1996 Dodge Ram 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 124 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (27% of complaints); the 1994 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dash is all cracked up allowing sharp plastic projectiles in and about the cab that can cut you in a wreck sun getting on electrical wires destroying them and now shorts and sometimes dont work right”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2019
“Heat caused the dash to dry out and crack into large jagged pieces, that could have fatal consequences if in any type of accident.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2017
“1996 dodge ram 3500. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle tire tread shreds off casing and causes severe damage to vehicle undercarriage. *smd *tr”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that while parked, a thermal event started in the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was found that the fire originated in the instrument panel above the headlight switch. The contact also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that an investigator will inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2013
“Death wobble. Violent shaking of the truck. Simply google "death wobble" and dodge truck. Hope you do something before someone does get killed.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2012
“Steering wobbles/shakes violently when driving. Often initiated by a minor irregularity in road pavement. Requires coming to a full stop to eliminate the wobble. Recurs often. Difficult to exceed 30mph in order to avoid shaking. No noticeably bad or broken suspension parts. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2012
“On march 26th 2011 while traveling westbound on I 76 in colorado our driverside front tire blew out. The tire was a tempra trail cutter radial rt lt 255/85r16. After a loud shotgun type noise, our vehicle went out of control. We regained control and brought the vehicle to the side of the interstate and stopped. We contacted cooper tire who manufactures this brand on 03/29/2011 and we were told that this tire was not currently under recall. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2011
“1996 dodge 3500 4x4 dually has a front end shake at any speed have put new balljoints in put a new track bar in than put a double front steering stabilizer on and the truck still shakes after it does it once and you have to try and get out of highway traffic and stop it will just randomly keep doing it bump or not just a rough road. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2011
“Low beam headlight failure---checked on line found recall # 819---went to chrysler dealer---was advised that the recall had been done on that VIN# and chrysler had no obligation---I pulled the headlight switch and found that it was damaged, the connector melted and no relay pack specified in the recall fix-----it was appears the recall was pencil whipped and the repair was never made------how do you insure that recalls are really done and how many more like mine are out there???????? *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 3500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake vigorously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the mechanic performed repairs to the steering assembly. The contact was unaware of the exact repairs performed. Approximately two years after the repair, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram 3500 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 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 124 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 Dodge Ram 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 115,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights:switch. 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.