← 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

Steering complaints

53 reports
Clear category filter
75,000 miles · Apr 9, 2012
Steering

WHEN VEHICLE PASSES OVER DIPS OR BUMPS IN ROAD WITH HEIGHT OR DEPTH IN EXCESS OF 1/2 INCH AT SPEEDS ABOVE 20 MILES PER HOUR TIRES TRAVERSE VIOLENTLY SIDE TO SIDE INHIBITING DRIVER CONTROL UNTIL SPEED IS REDUCED TO 5-10 MILES PER HOUR. MOST FRONT END COMPONENTS ASSOCIATED WITH STEERING AND SHOCK ABSORPTION HAVE BEEN REPLACE BY PR…

Read full complaint

WHEN VEHICLE PASSES OVER DIPS OR BUMPS IN ROAD WITH HEIGHT OR DEPTH IN EXCESS OF 1/2 INCH AT SPEEDS ABOVE 20 MILES PER HOUR TIRES TRAVERSE VIOLENTLY SIDE TO SIDE INHIBITING DRIVER CONTROL UNTIL SPEED IS REDUCED TO 5-10 MILES PER HOUR. MOST FRONT END COMPONENTS ASSOCIATED WITH STEERING AND SHOCK ABSORPTION HAVE BEEN REPLACE BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS WITH NO RESOLUTION TO ISSUE. COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OR COLLISION DUE TO "DEATH WOBBLE" OR BRAKING IS HIGHLY POSSIBLE ESPECIALLY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 30 MILES PER HOUR. THOUSANDS OF YOUTUBE VIDEOS HAVE BEEN POSTED PORTRAYING THIS EXACT ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10454593

50,000 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Steering

WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT OVER 45 TO 50 MPH, IF I HIT A BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD, THE FRONT END/STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND SOMETIMES ALMOST STOP TO GET IT TO QUIT. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING BEHIND ME ONE DAY WHEN IT HAPPENED AND SHE REPORTED THE TIRE/WHEEL LOOKED LIKE IT WAS GOING O LAY ON ITS SIDE. …

Read full complaint

WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT OVER 45 TO 50 MPH, IF I HIT A BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD, THE FRONT END/STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND SOMETIMES ALMOST STOP TO GET IT TO QUIT. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING BEHIND ME ONE DAY WHEN IT HAPPENED AND SHE REPORTED THE TIRE/WHEEL LOOKED LIKE IT WAS GOING O LAY ON ITS SIDE. SHE WAS CONCERNED THE TIE ROD WOULD BREAK AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10368416

80,000 miles · Aug 24, 2010
SteeringSuspension

I OWN A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB 4X4. WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR POT HOLE AT 50MPH OR FASTER THE WHOLE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY SO BAD THAT YOU BARELY HAVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT STOP UNTIL YOU CAN SLOW THE TRUCK DOWN..WHICH IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. IT HAPPENED TO ME 3 OR 4 TIMES ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRA…

Read full complaint

I OWN A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB 4X4. WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR POT HOLE AT 50MPH OR FASTER THE WHOLE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY SO BAD THAT YOU BARELY HAVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT STOP UNTIL YOU CAN SLOW THE TRUCK DOWN..WHICH IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. IT HAPPENED TO ME 3 OR 4 TIMES ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW IT DOWN CAUSING PEOPLE AROUND ME TO ALMOST GET IN TO ACCIDENTS TRYING NOT TO SLAM INTO ME BECAUSE IN HAD NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. I HAVE PUT IN UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS,TRAC BAR .STEERING COLUMN..NOTHING HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM AND DODGE WANTS TO KNOW NOTHING.SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT OR KILLED IF THIS NPROBLEM ISN'T FIXED BY DODGE. THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND ALSO FROM MECHANICS AND PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO. EVERYONE WHO OWNS A DODGE TRUCK CAN TELL YOU ABOUT THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND OUT IT COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THATS NEXT FOR ME TO TRY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10351608

46,000 miles · Jun 18, 2010
SteeringSuspension

FROM AUG 08 TO PRESENT AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND UP MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 WHEN HITTING A BUMP THE FRONT END DEVELOPS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" HAVE HAD TO TWO DIFFERENT DODGE DEALERS AND HAVE PAID TO HAVE ALL BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD ENDS, STEERING BOX ETC REPLACED AND PROBLEM IS STILL THERE NOW I START LOOKING ONLINE AND I SEE I AM ONE…

Read full complaint

FROM AUG 08 TO PRESENT AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND UP MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 WHEN HITTING A BUMP THE FRONT END DEVELOPS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" HAVE HAD TO TWO DIFFERENT DODGE DEALERS AND HAVE PAID TO HAVE ALL BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD ENDS, STEERING BOX ETC REPLACED AND PROBLEM IS STILL THERE NOW I START LOOKING ONLINE AND I SEE I AM ONE OF MANY OUT THERE WITH THIS PROBLEM. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO HAVE DODGE COME UP WITH AN ACTUAL FIX FOR THIS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE PERSONALLY HAD THIS HAPPEN ON THE PA TURNPIKE AND NUMEROUS OTHER ROADS AND BEEN VERY CLOSE TO SOME DEADLY ACCIDENTS WITH IT. I HAVE ACTUALLY BOUGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND TRUCK IS SITTING IN MY YARD. THE ANSWER I GET FROM DODGE IS TRADE IT IN IF IT IS SUCH A PROBLEM BUT I REFUSE TO PUT ANOTHER FAMILY IN THAT POSITION. SO I SIT HERE LISTENING TO MY MONEY IN THE YARD WASTE AWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339087

98,000 miles · Jun 2, 2010
SteeringSuspension

INSPECTED VEHICLE, FOUND DEEP GROOVE WORN INTO CORD LEVEL OF SIDEWALLS OF BOTH LEFT-SIDE TIRES. FOUND LEFT FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER SUPPORT BRIGHT, SHINY, POLISHED. THERE IS NO, OR MISADJUSTED, STOP SO LEFT FRONT TIRE AND SHOCK SUPPORT ATTEMPT TO OCCUPY SAME SPACE DURING SHARP LEFT TURNS, GOUGING TIRE. INTERFERENCE HERE EXISTE…

Read full complaint

INSPECTED VEHICLE, FOUND DEEP GROOVE WORN INTO CORD LEVEL OF SIDEWALLS OF BOTH LEFT-SIDE TIRES. FOUND LEFT FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER SUPPORT BRIGHT, SHINY, POLISHED. THERE IS NO, OR MISADJUSTED, STOP SO LEFT FRONT TIRE AND SHOCK SUPPORT ATTEMPT TO OCCUPY SAME SPACE DURING SHARP LEFT TURNS, GOUGING TIRE. INTERFERENCE HERE EXISTED FOR AT LEAST 10,000 MILES GIVEN TIME OF LAST TIRE ROTATION THAT PUT DAMAGED TIRE ON REAR. SEVERE POTENTIAL FOR BLOWOUT EXISTS. HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS THROUGH DODGE RAM 1500S. THIS IS 6 CYLINDER MODEL. PROBLEM WILL IMMEDIATELY RECUR IF TIRES REPLACED AND TURN SHARP LEFT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AS NOT YET REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10334286

40,000 miles · Apr 14, 2009
SteeringSuspension

FRONT END DEATH WOBBLE ON DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 2009 TRUCKS. WHEN HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF FREEWAY ROAD AT 70 MPH THE FRONT END SHAKES OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL TRUCK IS SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH. SEVERAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE INCLUDING REPLACING THE TRACK BAR, STEERING ARMS, BALL JOINTS, FRONT END ALIGNMENTS, WITH NO FIX. THE WEB HAS SEVE…

Read full complaint

FRONT END DEATH WOBBLE ON DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 2009 TRUCKS. WHEN HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF FREEWAY ROAD AT 70 MPH THE FRONT END SHAKES OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL TRUCK IS SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH. SEVERAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE INCLUDING REPLACING THE TRACK BAR, STEERING ARMS, BALL JOINTS, FRONT END ALIGNMENTS, WITH NO FIX. THE WEB HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS LISTED BUT NO FIX. THIS MUST BE FIXED BY DODGE WITH A RECALL. CAN YOU HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265207

55,500 miles · Sep 12, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

2001 DODGE QUAD CAB PICKUP HAS FAILING WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN WHICH MAKES TRUCK DIE WHILE DRIVING . WHICH IN TURN THERE IS NO POWER BRAKES OR STEERING AND NO ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS THAT MAKES THE TRUCK RUN . DEAD ON THE ROAD LITERALLY. WHO KNOWS AT WHAT SPEEDS THIS PROBLEM MAY OCCUR. LUCKILY, IT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE GOING SLOW …

Read full complaint

2001 DODGE QUAD CAB PICKUP HAS FAILING WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN WHICH MAKES TRUCK DIE WHILE DRIVING . WHICH IN TURN THERE IS NO POWER BRAKES OR STEERING AND NO ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS THAT MAKES THE TRUCK RUN . DEAD ON THE ROAD LITERALLY. WHO KNOWS AT WHAT SPEEDS THIS PROBLEM MAY OCCUR. LUCKILY, IT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE GOING SLOW AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE TRUCK. NO KNOWN HUMAN DEATHS YET THAT I HAVE HEARD OF FROM THIS. IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED WITH WIRING HARNESS THERE WILL BE DEATHS, I'M PRETTY SURE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO DO MY BEST TO KEEP MY FAMILY AND OTHER FAMILIES SAFE. THIS NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH BEFORE SOMEONE DOES DIE UNNECESSARILY IN AN ACCIDENT THAT CAN BE AVOIDED BY REPLACING THE PROBLEM PART OF THE PICKUP. *TR THE BEARING CLUTCH, REAR CARRIER BEARING, AXLE SEALS, ROTORS, POWER STEERING PUMP, PINION CARRIER BEARINGS WERE ALL REPLACED. ALSO, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL AND HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CENTER SEAT CONSOLE BOLTING SYSTEM FELL OUT OF THE TRUCK, THE PLASTIC DASHBOARD PANEL AND HOUSING AROUND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS CRACKED IN FOUR PLACES. THE GASKET ON THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THE GASKET, WATER AND TIMING CHAIN WERE REPLACED. THE CLUTCH FAILED, DUE TO THE WRONG YEAR TRANSMISSION BEING INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. A 2000 TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, INSTEAD OF A 2001. UPDATED 10/15/14

NHTSA ODI #10241972

136,000 miles · Aug 16, 2008
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN TWO SEPARATE CRASHES ONE BEING HEAD ON AT 35MPH OVER $6000. IN DAMAGE TO TRUCK 2 ND TIME SAME TRUCK AFTER BEING ROLLED BECAUSE STEERING BOX GAVE OUT AGAIN 2ND TIME FOR THAT TOO. NO AIR BAGS COMPANY CLAIMS CRASH WAS NOT ENOUGH TO DEPLOY TRUCK WAS TOTALED AND MY HUSBAND IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A EVENING WI…

Read full complaint

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN TWO SEPARATE CRASHES ONE BEING HEAD ON AT 35MPH OVER $6000. IN DAMAGE TO TRUCK 2 ND TIME SAME TRUCK AFTER BEING ROLLED BECAUSE STEERING BOX GAVE OUT AGAIN 2ND TIME FOR THAT TOO. NO AIR BAGS COMPANY CLAIMS CRASH WAS NOT ENOUGH TO DEPLOY TRUCK WAS TOTALED AND MY HUSBAND IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A EVENING WITH HEAD TRAUMA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10238512

53,000 miles · Jul 19, 2006
SteeringSuspensionCrash

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PRESENTED ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. PRIOR TO STEERING FAILURES, THE WARNING WAS UNCONTROLLABLE STEERING AND PULLING ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERS TWICE FOR ALIGNMENT READJUSTMENTS. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A…

Read full complaint

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PRESENTED ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. PRIOR TO STEERING FAILURES, THE WARNING WAS UNCONTROLLABLE STEERING AND PULLING ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERS TWICE FOR ALIGNMENT READJUSTMENTS. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A PEDESTRIAN. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO OBSERVED A GROVE NEAR THE TIRE. THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE BOLT IN THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS EXTEND OVER WITHOUT SAFETY STOP AND CUTS INTO THE BEAD OF THE TIRE RIGHT ABOVE THE RIM ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO REPLACE TIRES AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURERS WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE PROBLEMS WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT OTHER COMPLAINTS WERE MADE ABOUT THE SUSPENSION AS WELL ONLINE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY BEAR THE COST OF REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AND HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANICS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY ALSO PAID FOR ANOTHER MANUFACTURER DEFECT CONCERNING THE STEERING, WHICH THE MANUFACTURER ALSO REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR REPAIR. THE PROBLEM WITH THE BOLT CUTTING INTO THE BEAD OF THE TIRE ABOVE THE RIM STILL PERSISTS.

NHTSA ODI #10162883

56,300 miles · Sep 28, 2005
SteeringCrashInjury

DT: 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 EXTENDED CAB PICK UP TRUCK. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO. DRIVER OF OTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AT 60 MPH ON A WET SURFACE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND PUSHED THE BRAKES DOWN AND AT THE TIME OF IMP…

Read full complaint

DT: 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 EXTENDED CAB PICK UP TRUCK. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO. DRIVER OF OTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AT 60 MPH ON A WET SURFACE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND PUSHED THE BRAKES DOWN AND AT THE TIME OF IMPACT, THE CONSUMER FELT SOMETHING HIT HIM IN THE CHEST. DID NOT KNOW WHAT HIT HIM, BUT ONCE THE CONSUMER LOOKED HE DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET SHEARED OFF DURING THE IMPACT ,AND THE STEERING WHEEL WENT UNDER THE AIR BAG HITTING THE CONSUMER'S LOWER RIGHT RIB CAGE. THE INSURANCE INSPECTOR DID NOT REALLY PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO THE STEERING WHEEL BRACKET THAT SHEARED OFF DURING THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER HAS PHOTOS OF THE CRASH, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK *NM WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED THE CONSUMERS UPPER BRIDGE IN HIS MOUTH BECAME LOOSE AND ALSO THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED BRUISES ON HIS UPPER CHEST. UPDATED 11/02/05 *JB

NHTSA ODI #10135900

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.