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1999 Dodge RAM

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAM years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Dodge RAM are substantially higher than the model-year median of 27.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 39 of 366 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 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

46 crash reports6 fire reports32 injury reports

Steering complaints

40 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 23, 2000
SteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WANDERS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. DRIVER IS CONSTANTLY FIGHTING WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD. TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO FOUR OR FIVE DEALERSHIPS, AND DEALERS WERE NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, STEERING BOX WAS CHANGED, A CHIME WAS PUT IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, AND S…

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WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WANDERS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. DRIVER IS CONSTANTLY FIGHTING WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD. TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO FOUR OR FIVE DEALERSHIPS, AND DEALERS WERE NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, STEERING BOX WAS CHANGED, A CHIME WAS PUT IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, AND SOME WHEEL ALIGINMENT WAS DONE. BUT NONE OF THIS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #862367

Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2000
Steering

THERE IS APPROXIMATELY 4 INCHES OF SLACK WITHIN THE STEERING GEAR BOX WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE NOT TO MANEUVER PROPERLY. DEALER REPLACED THE GEAR BOX THREE TIMES WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #860646

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2000
Steering

WHEN PARALLEL PARKING CONSUMER CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL. IF DRIVER NEEDED TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES BECAUSE OF A DEER RUNNING IN THE ROAD, HE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SWERVE OR STOP IN TIME. WHEN AT A STOP WITH BRAKES APPLIED, THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK. CHRYSLER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK, ALTHOUGH THEY DI…

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WHEN PARALLEL PARKING CONSUMER CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL. IF DRIVER NEEDED TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES BECAUSE OF A DEER RUNNING IN THE ROAD, HE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SWERVE OR STOP IN TIME. WHEN AT A STOP WITH BRAKES APPLIED, THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK. CHRYSLER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK, ALTHOUGH THEY DID OFFER TO MAKE A PAYMENT FOR THE OWNER. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI #859718

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2000
Steering

WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP TO EITHER SIDE (LEFT OR RIGHT). THEN VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #857823

Mileage unknown · Feb 29, 2000
SteeringSuspension

STEERING GEAR IS VERY LOOSE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO WANDER TO LEFT TO RIGHT. DEALER REPLACED STEERING GEAR AND PITMAN ARM, BUT DEFECT KEPT OCCURRING. THE TRAC BAR HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED TWICE. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT POSSIBLY THE WRONG GEAR WAS PUT INTO GEAR BOX. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI #857637

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 1999
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 65 MPH, CONSUMER HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN / EMERGENCY STOP. THE BRAKES FAILED TO GRAB. STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & THE MECHANIC HAD THE REAR SHOES/ ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED. THE PADS WERE GLAZED OVER. BRAKES HAD FADED OUT AT 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. H…

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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 65 MPH, CONSUMER HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN / EMERGENCY STOP. THE BRAKES FAILED TO GRAB. STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & THE MECHANIC HAD THE REAR SHOES/ ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED. THE PADS WERE GLAZED OVER. BRAKES HAD FADED OUT AT 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. HAD STEERING GEAR BOX REPLACED & WHEELS REALIGNED. THE COMPUTER SYSTEMS FAILED TO REGISTER CORRECT GAS MILEAGE PER GALLON. BRAKES STILL DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *AK *YC

NHTSA ODI #852031

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 1999
Steering

WHEN TRAVELING THE STEERING WHEEL OPERATES ERRATICALLY AND UNCONTROLLEABLY, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #851974

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 1999
Steering

THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW HAS HAD CONTINUING BRAKING AND STEERING PULLS, IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AND UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. WHILE HOLDING STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT VEHICLE WILL BE UNDECIDED ABOUT WHETHER TO DRIFT LEFT OR RIGHT, AND EVEN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY THE DEALER WHICH INCLUDE TWO SEPERATE FULL WEEKS OF TIME AT THE DEALERSHI…

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THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW HAS HAD CONTINUING BRAKING AND STEERING PULLS, IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AND UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. WHILE HOLDING STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT VEHICLE WILL BE UNDECIDED ABOUT WHETHER TO DRIFT LEFT OR RIGHT, AND EVEN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY THE DEALER WHICH INCLUDE TWO SEPERATE FULL WEEKS OF TIME AT THE DEALERSHIP, PLUS THREE DAYS OF WORK BY THE FACTORY FIELD REP. AND A FEW OTHER ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE IS STILL DRIFTING AND PULLING ON BRAKING. THE FIRST ATTEMPT I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, ALL THE WAY TO THE TIME PRIOR TO THE FACTORY REP. WORKING ON IT ACTUALLY WRITTEN ON MY REPAIR ORDER "KEITH WE HAVE ALIGNED YOUR RIG TILL THE COWS COME HOME, WE NEVER DID EXPERIENCE A BRAKE PULL AT ANY TIME. I DID HAVE THE TECH. DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME OVERNIGHT. I THINK IT WILL DO WHAT YOU WANT, IF ANY FURTHER ALIGNMENT NEEDED YOU CAN DO IN YOUR SHOP AND SET IT HOW YOU WANT." UPON RECIEPT OF THE VEHICLE IT RESPONDED EXACTLY THE SAME. AFTER THE FACTORY REP. WORKED ON IT I SPOKE WITH HIM ON THE PHONE ON TUESDAY 10-12-1999, AND HE SAID "I THINK IT'S GOOD ENOUGH BUT I'D LIKE TO KEEP IT ANOTHER DAY AND SWAP TIRES, AND MAYBE EVEN BRAKE LINING, TO SEE IF IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE." HE ALSO STATED THAT UPON INITIAL BRAKING THE VEHICLE WANTED TO GO LEFT BUT SEEMED TO TRACK PRETTY WELL. CLEARLY NOT STATING "IT'S FIXED" BUT RATHER SHOWING THAT EVEN HE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE "REPAIRS". UPON RECIEPT OF THE VEHICLE THIS LAST TIME I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE TO THE FIRST STOP SIGN AND UPON BRAKING VEHICLE PULLED LEFT. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK TO THE DEALER HOPING TO TALK TO KEVIN THE OWNER, WHOM I HAD ALREADY SPOKEN TO BUT HE WAS NOT IN AT THAT TIME. I AM STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM HIM.

NHTSA ODI #713452

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 1999
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringStructure

FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED CAUSING NOISE. NLM

NHTSA ODI #548895

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 1999
SteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT WOULD DRIFT. SPEED NOT A FACTOR. WOULD TURN STEERING WHEEL A LITTLE & VEHICLE WOULD JERK. STEERING WHEEL NOT CONTROLLABLE. BEEN TO DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES FOR PROBLEM. HAD IT ADJUSTED & HAD THE GEAR BOX REPLACED. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #848601

Official recalls

9

04V185000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Apr 12, 2004

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

Apr 11, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.

01V040000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Feb 12, 2001

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. 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.

00V107000 · Trailer Hitches

Apr 11, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

99V190000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

Jul 16, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE UNDERBODY HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE HEAT SHIELD IS TOO SHORT, ALLOWING THE PLASTIC CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL TO BE DIRECTLY EXPOSED TO EXHAUST TEMPERATURES. IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXCEED THE MELTING TEMPERATURE OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE LINE MELTS, HYDRAULIC FLUID CAN LEAK ONTO THE VEHICLE EXHAUST AND CAUSE AN UNDERBODY FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE PROPER LENGTH HEAT SHIELD.

99V115000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

May 6, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

99V044000 · Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Mar 11, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VANS AND WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE FUEL HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL RAILS MAY SHRINK AND LEAK FUEL IF EXPOSED TO HIGH ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY.

99V034000 · Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

Feb 24, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL TANKS. INCORRECT FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE INSTALLED ON THE SMALL FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT BE SECURELY ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE FUEL TANK COULD MOVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MOUNTING STRAPS FOR THE SMALL FUEL TANK.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.