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: 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
What owners actually said
366 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2000
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicInjury
ON JANUARY 8, 2000, I WAS A PASSENGER IN A 1999 DODGE RAM PICKUP WESTBOUND ON INTERSTATE 44 NEAR MILEMARKER 274 IN MISSOURI. A FENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT PUMPER TRUCK CUT FROM THE CENTER LANE ACROSS THE PASSING LANE (WHICH WE WERE IN) AND TRIED TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER. THIS MANEUVER WAS DONE WITHOUT ANY EMERGENCY LIGHTS, SIRENS, …
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ON JANUARY 8, 2000, I WAS A PASSENGER IN A 1999 DODGE RAM PICKUP WESTBOUND ON INTERSTATE 44 NEAR MILEMARKER 274 IN MISSOURI. A FENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT PUMPER TRUCK CUT FROM THE CENTER LANE ACROSS THE PASSING LANE (WHICH WE WERE IN) AND TRIED TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER. THIS MANEUVER WAS DONE WITHOUT ANY EMERGENCY LIGHTS, SIRENS, TURN SIGNALS, ETC. WE HAD APPROX. 2 SECONDS TO REACT AND THE DRIVER ONLY HAD TIME TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES. WE HIT THE RIGHT REAR CORNER OF THE FIRE TRUCK WHERE IT PROTRUDED INTO THE PASSING LANE AT APPROX 50 MPH. THE DODGE PICKUP WE WERE IN WAS TOTALLED PER SAFECO INSURACE COMPANY. SEATBELTS SAVED OUR LIVES, BUT WE WERE INJURED MUCH WORSE THAN WE WOULD HAVE BEEN IF THE AIRBAGS HAD GONE OFF. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS REMAINED UNDEPLOYED UP UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS LAST SEEN ON 1-13-2000. DODGE CLEARLY MADE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT IF A CRASH OF THIS MAGNITUDE DID NOT SET OFF EITHER AIRBAG. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DODGE, AND CAN E-MAILTHEM IF REQUESTED. THE AMBULANCE REPORT ALSO DOCUMENTS THE NON-DEPLOYMENT. THIS NEEDS LOOKED INTO. THE ODDS OF EVEN ONE AIRBAG NOT GOING OFF IN A CRASH THIS HARD MUST BE ASTRONOMICAL, BUT FOR BOTH TO NOT GO OFF, SOMETHING WAS SERIOUSLY WRONG. *AK
NHTSA ODI #717837
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2000
Power Train
VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH SHIFT LEVEL NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY INTO PARK. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMERTHAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #855223
Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2000
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH GETS VERY HOT. YOU CAN SMELL THAT SOMETHING IS OVERHEATING AND WHEN THE AREA BETWEEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION ADJUSTMENT WHEEL IS TOUCHED IT IS EXTREMELY HOT, TO THE POINT THAT YOU CAN NOT HOLD YOUR FINGER THERE VERY LONG. *AK
NHTSA ODI #717245
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2000
Visibility
WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS , PASSENGERS SUCH AS CHILDREN IN QUAD CAB, WILL BUMP THEIR HEADS AGAINST HANDLE ON BACK WINDOW WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #854613
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 1999
Tires
TIRES (GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS P265/75R16) ARE NOT SUFFICIENT FOR VEHICLE, SEVERAL FLAT TIRES WHILE TRAVELING OVER GRAVEL/STONE. MJS
NHTSA ODI #550048
Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 1999
Air BagsCrash
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH HAD A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT, AND DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #854149
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 1999
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
PROBLEM: WHOLE TRUCK SHAKES OR PULSATES FRONT TO BACK WHILE BRAKING. DEALER REPLACED FRONT ROTORS AND PADS IN APRIL. PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. DEALER REPLACED REAR DRUMS IN SEPTEMBER. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND GETTING WORSE. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX PROBLEM AND WAITING FOR REPLY FROM CHRYSLER'S TECH SUPPORT. DEALTER…
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PROBLEM: WHOLE TRUCK SHAKES OR PULSATES FRONT TO BACK WHILE BRAKING. DEALER REPLACED FRONT ROTORS AND PADS IN APRIL. PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. DEALER REPLACED REAR DRUMS IN SEPTEMBER. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND GETTING WORSE. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX PROBLEM AND WAITING FOR REPLY FROM CHRYSLER'S TECH SUPPORT. DEALTERSHIP WON'T ATTEMPT TO FIX UNTIL THEN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #716122
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 1999
Engine And Engine Cooling
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #716022
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 1999
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 40MPH, ENGINE WOULD START TO MAKE A PINGING & KNOCKING SOUND. THE NOISE WOULD BE LOUD. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXABLE. NEED TO USE REGULAR GAS. VEHICLE BEEN TO DEALERS 12 TIMES OR MORE FOR SAME PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #853932
Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TRUCK HARD TO STOP, DEALER CANNOT SOLVE CONSISTANT BRAKE NOISE AFTER 2 ATTEMPS, I PUT AFTERMARKET PADS ON, STILL DID NOT SOLVE THE NOISE PROBLEM. WROTE CHRYSLER CORP. AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD BEEN DONE, THEY ISSUED A CUSTOMER CARE # AND TOLD ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS TO RECEIVE SPECIAL ATTENTION BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TRY TO FIX…
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TRUCK HARD TO STOP, DEALER CANNOT SOLVE CONSISTANT BRAKE NOISE AFTER 2 ATTEMPS, I PUT AFTERMARKET PADS ON, STILL DID NOT SOLVE THE NOISE PROBLEM. WROTE CHRYSLER CORP. AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD BEEN DONE, THEY ISSUED A CUSTOMER CARE # AND TOLD ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS TO RECEIVE SPECIAL ATTENTION BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TRY TO FIX MY PROBLEM. WHEN TRUCK WAS IN, DEALER CONTACTED STAR HOTLINE, ONCE SEEING AFTERMARKET PADS ON TRUCK, CHRYSLER CORP. REFUSED ANY FURTHRER REPAIR. NEVER MIND THE DEALER HAS ALREADY MADE TWO ATTEMPS, I MADE AN ATTEMP, AND PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS AND TRUCK HAS A 3/36,000 MILE WARRENTY.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1999 Dodge RAM Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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