← 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

What owners actually said

1,112 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2015
Exterior LightingUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlInjury

WHEN I GO TO OPEN THE DOOR THE LIGHTS DON'T WORK , AND THE DASHBOARD ON MY TRUCK BREAKS INTO PIECES I NEED A NEW ONE!!

NHTSA ODI #10783104

185,000 miles · Oct 4, 2015
Air Bags

I WENT OUT TO MY TRUCK THE OTHER DAY AND NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS STARTING TO CRACK ABOVE THE AIRBAG. I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK SINCE NEW BUYING IT FROM THE DEALER. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. NOW THAT THE DASH IS CRACKING RIGHT ABOVE THE AIRBAG I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IN ANYWHERE LET ALONE PUTTING MY FAMILY AT RISK.

NHTSA ODI #10779615

100,000 miles · Sep 24, 2015
Air BagsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE TRUNK TO AVOID STRIKING A DEER. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE TRUNK TO AVOID STRIKING A DEER. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10776409

11,000 miles · Sep 21, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting

AFTER ABOUT 11,000 MILES THE DASH BEGAN TO GET CRACKS AND FALL APART. IT GRADUALLY HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT THERE ARE VERY LARGE HOLES AND PIECES OF THE DASH HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE DUCT WORK OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH FUSES BLOWING. THAT IS WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VANN DODGE IN VINELAND…

Read full complaint

AFTER ABOUT 11,000 MILES THE DASH BEGAN TO GET CRACKS AND FALL APART. IT GRADUALLY HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT THERE ARE VERY LARGE HOLES AND PIECES OF THE DASH HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE DUCT WORK OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH FUSES BLOWING. THAT IS WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VANN DODGE IN VINELAND NJ AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM. THEY TOOK PHOTOS AND LATER CALLED ME AND SAID THE DETERMINED THAT THE DASH WAS FAILING BECAUSE OF EXPOSURE TO SUN!!! THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED OR PARKED IN THE SHADE FOR MOST OF ITS EARLY LIFE AND CRACKS AND CHUNKS HAPPENED FOR NO APPARENT REASON, BUT THIS IS PROBABLY THEIR WAY OUT OF FIXING THE PROBLEM. NOW COMES ANOTHER PROBLEM OR INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED TO ME BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY PLASTIC THAT WAS USED TO CONSTRUCT THE DASH. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TURNED ON MY DEFROSTER AND A PIECE OF PLASTIC BLEW OUT OF THE VENT ON THE TOP OF THE DASH OR LACK THERE OF, AND HIT ME IN THE FACE CAUSING ME TO SWERVE AND ALMOST HIT AN ONCOMING CAR. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE CAR AVOIDED ME OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 MONTHS AGO TO HAVE SERVICE ON A DIFFERENT VEHICLE AND QUESTIONED THEM ON THE STATUS OF ANY RECALL AND THEY ASKED ME FOR MY VIN # OF MY DODGE RAM PICKUP WHICH I PROVIDED AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECORD OF ME TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THEM FOR A INSPECTION, WHICH IS TOTALLY FALSE!!! THEY CONVENIENTLY LOST MY RECORDS ON MY PICK UP!!!!! SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE TO PREVENT SOMEONE FROM BEING KILLED DUE TO THIS FAULT OF CHRYSLER CORP. I HAVE PUT A REPLACEMENT SKIN ON THE DASH BUT THERE WAS NOT MUCH LEFT TO ADHERE THE SKIN TO AT A COST OF NEARLY $300 BUT THE PIECES CONTINUALLY FALL INTO THE VENTS. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10766690

52,000 miles · Sep 14, 2015
Unknown Or Other

THE DASH ON MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 IS CRACKING IN MANY DIFFERENT PLACES. THE FRONT BEZEL ON THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE PANEL IS ALSO CRACKING. MY DODGE RAM HAS UNDER 60,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ALWAYS USED A SUN SHADE ON THIS TRUCK, SO THE CRACKING IS NOT FROM SUN EXPOSURE. I KNOW THIS IS HAPPENING TO MOST DODGE TRUCKS AROUND THE SAME …

Read full complaint

THE DASH ON MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 IS CRACKING IN MANY DIFFERENT PLACES. THE FRONT BEZEL ON THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE PANEL IS ALSO CRACKING. MY DODGE RAM HAS UNDER 60,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ALWAYS USED A SUN SHADE ON THIS TRUCK, SO THE CRACKING IS NOT FROM SUN EXPOSURE. I KNOW THIS IS HAPPENING TO MOST DODGE TRUCKS AROUND THE SAME YEAR AS MINE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER .

NHTSA ODI #10763585

171,000 miles · Sep 10, 2015
Unknown Or Other

THE DASHBOARD ON THIS VEHICLE HAS BROKEN INTO MANY JAGGED PIECES. THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY MYSELF OR BY THE VEHICLE'S AGE. IT WAS CAUSED BY THE USE OF FAULTY MATERIALS. IF I WERE TO GET INTO ACCIDENT, THESE JAGGED PIECES COULD EASILY BE PROJECTED INTO ME. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER THREE TIMES ABOUT THIS AND THEY REFUSE…

Read full complaint

THE DASHBOARD ON THIS VEHICLE HAS BROKEN INTO MANY JAGGED PIECES. THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY MYSELF OR BY THE VEHICLE'S AGE. IT WAS CAUSED BY THE USE OF FAULTY MATERIALS. IF I WERE TO GET INTO ACCIDENT, THESE JAGGED PIECES COULD EASILY BE PROJECTED INTO ME. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER THREE TIMES ABOUT THIS AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE.

NHTSA ODI #10762926

92,000 miles · Sep 6, 2015
Air BagsStructure

DASH BOARDS CAVING IN POSSIBLE CAUSING AIR BAGS, LIGHTS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PARTS TO FAIL.

NHTSA ODI #10761875

41,000 miles · Jul 27, 2015
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD A PAST FAILURE WITH THE BRAKES, CORROSION OF THE FRAME, A CRACKED DASHBOARD, AND WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATING SINCE 26,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THESE FAILURES, BUT NOT FOR THE STEERING FAILURE. THE MANUF…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD A PAST FAILURE WITH THE BRAKES, CORROSION OF THE FRAME, A CRACKED DASHBOARD, AND WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATING SINCE 26,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THESE FAILURES, BUT NOT FOR THE STEERING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,000.....UPDATED 01/04/2016 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10743865

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2015
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureSuspension

2001 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION, BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT AND FRONT FRAME PROBLEMS. *SMD UPDATED 07/27/15.....UPDATED 11/19/15 *BF UPDATED 01/12/16*LJ UPDATED 11/08/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10733146

37,000 miles · Jul 10, 2015
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER AND CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL LOCKS AND PULL JOINTS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER AND CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL LOCKS AND PULL JOINTS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000...UPDATED 10-06-15 *BF *TR

NHTSA ODI #10733244

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.