Model year guide

1996 Dodge RAM 3500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1996 Dodge RAM 3500 — representative photo
Representative photo

1996 Dodge RAM 3500 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints143

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1996 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch NHTSA Campaign #99V024000 · manufacturer #819 · 05/02/1999

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.

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 3500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

1996 Dodge RAM 3500 vehicles on record

1996 Dodge RAM 3500 1996 Dodge RAM 35003B7MF33C9TM138628

Other Dodge RAM 3500 model years

2022 2020 2018 2016 2006 2005 2003

1996 Dodge RAM 3500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500?

Across all 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, power train.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.