1996 Dodge RAM 1500
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1996 Dodge RAM 1500 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1996 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls 1
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 …
Fix: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1996 Dodge RAM 1500 MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 8 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 — ranges cover the 11 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 9
SEAT BACK FAILURE Closed
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH. THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS. THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. "SEATING SYSTEM." ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REA…
NHTSA #DP03006 · Seats · opened Sep 2003 · closed Apr 2004HOOD LATCH Closed
NHTSA #RQ00012 · Structure · opened May 2000 · closed Apr 2001STEERING COLUMN FIRE Closed
NHTSA #DP00002 · Steering · opened Jan 2000 · closed Apr 2000STEERING COLUMN FIRES Closed
NHTSA #EA99027 · Power Train · opened Sep 1999 · closed May 2000IGNITION SWITCH Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED 33 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH IN 1994-1996 DODGE RAM TRUCKS. THE ROOT CAUSE IS AN EXCESSIVE CURRENT DRAW THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED. A REVIEW OF OWNER COMPLAINT INDICATES THAT THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN FIRE, SMOKE, MELTING OF SURROUNDING PLASTICS, STALLING AND THE ILLUMINATION OF AIR BAG AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LIGH…
NHTSA #PE99031 · Power Train · opened May 1999 · closed Sep 1999TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS Closed
ON APRIL 17, 1997, THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING APPROXIMATELY 800,000 1994 THROUGH 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH V6 OR V8 ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, 1995 THROUGH 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE V10 ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND THE 1995 AND 1996 DODGE RAM VAN/WAGON EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ODI HAS RECEIVED ELEVEN REPORTS CONCERNI…
NHTSA #RQ98002 · Power Train · opened Mar 1998 · closed Jul 1999CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE Closed
ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, WHEN OPERATED AT MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD WHILE DRIVING UP A GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE CLUTCH LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMITS OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CLUTCH LINE CAN RUPTURE AND SPRAY HYDRAULIC FLUID ONTO EXHAUST SURFACES THAT ARE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE FLUID AND C…
NHTSA #EA98005 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Feb 1998 · closed May 1999CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE Closed
ALL THREE KNOWN FIRE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AS THE VEHICLES WERE TOWING A HEAVY TRAILER LOAD UP A GRADE ON A HOT DAY. AT LEAST THREE OF THE INCIDENT VEHICLE REPAIRS INVOLVED ALTERATIONS TO THE HEAT SHIELDING AND/OR CLUTCH TUBE RETENTION. CHRYSLER HAS FURNISHED TEST DATA TO SHOW THAT THE SYSTEM DESIGN PROVIDES ADEQUATE HEAT SHIELDING FOR PROPERLY POSITIONED CLUTCH TUBES UNDER ALL ANTICIPATED OPERATION CONDITIONS. CHRYSLER…
NHTSA #PE97043 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Oct 1997 · closed Feb 1998TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES Closed
CHRYSLER WILL RECALL CERTAIN 1994-97 RAM PICKUP AND RAM VAN/WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER TUBES USING QUICK CONNECT FITTINGS WITH PLASTIC RETAINERS. THE RECALL WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER SUPPLY (HOT) TUBES WITH PARTS INCORPORATING STAINLESS STEEL RETAINERS. CHRYSLER ESTIMATES THAT APPROXIMATELY 960,000 VEHICLES ARE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED BY THE SUBJECT CONDIT…
NHTSA #PE96070 · Power Train · opened Nov 1996 · closed May 1997An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 109
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 109.
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Bulletin R2118796A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253…
Bulletin 9002849 · Equipment, Structure · Sep 201468069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valv…
Bulletin 9002688 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Equipment · Feb 2013ILLUMINATED MIL AS THE RESULT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0420 - CATALYST EFFICIENCY, OR MAY HAVE FAILED A CALIFORNIA SMOG OR STATE I/M TEST BUT WITHOUT AN ILLUMINATED MIL, OR A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CATALYTIC CONVERTER EXTE…
Bulletin 1100605 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2005Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM 1500 Van/Wagon. Model-year data, not specific to one car.