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2001 Dodge RAM 2500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM 2500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 275.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

319 reports with mileage · 150 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 181 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports11 fire reports15 injury reports

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

23 reports
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93,000 miles · Oct 21, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2 DIFFERENT BRAKE LINES FAILED THE SAME DAY.. BOTH RUSTED THROUGH THE REST OF THE LINES NEAR THE BOOSTER AND THE ANTI LOCK ARE ALL RUSTED ALSO... TRUCK HAD NO MORE THAN A FEW WEEKS IN SNOW AND NEVER ON THE BEACH....I LIVE IN FLA... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10206454

75,000 miles · May 9, 2007
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

DASHBOARD CRACKING AND FALLING ON ELECTRICAL WIRE, SHORTING OUT THINGS, KEEPS BLOWING THE ABS FUSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10190350

4,000 miles · Jun 27, 2006
EquipmentService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

MY BRAKES AND STEERING HAVE FAILED FOUR TIMES ON MY DODGE RAM. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AT CHRYSLER AND IN BOTH CASES THE REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED TO ASSIST ME. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I HAVE HAD MY BRAKES FAIL FOUR TIMES ON MY DODGE RAM 3/4 TON TRUCK. THEY SAID MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THAT I AM 2700 MILES OVER THE WARRANT…

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MY BRAKES AND STEERING HAVE FAILED FOUR TIMES ON MY DODGE RAM. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AT CHRYSLER AND IN BOTH CASES THE REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED TO ASSIST ME. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I HAVE HAD MY BRAKES FAIL FOUR TIMES ON MY DODGE RAM 3/4 TON TRUCK. THEY SAID MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THAT I AM 2700 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY THAT IS ALL THAT CAN BE DONE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10160933

74,000 miles · May 24, 2006
Air BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE DRIVER SIDE FENDER WAS DAMAGED. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE ABS SYSTEM, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #01V153000, REG…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE DRIVER SIDE FENDER WAS DAMAGED. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE ABS SYSTEM, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #01V153000, REGARDING THE AIRBAGS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER. THERE IS NOW A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. WHILE TRAVELING 60-65MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND ALL FOUR TIRES LOCKED RESULTING IN TIRE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE IT IS NOW BEING INSPECTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRESENT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10158166

40,000 miles · Jun 14, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

(1) FRONT BRAKES GRAB ON ONE SIDE, VEHICLE SWERVES TO ONE SIDE AND JERKS TO STOP (2) BRAKE HOSE INTO CALIPERS "CALLAPSED". BREAK PADS WEAR PREMATURELY, ROTORS OVERHEAT. LOSS OF BRAKING ON AFFECTED SIDE. (3) BRAKE HOSE, CALIPERS, PADS, AND ROTORS REPLACED. INSIDENT OCCURRED ON LEFT SIDE AFTER 40,000 MILES OF DRIVING. RE…

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(1) FRONT BRAKES GRAB ON ONE SIDE, VEHICLE SWERVES TO ONE SIDE AND JERKS TO STOP (2) BRAKE HOSE INTO CALIPERS "CALLAPSED". BREAK PADS WEAR PREMATURELY, ROTORS OVERHEAT. LOSS OF BRAKING ON AFFECTED SIDE. (3) BRAKE HOSE, CALIPERS, PADS, AND ROTORS REPLACED. INSIDENT OCCURRED ON LEFT SIDE AFTER 40,000 MILES OF DRIVING. REPLACED HOSE ON LEFT SIDE; BOTH CALIPERS, PADS, AND ROTORS ON BOHTH SIDES. AT 80,000 MILES, RIGHT SIDE HOSE COLLAPSED. REQUIRES HOSE ON RIGHT SIDE; CALIPER, PADS, AND ROTOR REPLACEMENTS ON BOTH SIDES. HOSE ASSY ON BACK ORDER: ONE DEALER HAS 18 ON ORDER, NO PROJECTED DATE IN SIGHT. SO MANY OF THIS PART ON ORDER AND RECURRENCE ON ONE VEHICLE RAISES QUESTION. SOON VEHICLE WILL BE UNDRIVABLE, AND DANGEROUS. INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS DATE OF RIGHT SIDE DIAGNOSIS.

NHTSA ODI #10125268

41,966 miles · Feb 2, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2001 DODGE RAM 2500. REMOVED LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER DUE TO A SQWEAK THAT COULD BE HEARD AT LOW SPEED. ONE BRAKE PAD HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE METAL BACKING. WHEN INSPECTING OTHER 3 BRAKES, AT LEAST ONE PAD IN EACH CALIPER SHOWS SIGNS OF BEGINNING TO SEPARATE. PADS HAVE A MINIMUM OF 1/2" OF MATERIAL LEFT. VEHICAL MILEAG…

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2001 DODGE RAM 2500. REMOVED LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER DUE TO A SQWEAK THAT COULD BE HEARD AT LOW SPEED. ONE BRAKE PAD HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE METAL BACKING. WHEN INSPECTING OTHER 3 BRAKES, AT LEAST ONE PAD IN EACH CALIPER SHOWS SIGNS OF BEGINNING TO SEPARATE. PADS HAVE A MINIMUM OF 1/2" OF MATERIAL LEFT. VEHICAL MILEAGE IS 41966. ALL PADS WERE REPLACED. THE OLD ONES ARE AVAILABLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10108464

73,300 miles · Nov 20, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury

DRIVER STATED THAT BRAKES FAILED ON VEHICLE WHILE TRYING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION RESULTING IN CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10047241

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING REAR BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10021925

Mileage unknown · May 27, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

SAME COMPONENTS HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES. SECOND 10/31/2001 THIRD 4/2002. CALIPER CONTINUES TO FAIL AND RUIN ROTOR AND DISCS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #762305

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE ABS GOES OFF OVER MINOR BUMP SUCH AS THE WARNING BUMPS APPROACHING TOLL BOOTHS IN ILLINOIS. THIS IS A PROBLEM SLOWING FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE BRAKES LOSE PRESSURE LIKE NEAR COMPLETE BRAKE FADE AND ONE MUST APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO STOP THE TRUCK. THIS COULD LEAD TO REAR END COLLISIONS. I HAVE REPEATEDL…

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THE ABS GOES OFF OVER MINOR BUMP SUCH AS THE WARNING BUMPS APPROACHING TOLL BOOTHS IN ILLINOIS. THIS IS A PROBLEM SLOWING FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE BRAKES LOSE PRESSURE LIKE NEAR COMPLETE BRAKE FADE AND ONE MUST APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO STOP THE TRUCK. THIS COULD LEAD TO REAR END COLLISIONS. I HAVE REPEATEDLY COMPLAINED TO BARRINGTON DODGE AND FILED A COMPLAINT WITH CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE. I WOULD EXPECT CONCERN ABOUT CUSTOMER SAFETY AFTER THE FORD TIRE RECALLS AND DEATHS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.*AK

NHTSA ODI #753945

Official recalls

1

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

1

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.