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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.

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

What owners actually said

1,112 reports
37,000 miles · Aug 24, 2009
Structure

PURCHASED A USED 2001 DODGE RAM IN 2004. KEPT IT CLEAN, STACKED NOTHING ON THE DASH, KEPT IN THE GARAGE GOOD PART OF THE YEAR. FALL OF 2008 WENT OUT TO MY TRUCK AND FOUND 4 CRACKS IN THE DASH AND ONE IN THE BEZEL AROUND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HAVE NOT CALLED DODGE YET DUE TO NO WARRANTY AND PURCHASING TRUCK USED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10281518

60,000 miles · Aug 23, 2009
Structure

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP THAT IN 2005 A CRACK STARTED FROM THE WINDSHIELD TO THE FRONT OF THE DASH AND THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER ANOTHER CRACK AND THEN THE WHOLE DASH STARTED CAVING IN AND NOW THERE IS NOT REALLY A DASH LEFT AND EVERYTHING UNDER IT IS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10281477

44,000 miles · Aug 21, 2009
Structure

THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND FALLING APART. ONE LARGE HOLE NOW ABOUT THE SIZE OF AN AVERAGE HAND IS VISIBLE IN MY DASH. CRACKS ARE SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE DASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10281343

16,000 miles · Aug 11, 2009
Structure

2001 DODGE PICKUP . GOT IN ONE MORNING AND THE DASH WAS CRACKED. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A LEAST A WEEK . NO APPARENT REASON FOR THIS. GOT IN THE TRUCK ANOTHER DAY AND THERE WERE TWO MORE CRACKS. TO THIS DATE THE TRUCK STILL ONLY HAS 18,000 MILES ON IT. I THINK DODGE SHOULD REPLACE THESE DASHES. 8/11/09. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280089

150,000 miles · Aug 10, 2009
Structure

DASHBOARD IS FALLING APART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279931

90,000 miles · Aug 9, 2009
Structure

DASH CRACKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279833

36,000 miles · Aug 5, 2009
Equipment

IN JUNE OF 2006 I NOTICED A HAIRLINE CRACK IN THE DASH OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500, WHICH ONLY HAD 36,000 ON IT AT THE TIME. I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED THINKING THE DEALER WOULD JUST TELL ME IT WAS USUAL WEAR AND TEAR. SINCE THAT DAY THE DASH HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK AND I NOW HAVE A SECTION WHERE THE CRACKS HAVE CONNECTED. IT AP…

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IN JUNE OF 2006 I NOTICED A HAIRLINE CRACK IN THE DASH OF MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500, WHICH ONLY HAD 36,000 ON IT AT THE TIME. I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED THINKING THE DEALER WOULD JUST TELL ME IT WAS USUAL WEAR AND TEAR. SINCE THAT DAY THE DASH HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK AND I NOW HAVE A SECTION WHERE THE CRACKS HAVE CONNECTED. IT APPEARS THERE WILL SOON BE AN AREA OF THE DASH THE SIZE OF A SOFTBALL OR LARGER WHERE THERE WILL BE A HOLE. THIS HOLE WILL BE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE INSTRUMENTATION. I HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF 1998-2002 DODGE TRUCKS. SOME OF WHICH HAVE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THEIR HEADLIGHTS GOING OFF. THIS HAS LED ME TO VOICE A COMPLAINT WITH CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND THE NHTSA. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN MATERIAL AND/OR WORKMANSHIP AT THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!! HEADLIGHTS SHUTTING OFF AS YOU DRIVE DOWN A DARK ROAD IS A SAFETY ISSUE!! IT IS A SHAME, BUT IT APPEARS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE EITHER DYING OR GETTING SERIOUSLY INJURED BEFORE ANYTHING IS DONE TO FORCE CHRYSLER TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279420

80,000 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Structure

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP, THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKING ALL OVER. THERE ARE COMPLETE PIECES WHICH FELL THROUGH ONE IN THE LARGEST SIZE THE OF 8"X6, THERE ARE MANY MORE HOLES ALSO IN THE DASH. I KNOW OF NUMEROUS OTHER 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME DEFECT IN THERE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN AC…

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I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP, THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKING ALL OVER. THERE ARE COMPLETE PIECES WHICH FELL THROUGH ONE IN THE LARGEST SIZE THE OF 8"X6, THERE ARE MANY MORE HOLES ALSO IN THE DASH. I KNOW OF NUMEROUS OTHER 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME DEFECT IN THERE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT A PIECE OF THE DASH COULD EASILY FLY UP AND INTO THE FACE OR EYE OF THE DRIVER OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES OR LIFE CHANGING (BLIND) EVENT.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279318

67,000 miles · Jul 30, 2009
Structure

DASH BOARD IS FALLING A PART IN MY DODGE PICKUP TRUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10278838

90,000 miles · Jul 27, 2009
Structure

2001 DODGE RAM 1500 WHIT DASHBOARD THAT HAS SEVERE CRACKING. I'M STARTING TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO.

NHTSA ODI #10278493

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.