2001 Dodge Ram 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 468 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (39% of complaints); the 2000 and 2002 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 468 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My 2001 Dodge Ram Instrument Panel has cracked in three pieces causing the defroster & vents to stop working recently due to the moisture/UV Issue. I'm aware of this problem because I participated in the investigation as manager of validation and testing for the manufacturer, Textron Automotive. How can I get a replacement to correct this Safety issue...?”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2024
“I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. In 2003, I noticed parts of the dash, starting to break apart. In 2004, I had a major head on collision, and the airbag, did NOT deploy. The damage was extensive, with bent frame. The damage was $17,000 in 2004. I was told by the Chrysler Dealership, that did the repairs, that they could not check the condition of the airbag wiring, because the dashboard was broken. I wonder how many others out there, that have the same issue, with the dashboard, and don't have a working airbag. The other issue I have, is the seatbelt tensioner, has caused the seatbelt, to get chewed up. The belt, is now, no more than an inch wide.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2024
“The dashboard in this truck has been crumbling to pieces. It is to the point now the gauge cluster and passenger air bag are barely in place. This is a common occurrence on all of these dodge rams and it is definitely a safety hazard”Owner report · Structure · May 2019
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“Pcm has been replace for the 2nd time since the original one. The dealer has sent out the pcm for reprogramming. It was returned and the pcm does not function properly. If they can not find a used one, the truck is totally worthless. Dodge had stopped producing the pcm. Because of this dodge is forcing me to replace a perfectly good truck except for the pcm. Because the truck was driven in california except for the last 4 years, there is no rust. There has been no recall. I don't feel I should have to buy a new/used truck because dodge does not want to make the pcm. They are producing vehicles knowing the vehicle can't be fixed after a certain amount time.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2018
“I installed chrysler parts kit 52122362al, upgraded steering linkage drag link tie rod, and 68039930aa pitman arm on my 2001,5 dodge ram 2500 4x4 truck. It easily replaced existing parts needing only a different steering damper to replace the original parts. I have since been learned that the steering linkage drag link parts are recalled after they have been installed on 2003-2008 trucks. Recalls I am aware of are h46 and n62. My left tie rod end ball stud has not broken yet but the possibility is very serious. I think dodge ram 1500/2500/3500 series trucks from model years 2001 and 2002 should be included in the recalls.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked to the point that it fractured into pieces. The contact was concerned that the failure could affect other components. The contact did not know if the dashboard was uv coated. Lithia chrysler jeep dodge of great falls (4025 10th ave s, great falls, mt 59405, (406) 205-3430) was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2018
“The brake line that runs on the frame rail from the front to the rear had a blow out directly behind the gas tank when pressing the break peddle to come to a complete stop in my driveway”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2017
“Lt 265/75 r16 hercules terra trac a/t delaminating the same as their other tires involved in an earlier recall dot code utw8 hwc 2705 46505-1 r 30104”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2017
“When exiting at highway speed and coasting and hitting a bump the truck shook violently to the point of almost loosing control. After searching on the internet for a cause it appears this is a common problem with dodge rams called the death wobble.. It never happened before and have a problem believing something so extreme could be worn bushings or suspention parts that wear out over long periods of time.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2017
“Rear brake line rusted and blew out causing the vehicle to loose all stopping power. The line blew out on the driver's side rear near the gas tank. Line is very corroded and this is a faulty manufacturers defect”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 20 of these complaints and injuries in 17 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 468 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. The most complained-about area is structure (39% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 85,000 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags. 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.