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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.

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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

Structure complaints

548 reports
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5,000 miles · Mar 23, 2009
Structure

I HAVE A 2001 RAM DODGE 1500 AND THE DASH BOARD IS COMPLETELY CRACKED, LARGE HOLES. STARTED CRACKING A YEAR AFTER PURCHASED NEW. IT HAS BEEN COVERED BY DASH COVER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262752

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2009
Structure

MY DASHBOARD IS SO CRACKED THAT MY GLOVEBOX HAS FALLEN OUT AND I WORRY THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262675

98,000 miles · Mar 10, 2009
Structure

2001 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK CRACK DASHBOARD LAST 5 YEARS IT CRACK MORE AND MORE AND THE DEALER WANT $1300.00 TO FIX IT IF YOU LOOK ON SITE CRACKDASHBOARDS U FINE THE DODGE HAS A LIST ON THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261427

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2009
Structure

WE BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IT'S IN EXCELLENT CONDITION EXCEPT THE DASH, IT IS FALLING APART I HAVE NEVER SEEN A DASH THAT LOOKED THIS BAD . I THINK IT IS PROBABLY DANGEROUS! IT GOT A SMALL CRACK ABOUT 2 YEARS AFTER WE BOUGHT IT AND NOW ITS AWFUL AND HAS BEEN FOR A LONG TIME . I STARTED LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT DASH AND RAN ACROSS …

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WE BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IT'S IN EXCELLENT CONDITION EXCEPT THE DASH, IT IS FALLING APART I HAVE NEVER SEEN A DASH THAT LOOKED THIS BAD . I THINK IT IS PROBABLY DANGEROUS! IT GOT A SMALL CRACK ABOUT 2 YEARS AFTER WE BOUGHT IT AND NOW ITS AWFUL AND HAS BEEN FOR A LONG TIME . I STARTED LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT DASH AND RAN ACROSS COMPLAINTS IN SEVERAL STATES THAT HAD EVEN HAD IT ON THE NEWS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261381

100,000 miles · Mar 4, 2009
Structure

THE DASH OF MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO CRACK APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO, FIRST THERE WAS A SINGLE CRACK BEGINNING CLOSEST TO THE WINDSHIELD IN FRONT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AND CROSSING THE DASH ENDING IN THE CENTER OF THE DASH. SINCE THEN SEVERAL OTHER CRACKS HAVE SURFACED THAT ARE BEGINNING TO AFFECT THE DEFROST, HEATING/AC AND MAY BEG…

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THE DASH OF MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO CRACK APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO, FIRST THERE WAS A SINGLE CRACK BEGINNING CLOSEST TO THE WINDSHIELD IN FRONT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AND CROSSING THE DASH ENDING IN THE CENTER OF THE DASH. SINCE THEN SEVERAL OTHER CRACKS HAVE SURFACED THAT ARE BEGINNING TO AFFECT THE DEFROST, HEATING/AC AND MAY BEGIN TO AFFECT THE AIR BOG OPERATION AND POSSIBLE THE UNDER DASH WIRING. MULTIPLE OTHER REPORTS IDENTIFY THAT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260659

80,000 miles · Mar 2, 2009
Structure

2001 DODGE RAM 1500 EXT CAB DASH BOARD STARTED CRACKING A FEW YEARS AGO AND NOW IT IS IN PIECES WITH BIG HOLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260443

Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2009
Structure

DASH CRACKING. DEALER SAID NOT THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260309

35,000 miles · Feb 25, 2009
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES WERE CUT. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AND SHE CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE ROTATED DURING TWO ROUTINE INSPECT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES WERE CUT. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AND SHE CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE ROTATED DURING TWO ROUTINE INSPECTIONS, BUT, AFTER THE LAST ROTATION, THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE "A" FRAME BOLT WAS RUBBING THE TIRES AND PUNCTURING THE FRONT TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE "A" FRAME BOLT AND TO CALL THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #10259885

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2009
Structure

PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED, BUT AFTER REVIEWING WEBSITES AND FORUMS REALIZE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE COUNTED IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF CRACKS ACROSS THE DASH BOARD. APPROXIMATELY 20 INCHES LONG ACROSS THE TOP INSTRUMENT PANEL SIDE OF THE DASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259727

108,000 miles · Feb 17, 2009
Structure

DASH BOARD CRACKED ON MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 SLT 4WD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259075

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.