IllustrationNO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAM 1500 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
490–25K
14125–50K
20050–75K
16575–100K
129100–150K
57150K+
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
What owners actually said
1,112 reportsUNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE STRAIGHT. IT WILL EITHER PULL TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT AND WHEN DRIVER ACCELERATES VEHICLE WILL TURN TO THE LEFT.*AKCONSUMER HAS HAD VEHICLE IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS ALMOST CORRECTED. WITHIN 1000 MILES THE PROBLEM REOCCURED. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO OBIDE BY ILLINO…
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UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE STRAIGHT. IT WILL EITHER PULL TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT AND WHEN DRIVER ACCELERATES VEHICLE WILL TURN TO THE LEFT.*AKCONSUMER HAS HAD VEHICLE IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS ALMOST CORRECTED. WITHIN 1000 MILES THE PROBLEM REOCCURED. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO OBIDE BY ILLINOIS LAW WHICH STATES THAT A VEHICLE REPAIRED FOUR TIMES WITHOUT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPLACED. CONSUMER WAS TOLD NOT TO CALL AGAIN. *JG
CAMSHAFT LEAKING FLUID, AND IS STARTING TO CAUSE PROBLEMS TO TRANSMISSION.CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES.*AK
THIS VEHICLE SHUT DOWN THE IGNITION AT 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY.SEVERAL TIMES. IT WOULD RESTART AFTER A WAITING PEROID OF 10 -15 MINUTES.TOOK TO DEALER INITALLY AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WRONG. I TOLD THEM THE IGNITION SHUT DOWN I THOUGHT DUE TO ASD TIMING FAILURE SENSED. BUT NO ACTION TAKEN BY DEALER . I WAS PAYING AS WARRANTY EXPIRED. DI…
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THIS VEHICLE SHUT DOWN THE IGNITION AT 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY.SEVERAL TIMES. IT WOULD RESTART AFTER A WAITING PEROID OF 10 -15 MINUTES.TOOK TO DEALER INITALLY AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WRONG. I TOLD THEM THE IGNITION SHUT DOWN I THOUGHT DUE TO ASD TIMING FAILURE SENSED. BUT NO ACTION TAKEN BY DEALER . I WAS PAYING AS WARRANTY EXPIRED. DID IT AGAIN IN 3 WEEKS. TOOK TO DEALER AND HE CHANGED CRANK PROX SWITCH ALTHOUGH THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN TO DEALER. FOR A VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN FROM A COMPUTER "GLITCH" AT SPEED WHEN THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG MECHANICALLY WITH IT IS STRANGE LOGIC AND DANGEROUS. DAN JOHNSON. *AK
WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY TO RIGHT OR LEFT, THE WHEEL TURNS TOO FAR. THERE IS NO STOP IN GEAR BOX. ALSO WHEN THIS HAPPENS, TIRE HITS SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET, AND IS SLOWLY SHREDDING THE TIRE.*AK CONSUMER REPLACED TIRES WITH NARROWER TIRES. THEY STILL RUB AGAINST THE SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…
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WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY TO RIGHT OR LEFT, THE WHEEL TURNS TOO FAR. THERE IS NO STOP IN GEAR BOX. ALSO WHEN THIS HAPPENS, TIRE HITS SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET, AND IS SLOWLY SHREDDING THE TIRE.*AK CONSUMER REPLACED TIRES WITH NARROWER TIRES. THEY STILL RUB AGAINST THE SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE ADVICE GIVEN WAS TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR BOX THAT HAD INTERNAL STOPS. THIS VEHICLES GEAR BOX WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THAT FEATURE. *JG
WHILE DRIVING ON FLAT SURFACE AND WITH NO WARNING IF VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD STEERING WHEEL WILL JUMP AROUND,AND IT COULD CAUSE CONSUMER TO LOSE STEERING CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AT 35 MPH, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DEALER REPLACED ABS SENSOR. ON 26 AUGUST 2002 AT 40-45 MPH ABS LIGHT CAME ON, BRAKE WAS APPLIED, AND PEDAL AGAIN WENT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
WHEN BRAKING VEHICLE WILL PULL TO THE LEFT, AND IT WILL BE HARD TO CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING RETAINING NUT BACKED OFF. THE NUT IS THE PLASTIC INSERT SELF LOCKING TYPE AND IT DID NOT STAY LOCKED. THERE IS NO COTTER PIN INSTALLED FOR SAFETY. *AK
Official recalls
203V504000 · 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
2PE08047 · 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.