Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 15 of 108 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports6 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
108 reports
196,000 miles · Oct 5, 2018
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SERVICING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED CRACKS AND CORROSION IN THE COIL SPRING TOWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SERVICING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED CRACKS AND CORROSION IN THE COIL SPRING TOWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
NHTSA ODI #11133574
225 miles · Nov 28, 2011
SteeringSuspension
WHILE DRIVING A 1995 DODGE 3500 TRUCK AROUND A SLIGHT LEFT TURN AND RUNNING OVER A POTHOLE, THE TRUCK'S FRONT END BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY UNTIL COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE SYMPTOMS MATCHED THAT OF THE "DEATH WOBBLE". *KB
NHTSA ODI #10437545
139,000 miles · Sep 13, 2011
Power TrainFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE QUICK CONNECTS ON THE TRANSMISSION LINES WERE MELTED. AS A RESULT, TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE QUICK CONNECTS ON THE TRANSMISSION LINES WERE MELTED. AS A RESULT, TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V084000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
NHTSA ODI #10425260
65,000 miles · Jul 19, 2011
SteeringSuspension
1995 RAM 3500 DODGE DEATH WOBBLE, OR SHAKE! EVEN AFTER NEW SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPER, BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD ENDS. ETC DODGE DEALER JUST THREW UP THERE HANDS ! THIS HAS GONE ON AT MY EXPENSE SINCE 1999 - 2011. PLEASE DO SOMETHING !!! *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413638
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2010
Air Bags
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE HORN DOES NOT FUNCTION. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS SOME TYPE OF A CLOCK SPRING THAT IS MOUNTED UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. MY PARENTS HAD A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT AND IT WAS FIXED, BUT I CANNOT FIND A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH IS ALSO MADE BY CHRY…
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THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE HORN DOES NOT FUNCTION. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS SOME TYPE OF A CLOCK SPRING THAT IS MOUNTED UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. MY PARENTS HAD A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT AND IT WAS FIXED, BUT I CANNOT FIND A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH IS ALSO MADE BY CHRYSLER JUST ONE YEAR OLDER. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS UNIQUE TO CHRYSLER. I OWN A 1995 DODGE RAM3500. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10302301
64,870 miles · Jul 26, 2007
Fuel System, Other
FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING. IE FULL FUEL TANK, GAUGE READS EMPTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10197618
64,120 miles · Jun 26, 2007
Exterior Lighting
PLASTIC BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE THREE REAR RED LIGHTS ON THE TAILGATE, KEEPS BREAKING. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10194229
227,000 miles · May 16, 2005
Electrical System
DT: FUEL PUMP, BLOWING FUSES, FAST AS FUSES ARE PUT IN THE ARE BLOWN AGAIN. AS SOON START THE VEHICLE THE FUSES BLOW. THE BOTTON FUSE BOX WHERE WIRE GO INTO ENGINE SHOUT OFF RELAY, BURNED RELAY. THIS WIRE STARTS OUT A 10- GAUGE WIRE, IT REDUSES DOWN WHEN IT GOES MAIN CONTROLL MODULE HALF THE SIZE. THIS ALSO RUNS BOTH COIL P…
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DT: FUEL PUMP, BLOWING FUSES, FAST AS FUSES ARE PUT IN THE ARE BLOWN AGAIN. AS SOON START THE VEHICLE THE FUSES BLOW. THE BOTTON FUSE BOX WHERE WIRE GO INTO ENGINE SHOUT OFF RELAY, BURNED RELAY. THIS WIRE STARTS OUT A 10- GAUGE WIRE, IT REDUSES DOWN WHEN IT GOES MAIN CONTROLL MODULE HALF THE SIZE. THIS ALSO RUNS BOTH COIL PACKS AND ALL THE FUEL INJECTORS. THE WIRING HARNESS NEED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACE, AND THE MODLE NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED BY A CETRFIED DODGE MECHINE TO MAKE SURE WIRING IS PROPER SIZE AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE NOT SHORTS IN THIS.
NHTSA ODI #10121066
26,000 miles · Apr 8, 2005
Power Train
IM NOT SURE IF IM IN THE RIGHT AREA OR NOT BUT WE HAVE A 1995 DODGE RAM VAN B 3500 INTERIOR MADE BY COACHMAN R.V. WE HAVE HAD A VIBRATION IN THE REAR END WE WENT ON VACATION IN JAN..AND GOT STUCK ON THE ROAD THE VIBRATION GOT SO BAD WE HAD TO HAVE THE VAN TOWED TO A TOWN TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT THEY FOUND 1 OF THE GEARS IN THE PUMP…
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IM NOT SURE IF IM IN THE RIGHT AREA OR NOT BUT WE HAVE A 1995 DODGE RAM VAN B 3500 INTERIOR MADE BY COACHMAN R.V. WE HAVE HAD A VIBRATION IN THE REAR END WE WENT ON VACATION IN JAN..AND GOT STUCK ON THE ROAD THE VIBRATION GOT SO BAD WE HAD TO HAVE THE VAN TOWED TO A TOWN TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT THEY FOUND 1 OF THE GEARS IN THE PUMPKIN WAS BAD. THEY FIXED IT AND THERE WAS STILL A VIBRATION SENCE THEN WE HAVE BEEN STUCK IN AZ. KNOW ONE SEEM TO KNOW WHAT TO DO NOT EVEN DAIMLER CHRYSLER WHICH WILL NOT HELP US AT ALL THIS VAN MIGHT BE A 1995 BUT IT ONLY HAD 26,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE GOT IT.WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH DAIMLER CHRYSLER OVER THIS FOR 3 MONTHS NOW AND ARE SICK AND TIRED OFF IT. WHAT CAN WE DO? *AK
NHTSA ODI #10116593
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2004
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT FOUR TIMES. HOWEVER, PROBLEM…
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WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT FOUR TIMES. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDE BY MECHANIC ALAN MILLER.*AK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.
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
6
DP03006 · Seat Back Failure
Opened Sep 23, 2003 · Closed Apr 8, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:recliner
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.
DP03002 · Steering Column Separation
Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.
PE00048 · Loss Of Throttle Control
Opened Dec 11, 2000 · Closed Mar 7, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
ALLEGED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN FRAY OR SEVER DURING NORMAL USE RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE OR AN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE.
PE99026 · Front Suspension Spring/shock Absorber
Opened Apr 16, 1999 · Closed Aug 31, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGE FAILURE OF THE COIL SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET AT ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE VEHICLE FRAME MAY ALLOW COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, AND POTENTIALLY AFFECT STEERING OR BRAKING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
EA98010 · Headlight Circuit
Opened May 8, 1998 · Closed Dec 10, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLAMP SWITCH IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN OVER-HEAT AND FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND POSSIBLY OTHER LIGHTS.DAIMLERCHRYSLER CONDUCTED A SERIES OF TESTS AND DETERMINED THAT THE 3500 SERIES IS PRONE TO GENERATING HEAD LAMP SWITCH TEMPERATURES IN EXCESS OF THE SWITCH LUBRICANT THRESHOLD OF 100 DEGREES CENTIGRADE.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE LUBRICANT SOLIDIFIES AND ADHERES TO THE SWITCH CONTACH SURFACES INCREASING INTERNAL RESISTANCE AND THERFORE, TEMPERATURE.DAIMLERCHRYSLER INFORMED THE NHTSA THAT IT WOULD INITIATE A RECALL OF 79,3665 MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE 3500 SERIES RAM TRUCKS ONLY BASED ON ADDITIONAL TESTING FROM WHICH IT DETERMINED THAT THE 1500/2500 SERIES VEHICLES NOMINALLY OPERATE SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW THE TEMPERATURE THRESHOLD OF THE SWITCH LUBRICANT.OWNERS OF 1500/2500 SERIES TRUCKS WERE SENT A NOTIFICATION LETTER ADVISING OF THE PROPER METHODS FOR ADDING AFTERMARKET LIGHTING ACCESSORIES.
PE98002 · Headlight Circuit Failure
Opened Jan 14, 1998 · Closed May 8, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
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