← New search

2001 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAM 1500 years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 520.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

741 reports with mileage · 371 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 548 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

65 crash reports34 fire reports65 injury reports

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

26 reports
Clear category filter
59,000 miles · Mar 23, 2016
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE OPENED AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE DETAILS WERE UNKNOWN. …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE OPENED AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE DETAILS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ODI #10851269

130,000 miles · Mar 5, 2013
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureVisibility/wiper

PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT HOOD FLEW OPEN CRACKED WINDSHIELD BENT HINGES AND HOOD , BARELY GOT SHUT , AFRAID TO OPEN AGAIN , HAD IT CHECKED OUT BY MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT THESE LATCHES ARE RECALLED AND FAIL ALL THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10501358

80,260 miles · Jun 6, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-35 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE SECONDARY LATCH, WHICH FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE V…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-35 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE SECONDARY LATCH, WHICH FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,260. UPDATED 06/29/12 *BF UPDATED 07/09/12.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10460821

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages

DRIVING ON THE ROAD, GOING ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR, THE HOOD TO MY RAM HAS FLOWN OPEN. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I THOUGHT THE FIRST TIME WAS MY FAULT BUT LIGHTNING DOESN'T STRIKE TWICE. I SPENT OVER $1000 THE FIRST TIME TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10404154

93,000 miles · Nov 6, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

WE WERE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE HOOD SUDDENLY FLEW UP AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. WE WERE ABLE TO MANEUVER THE TRUCK TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT THERE BEING AN ACCIDENT. THE HOOD WAS BENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, HOOD MOUNTS HAD TO BE STRAIGHTENED. A NEW HOOD LATCH WAS INSTALLED AS THE MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS THE…

Read full complaint

WE WERE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE HOOD SUDDENLY FLEW UP AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. WE WERE ABLE TO MANEUVER THE TRUCK TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT THERE BEING AN ACCIDENT. THE HOOD WAS BENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, HOOD MOUNTS HAD TO BE STRAIGHTENED. A NEW HOOD LATCH WAS INSTALLED AS THE MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS THE PROBLEM THAT IT WAS STUCK OPEN, AND IN HIS OPINION, DEFECTIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10364266

120,000 miles · Jul 1, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY, THE HOOD RELEASED IN AN UPWARD POSITION TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE HOOD LATCH M…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY, THE HOOD RELEASED IN AN UPWARD POSITION TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE HOOD LATCH MECHANISM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE HOOD WAS SECURED WITH A PIECE OF MATERIAL IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO REACH HIS DESTINATION. THE CONTACT WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10340900

130,261 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE FAST TRACK COMPANY STATED THAT THEY SERVICED THIS VEHICLE, AND 20 MINUTES AFTER THE CUSTOMER LEFT WITH THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRIVING ABOUT 50MPH, THE HOOD FLEW UP AND CRACKED HIS WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH WAS STUCK IN THE OPENING POSITION. …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE FAST TRACK COMPANY STATED THAT THEY SERVICED THIS VEHICLE, AND 20 MINUTES AFTER THE CUSTOMER LEFT WITH THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRIVING ABOUT 50MPH, THE HOOD FLEW UP AND CRACKED HIS WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH WAS STUCK IN THE OPENING POSITION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,261.

NHTSA ODI #10316224

87,000 miles · Jan 4, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35MPH, WHEN THE HOOD OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 POPPED OPEN. IT BENT THE CORNERS OF THE HOOD, I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE HOOD DOWN, WITH THE HELP OF 2 OTHER GUYS. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING FASTER, I BELIEVE IT WOULD HAVE SMASHED MY WINDSHIELD. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, BUT I AM SCARED THAT IT'S GOING TO HA…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35MPH, WHEN THE HOOD OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 POPPED OPEN. IT BENT THE CORNERS OF THE HOOD, I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE HOOD DOWN, WITH THE HELP OF 2 OTHER GUYS. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING FASTER, I BELIEVE IT WOULD HAVE SMASHED MY WINDSHIELD. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, BUT I AM SCARED THAT IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN. WE HAVEN'T LOOKED INTO FIXING IT, BECAUSE WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY. WE ARE HOPING TO AT LEAST GET IT LOOKED AT THIS SPRING, UNLESS IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10298005

157,000 miles · May 7, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages

THE HOOD LATCH OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 FAILED, RELEASING TO HOOD WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 40 MPH. MY WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO THE HOOD IS BEYOND REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267981

197,600 miles · Apr 18, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages

DRIVING APPROX. 30 MILES AN HOUR, HOOD UNLATCHED FLEW UP. IT DAMAGED HOOD, HINGES AND SMASHED WINDSHIELD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265931

Official recalls

2

03V504000 · Tires

Dec 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

01V153000 · Air Bags

May 8, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE08047 · 2000-2001 Dodge RAM Pickup Hood Latch

Opened Jul 25, 2008 · Closed Dec 17, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch; Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE00025 · Rear Safety Belt Anchorage Disengagement

Opened Jul 6, 2000 · Closed Dec 27, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:rear/other

ALLEGE THAT BOTH REAR INBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES WERE FOUND TO LACK PROPER ATTACHMENTS.