1999 Dodge Ram 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 313 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While wiping down the dashboard, I sliced my finger open on a piece of the dashboard which was sticking up. This dashboard is a brittle as a potato chip and had cracked but I didn't notice it since the crack was very near the windshield and the section that broke apart was at the defroster vent situated away from my viewpoint.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2022
“Went to have a front end alignment done because the truck felt off in the front when driving.and the mechanic stated he couldn't do it as the frame is rotted where the drivers side sway bar bolts to the frame. It is right before the steering gear box and was told it's a huge problem that these dodge's have. Truck only has 98000 miles on it and it is always garaged. Maintenance always done as stated per the owners manual. It's not safe to drive.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2020
“Driving over a speed bump under 5 mph the dash board crumbled into several pieces. If this were to happen in a collision that shrapnel would be deadly. My truck only has 99800 miles on it. In excellent condition there is no reason for this to happen. There are thousands of complaints online about these dashboards just falling apart. It's a serious safety issue and dodge needs to be made to recall them.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“After relatively short life, the seat belt control timer module fails, leaving seat belts inoperable - a significant safety hazard!! Seat belts remain in a locked position, preventing use while driving. Dodge p/n 56043003ad. Dodge has received reports about the problem along with requests to purchase part, for many years but has chosen to stop production of the part. That would not be as big an issue if they had ensured an ongoing supply from third party vendors. As it stands, they have created a major safety crisis for tens of thousands of users of the late 90's to early 2000's trucks.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2018
“For no apparent reason the air bag light came on. It seems to be the clock spring mechanism. The current recall for this problem does not include my vehicle, where I believe it should.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2018
“Seat belts are locked in a retracted position. This was first noticed upon entering the vehicle after it had been parked. The seat belt control timer module (sctm) is likely the cause of this malfunction. This part is no longer being manufactured, so the seat belts remain unusable.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram 2500. While driving 35 mph at night, the contact heard an unusual noise from the rear of the vehicle. The contact discovered that the driveshaft was on the ground. There was no warning indicator. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the column shift assembly was disassembled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 345,000. The VIN was not provided.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2016
“While driving the ABS light,check engine light comes on along with the speedometer and tack quit working, by tapping the brake pedal the lights go off and everything starts working again.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2015
“Both front tires are exhibiting bubbled sidewalls on the lt235/85r16 tires suggesting early stages of tread separation from carcass. Driver's side looks to be out of round as well. Lot numbers are identical elw0408. No accident as yet, but appearance is worrisome based on listed failures in in the NHTSA database. After the recent reports on the poor tracking of tire failures and lack of accountability, I believe this report is relevant and pertinent to public safety.”Owner report · Wheels · Oct 2015
“The dashboard of my 99 dodge ram is completly shattered. It is so brittle that it crumbles when touched. I have had pieces break off just by turning on my defroster. Pieces have fallen off while going over a speed bump.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
AFFINIA IS RECALLING 5,700 AFTERMARKET CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 28, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 17, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 1998 AND 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE DUST SEAL SUPPLIED WITH THE CHASSIS TIE RODS WERE MANUFACTURED TO THE WRONG SPECIFICATION. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE DUST SEAL MAY PREVENT THE BALL STUD OF THE CHASSIS TIE ROD FROM PROPERLY SEATING INTO THE TAPER OF THE VEHICLE STEERING KNUCKLE DURING AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION.
Remedy: AFFINIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA AT 734-827-5400.
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram 2500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 313 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 91,245 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:tie rod assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.