost for 6K, because we still owed 7K on the vehicle. We bought new tires as we decided to keep the vehicle and try to recover some of the cost. 3 months later, the new engine failed, the vehicle died as I was exiting the freeway and turning under an overpass. I wasn't aware the vehicle had died, until I realized the power steering had gone out when I tried to turn. The dealer is going to replace the engine this time, but we have decided we need to cut our losses and get rid of the vehicle. We cannot afford to keep a car like this. We have 4 children and this is the vehicle that we travel in as a family daily. It is totally undependable and unsafe.
Related recalls (3)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 Dodge Ram d2, dj, and ds-body vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." some vehicles have been built with certification and/or supplemental tire pressure information labels printed with incorrect weight or seating capacity information.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with replacement certification and/or supplemental tire pressure information labels. At the customer's option, they May take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for installation.
Trailer hitches
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with optional trailer hitch. The trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material with insufficient strength.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the trailer hitches and replace any trailer hitch showing signs of fatigue cracking. If no evidence of cracking exists, the dealer will install two reinforcement brackets.
Equipment › Other › Labels
The involved vehicles have tire/wheel specification information on the vehicle certification label which indicates a smaller size tire than required. This does not comply with label requirements of FMVSS no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
Remedy: Owners will be mailed an overlay label with the correct tire/wheel certification information and instructions for installing the label on their vehicles. If owners prefer, their dealer can install the label for them.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram years have equipment problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (17), 1999 (12), 2000 (11), 2001 (10) and 2002 (10) model years. Equipment complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram equipment problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 10V-474 (labels, Oct 7, 2010); 00V-107 (trailer hitches, Apr 11, 2000); 96V-027 (labels, Feb 5, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram equipment problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electrical › radio/tape deck/cd etc. (16 mentions), followed by the electrical (8).
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.