1996 DODGE RAM 3500 PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Dashboard Issues:

  • TAKATA RECALL issue with cracked dash
    
  • Sharp plastic pieces from cracked dash
    
  • Sun damaging electrical wires due to cracked dash
    
  • Vacuum problem caused by dash movement
    

• 2. Seat Back Issues:

  • Normal wear on seat back latch assembly
    
  • Seat back on drivers side and passenger side fail to lock securely
    
  • Looking for new seat back latches
    

• 3. Suspension Issues:

  • Front end shake at any speed
    
  • Chassis cracked in half
    
  • Death wobble violent shaking of the truck
    

• 4. Brake Issues:

  • ABS failed causing brake pedal to be hard
    
  • Brake failure due to rusted brake line
    
  • Brakes pull to the right when towing
    
  • Brakes pulsing/pulling to the right
    
  • Brake line failure due to corrosion
    
  • Brakes overheating and cracking the pads
    
  • Rear wheel axel not in line causing the vehicle to swerve
    
  • Front brakes have gone out multiple times
    
  • Front brakes lock up causing vehicle to pull left or right
    
  • Vehicle won't stop when the brakes are applied
    
  • Extended stopping distance and brake fade
    
  • Rear brakes do not engage causing front brakes to overheat
    

• 5. Transmission Issues:

  • Transmission fire while towing and backing out of driveway
    
  • Transmission cooling line failure and fluid leak
    
  • Transmission line failed causing fluid leak
    
  • Transmission gears get stuck in second gear
    
  • Quick connector failure on transmission cooling line
    
  • Transmission slips/sluggish
    
  • Transmission will not shift into 5th gear
    

• 6. Other Issues:

  • Engine overheated and stalled
    
  • Throttle cable frayed
    
  • Headlight switch failed
    
  • High beam headlight failure
    
  • Air conditioner bypass door actuator failed
    
  • Vacuum leak in AC control head
    
  • Valve cover gaskets leak
    
  • Water leaks into the passenger compartment
    
  • Steering wobble/shake when driving
    
  • Steering column failure
    
  • Squeaking noise from the front
    
  • Throttle control sticking in wide open position
    
  • Fire in engine area
    
  • Tow package broke away causing the hitch to detach
    
  • Tire tread separation causing damage
    
  • Steering pitman arm failure causing loss of control
    
  • Vehicle lights went out while driving
    
  • Hydraulic brake failure causing fading pedal
    
  • Emergency brake failure causing vehicle roll
    
  • Wiring harness shorted out and melted wiring
    
  • Windshield leaks
    
  • Wiring harness shorted out and melted wiring
    
  • Throttle position sensor failed.