2000 Dodge Ram: problems, recalls and reliability
11 recalls and 180 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (13% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 180 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When driving down highway felt intermittently loss of steering, brakes felt weak, noise when turni g. Repair shop said bearings gave and needed brakes. Then lost alignment, steering,would not respond properly...mechanic said due to rust, bearing failed again, frame is rotted by steering box and helping to spread under pressure..lucky to be alive , he said...no repair parts available and dodge, aware of the problem, said sorry...no recalls have been issued...many complaints of this frame for due to a/ c drainage and radiator overflow..now unrepairable paper weight....mechanic said previous welding / repair was attempted which says knowledge prior to me buying this faulty, unsafe vehicle..”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2020
“Hvac dripping into right frame horn causing severe rust affecting steering linkage, and loss of vehicle control. No appropriate drain tube to route moisture away from frame was installed at the factory. Very dangerous!”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2019
“The frame horns {left and right} developed cracks on all four sides ahead of the front wheels leading to the detachment of the steering arm and stabilizer bar resulting in little to no control of the vehicle. While the detachment is not fully complete it only through the extremely weakened connections that remain that an accident was avoided. The vehicle was brought to a stop as soon the loss of control was experienced and has been parked since. It is cannot be operated safely in the this condition. The failed frame is the source of the driveability and safety issues. The vehicle was traveling northbound on a 4 lane divided road when the loss of control manifested.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2018
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“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge ram wagon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the transmission gear shift lever was not locked but, when the lever was touched, the gears shifted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge ram van. While attempting to place the vehicle into the park position, the vehicle independently shifted into the reverse position without warning. In addition, the ignition key failed to disengage from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07v555000 (power train). The failure mileage was 140,432. Updated 06/29/16*lj updated 06/30/16.*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge ram van. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but only the front brakes functioned. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The brake warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the computer needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge ram b3500 wagon. The contact stated that the electrical system was defective and caused the rear brake, heater and air conditioning system to fail. Additionally, the fuse box was found to be burned which caused the electrical system to overheat. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 88,457. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2013
“Driving straight on roadway when vehicle, which was at a stop sign on the right side of roadway, pulled directly into path. T boned a honda. The airbags spewed the chemical contents, but did not deploy. *tr the vehicle was totaled, no airbags deployed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2013
“2000 dodge ram van b1500. Consumer writes in regards to broken frame *tgw the consumer stated when the frame failed, he almost hit another vehicle. He injured is knee, when trying to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the brakes locked up. The consumer stated the frame had rotted away.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2012
“I have a 2000 dodge ram 3500 van that the gear shift levers 'falls' out of park and goes into reverse on it's own. This is a known problem with these vans and the NHTSA issued a recall for these vehicles with a date of manufacture from 07/2000 to 07/2002 and is campaign number 07v555000. My van was manufactured on 05/2000 (2 months before the recall date) so chrysler will not repair the faulty shifter linkage on my van. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 35 of these complaints and injuries in 45 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 11 campaigns
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
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 AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE WELDS AT THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET TO AXLE TUBE ATTACHMENT MAY HAVE INADEQUATE FATIGUE LIFE DUE TO POOR WELD QUALITY. THIS CAN LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET FROM THE AXLE TUBE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE WITH A PROPERLY WELDED FRONT AXLE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT TIRE/WHEEL AND THE BRAKE HOSE/ABS SENSOR WIRE ASSEMBLY. DURING FULL LOCK TURNS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE TIRE OR WHEEL TO CONTACT THE BRAKE HOSE/ABS SENSOR WIRE ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES, AND THE ABS SENSOR WIRE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2001. 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.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT SEATS. IN THE PRESENCE OF ROAD SALT, WATER, AND POSSIBLY OTHER DEBRIS, THE POWER SEAT CONNECTOR LOCATED BENEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT COULD DEVELOP A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CYCLES THE CIRCUIT BREAKER.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FROM THE FUSE PANEL. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REPAIR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2000 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram 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 2000 Dodge Ram reliable?
NHTSA has 180 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 Dodge Ram. The most complained-about area is air bags (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Ram problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 56,500 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Dodge Ram have open recalls?
11 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.