1999 Dodge Ram 1500

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 610 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Dodge Ram 1500 years to avoid. Which Dodge Ram 1500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
85,000 milesMedian miles at failure

332 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

226 of the 610 complaints (37%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure · body and frame199
214
Unknown or Other40
010
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags36
30018
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission25
100
Structure › Body · body and frame20
011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes18
211
Air Bags · airbags15
805
Electrical System12
030
Steering11
201
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · door locks and latches11
000

1999 Dodge Ram 1500 body and frame problems

37% of all complaints

226 of the 610 complaints are about the body and frame.

Share of the 226 body and frame complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
86,416 mi
median of 147 reports
Peak year of filing
2007
47 body and frame complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 2 · 5
in these complaints
Recalls on the body and frame
None
“1999 dodge ram 1500 pickup, while driving around 35-45 MPH usually on a downhill grade the entire vehicle will begin to shake,the only word to describe it is violently and will not subside until you can get the speed below 20mph but you can not just apply the breaks or the shaking become uncontrollable,I have replace most of the suspension(control arms,ball joints ect.)nothing works.this has happened multiple times!”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 6, 2019 at 154,000 miles
“The plastic dash broke in several places while driving on a rough road. This also affected the VIN plate causing one rivet to be dislodged and causing problems registering it. In some areas it is considered VIN tampering even though it was not my fault.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 7, 2018 at 240,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'981999: 30 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2000: 47 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'002001: 29 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2002: 36 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'022003: 44 complaints, 4 about the body and frame2004: 40 complaints, 6 about the body and frame'042005: 28 complaints, 5 about the body and frame2006: 37 complaints, 16 about the body and frame'062007: 75 complaints, 47 about the body and frame2008: 50 complaints, 33 about the body and frame'082009: 29 complaints, 19 about the body and frame2010: 53 complaints, 41 about the body and frame'102011: 34 complaints, 21 about the body and frame2012: 7 complaints, 4 about the body and frame'122013: 10 complaints, 7 about the body and frame2014: 13 complaints, 7 about the body and frame'142015: 20 complaints, 7 about the body and frame2016: 11 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'162017: 6 complaints, 3 about the body and frame2018: 3 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'182019: 4 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2020: 2 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'202021: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frameRecall 06E024000 (engine)
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)

Complaints about the 1999 Ram 1500 peaked in 2007, with 75 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 37% of the complaints. In 2021 owners filed 1 so far.

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling06E024000
Filed Mar 15, 200644,386 vehiclesK&n Engineering, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Risk. A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy. K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

17 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Ram 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 5electrical system 4body and frame 4engine 3transmission 1
31-006-19Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

3100319Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

3100519Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

9002849Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 3, 2014body and frame

Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not …

What owners reported

Newest filings
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Feb 18, 202196,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20-30 MPH, THE HOOD UNLATCHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED RUSS DARROW CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF MILWAUKEE (10901 W METRO AUTO MALL, MILWAUKEE, WI 53224, (888) 497-8363) HOWEVER, VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Oct 20, 2020122,000 milesMI

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND SMELT SMOKE. WE PULLED OVER, I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICAL AND THERE WAS A FIRE NEAR THE GAS TANK. I TRIED TO SPLASH WATER ON IT BUT HAD NO LUCK. KNOWING THE FIRE WAS NEAR THE GAS TANK WE GOT AWAY FROM THE TRUCK AND CALLED 911.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 6, 2020NC

1999 DODGE RAM 1500 HOOD LATCH RECALL CAN NOT OPEN THE HOOD, LATCH IS BROKEN, MISSING OR MALFUNCTIONED

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 28, 2019130,000 milesKY

THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 26, 2019150,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING THE BROTHER-IN-LAWS 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THEY STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF THEIR DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLES ACCELERATOR PEDAL SELF INCREASED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT THE HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET OF THEIR HOME. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS WHICH ILLUMINATED PRIOR OR AFTER. THE CONTACTS NEIGHBOR EXPERIENCED A MINOR INJURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL THE RPM WERE EXTREMELY HIGH AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE OWNERS HOME AND THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 6, 201946,649 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BAND THAT HELD THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,649. *BF *JB

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 6, 2019154,000 milesNC

1999 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP, WHILE DRIVING AROUND 35-45 MPH USUALLY ON A DOWNHILL GRADE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO SHAKE,THE ONLY WORD TO DESCRIBE IT IS VIOLENTLY AND WILL NOT SUBSIDE UNTIL YOU CAN GET THE SPEED BELOW 20MPH BUT YOU CAN NOT JUST APPLY THE BREAKS OR THE SHAKING BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE,I HAVE REPLACE MOST OF THE SUSPENSION(CONTROL ARMS,BALL JOINTS ECT.)NOTHING WORKS.THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES! I'VE TALKED TO OTHERS AND THERE IS A NAME FOR IT, DODGE DEATH WOBBLE. ALSO I AM ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE DODGE DASH CANCER, IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS MY DASH HAS BASICALLY DISINTEGRATED....CONSIDERING BRINGING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 7, 2018240,000 milesNM

THE PLASTIC DASH BROKE IN SEVERAL PLACES WHILE DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD. THIS ALSO AFFECTED THE VIN PLATE CAUSING ONE RIVET TO BE DISLODGED AND CAUSING PROBLEMS REGISTERING IT. IN SOME AREAS IT IS CONSIDERED VIN TAMPERING EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT MY FAULT.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 2, 20181,000,000 milesTN

WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH, THE PLASTIC HAS BEEN CLEANED, THE LIGHT BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND WE STILL CAN NOT SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT. WE HAVE HIT DEER TWICE, AND WIFE HIT A LIGHT POLE IN A PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WORKING AND THE LIGHTS ON THE TRUCK DIDN'T LIGHT IT UP SO MY WIFE COULD NOT SEE WHERE SHE WAS TURNING, I AM TRYING TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHTS.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jan 8, 201886,435 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HOOD SUDDENLY OPENED AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOOD, WINDSHIELD, AND HOOD LATCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-992-1997 AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THERE WAS NO OPEN RECALL. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,435.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 27, 2017110,000 milesNC

I HAVE PURCHASED A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 SPORT. THE DASH HAS HAD A PROBLEM IN THE PAST AND CRACKED AND SPLIT. I HAVE REPLACED IT BUT EXPECT THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. THE PROBLEM IS WHEN THIS OCCURS DURING AN ACCIDENT, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR THE BROKEN PIECES OF THE BRITTLE PLASTIC TO BECOME SHRAPNEL AND PUNCTURE OR BECOME A FLYING PROJECTILE IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. IF IT IS CAUGHT BY THE AIRBAG, THE SPEED CAN BE ACCELERATED WHEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS. WHEN WILL NHTSA ISSUE A RECALL ON THE DASHBOARD OF THESE TRUCKS. THE BEZEL AND THE GLOVEBOX'S ARE ALSO SPLITTING AS WELL. WHEN CAN THE RECALL BE EXPECTED. I HAVE NOTED BEFORE THAT THIS PROBLEM EXIST ON NHTSA'S WEBSITE UNDER SEVERAL CATEGORIES.. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE DASH CRACKS OR BREAKS OFF DURING AN ACCIDENT. OWNERS ARE WAITING FOR A RECALL SO THAT THEY DO NOT CONTINUE TO HAVE TO PULL MONEY OUT OF THERE POCKET TO FIX REPAIRS ON ITEMS THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM.

Engine
Filed Oct 8, 201742,000 milesSC

MY TRUCK JUST CUT OFF WOULDNT START BACK RUN STRAIGHT WIRE FROM IGNITION CHANGED IGNITION RELAY NOTHING NEXT RUN STRAIGHT WIRE FROM RELAY TO BATTERY IT STARTED UP I HAVE NO O/D AND HAVE TO SHIFT BY HAND SOMETIMES TRUCK STALLS BUT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP BEEN THIS WAY SINCE 2010 TRUCK HAS 55000 MILES ON IT.

Structure
Filed Sep 21, 2017208,437 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING ON THE RAILROAD TRACK AT 10 MPH, THE DASHBOARD SHATTERED. THE AIR BAGS AND THE WIRES WERE NOT EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,437.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 20, 2017104,091 milesOR

OUR SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP ON OUR 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. TOOK OUR DODGE TRUCK TO DODGE DEALERSHIP 06/05/2017 WHO SAID OUR SEAT BELT CONTROL MODULE HAD GONE OUT. WE PAID $400 TO REPLACE. PICKUP ON 06/26/2017. 3 DAYS LATER 06/29/2017 WHILE TOWING OUR 20 FT NORTH RIVER BOAT ACROSS CHARLESTON HARBOR BRIDGE ON THE DOWN HILL SIDE TO PORT LAUNCH RAMP OUR VEHICLE POWER SHUT DOWN, SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP AGAIN AND OUR BOAT WEIGHT PUSHED HITCH INTO OUR TRUCK DESTROYING THE HITCH AND WHEEL JACK. THE BOAT HAD TO BE TOWED ( $399) TO BE REPAIRED AND $150. IN HITCH REPAIRS. THE TRUCK ITSELF WOULD NOT START UNTIL THE BATTERY NEGATIVE WIRE WAS REMOVED. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN DIRECTLY TO DEALERSHIP ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY. A LOCAL POLICE OFFICER WAS FOLLOWING BEHIND OUR VEHICLE AND STOPPED TO HELP; CALLING A TOW TRUCK. NO REPORT WAS FILED OR REQUIRED. AFTER A 2 WK DELAY THEY COULD NOT FIND A REPLACEMENT MODULE SAYING THEY WERE DISCONTINUED. ADMITTED THEY HAD INSTALLED A MODULE ( NOT A SEAT BELT MODULE SUPPOSEDLY BY MECHANICS ERROR) REQUESTED OUR MONEY BACK WHICH THEY DID 07/14/2017. WE HAVE BEEN SEARCHING UNSUCCESSFULLY ONLINE AND OTHER SOURCES WHICH SAY THEY ARE DISCONTINUED, NOT AVAILABLE. OUR STATE AND CITY LAW CARRIES A $250 DOLLAR FINE FOR NO SEAT BELT USE MORE IMPORTANTLY WE OUR NOW SUBJECT TO EXTREME POSSIBILITY OF DEATH OR MAIMING IN AN ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO SOME INFORMATION THIS ALSO AFFECTS OUR AIR BAGS WHICH MAY CAUSE FAILURE OF THEM. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD OUR INSURANCE IS NULL AND VOID IF WE DON'T HA

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 10, 2017131,000 milesMO

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 48 MPH AND THE HOOD FLEW UP AND BENT MY HOOD HINGES.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 6, 2017137,000 milesAR

FRONT SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP, WILL NOT PULL OUT FROM THE RE- TRACTORS. THE DODGE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE OF THE SEAT BELT LAW, WE ARE NOT ABLE TO USE THE TRUCK. IT WAS PARKED, WE STARTED TO GO, THE BELTS WERE LOCKED.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 23, 2016100,500 milesWA

TRAVELING 30 MPH ON CITY STREET, WHEN SMALL 2003 TOYOTA 4WD PICKUP PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT HIS DRIVERS TIRE IN MIDDLE OF MY GRILL. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT LOCKED AND KEPT ME FROM BEING SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE DRIVER WAS CITED BY THE POLICE. MY VEHICLE IS TOTALLED. PLEASE SEE PICTURES. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE.

Steering
Filed Oct 22, 2016140,000 milesAL

TAKATA RECALL 1999 DODGE RAM (DEATH WOBBLE) THE LEFT FRONT OF THE TRUCK FEELS LIKE IT GOING TO FALL APART THIS TRUCK IS IN GOOD CONDITION OTHER THEN THE ONLY THING I CAN FIND IS A RANDOM STARTING DEATH WOBBLE AND OF COURSE NOBODY OWN UP TO THERE MISTAKE AS NORMAL AND ITS SAD YOU MAKE ALL THAT MONEY AND IT COMES WITH INNOCENT BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS DODGE YOU MADE A MISTAKE FIX IT BEFORE ITS TO LATE AND YOU IN UP KILLING PEOPLE I'M A VET WITH A CHILD IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO MY CHILD BECAUSE HE LOVES RIDING IN DADDY'S TRUCK I WILL TELL YOU ONE THING THERE WILL BE NO LAW SUIT ON MY HANDS THEY WILL MAKE A MOVIE OF THE HELL I BRING DOWN THOSE.... LETS JUST LEAVE IT AT THAT AND FIX THE PROBLEM I'M NOT ONE TO BE THE GUY THAT TELLS THE SPOILER PLUS ITS NOT GOING TO COME TO THAT BECAUSE YOU ALL ARE GOOD PEOPLE AND YOUR GOING TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND NOT HAVE FAMILY'S OUT THERE IN DEATH TRAPS

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 30, 2016TX

DASHBOARD HAS BROKEN INTO 30 PIECES

Power Train
Filed Aug 17, 2016CA

TRANSMISSION STAYS STUCK IN 2ND GEAR WILL NOT UP SHIFT

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 15, 2016167,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/30/16*LJ

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jun 21, 2016201,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A TEST DRIVE, THE HOOD LATCH FRACTURED AND THE HOOD FLEW OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR FOUR WEEKS. THE DEALER OFFERED TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS NO LONGER VALID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 18, 201663,000 milesTX

THIS LOW MILEAGE (64K) 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 HAS DEVELOPED A DEATH WOBBLE. USUAL SYMPTOMS, HIT SMALL BUMP IN ROAD AT 60 + MPH AND SHAKE AND SHUTTER UNTIL SLOW TO 20-30 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT.

Service BrakesFire
Filed May 7, 2016139,000 milesWV

DRIVING 30 MPH SUDDEN STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE THEN VISIBLE WHITE FOG OF VAPOR ROSE FROM DEFROST VENTS (DEFROSTER/FAN NOT ON) PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY BUT BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WITH NO ACTIVATION OF BRAKES. ALL THIS HAPPENED QUICKLY, WITHIN 10 SECONDS USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP VEHICLE TO EVACUATE 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND SELF BARELY IN TIME. BYSTANDER SHOUTING THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. FIRE ERUPTED FROM UNDER HOOD AND SPREAD INTO CAB. FIRE DEPT. CALLED BY BYSTANDER AS WE USED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS UNSUCCESSFULLY. TRUCK WAS ENGULFED AND DESTROYED. RECALLS WERE ADDRESSED SPRING OF 2003. A LATER RECALL NOT REALIZED BY US INCLUDES FIX FOR ANTILOCK BRAKE CONTROLLER CORROSION THAT COULD CAUSE FIRE. GEICO CLAIM # 0480694490101028 BUT NO COMPENSATION, AS NOT COVERED FOR FIRE. FIRE DEPT. TOOK A REPORT, POLICE SAID NO COLLISION SO THEY DIDN'T. I DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE THE FIRE DEPT. REPORT BUT MAY BE ABLE TO OBTAIN IT.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 10, 201698,000 milesCA

ENTIRE DASH IS CRACKING AND FALLING APART. CHUNKS ARE GETTING INTO ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS AND MAY CAUSE SAFETY MALFUNCTION. FRONT WINDOW DEFROSTER NOT ABLE TO WORK CORRECTLY CAUSING VISUAL IMPAIRMENT. I AM A PH.D. POLYMER CHEMIST AND THIS IS OBVIOUS SAFETY - MANUFACTURING DEFECT

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 7, 2016NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ARMOUR OIL MIGHT HAVE WEAKENED THE STRUCTURE OF THE DASHBOARD AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ARMOUR OIL WAS NEVER USED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 29, 2016FL

FRONT SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WILL NOT WORK AND A SAFETY HAZARD AND CANNOT BRING PASSENGERS GET TICKETS FOR NOT WEARING SEAT BELTS

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 28, 2015TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THEN THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE CAUSING A FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 8, 2015130,000 milesMS

THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THE DASH CRACKED AND PIECES FELL INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. THE BALL JOINTS FAILED. ALL AROUND 120,000 TO 130,000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTORS BEGAN TO FAIL AT 120,000 MILES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 5, 2015IL

DASHBOARD FALLING APART VERY DANGEROUS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH BIG CRACKS STARTING TO FALL IN COULD CAUSE ELECTRCAL PROBLEMS IF IN AN ACCIDENT COULD GET SHARDS OF PLASTIC IN EYES AND FACE

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Nov 16, 2015150,000 milesLA

99 RAM 1500 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE RUNNING HEATER! CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS THE DEFECTIVE DASH MATERIAL FALLING APART AND THE INSULATION FELL ONTO THE RESISTOR LOCATED ON TOP OF THE BLOWER MOTOR CAUSING A INTERIOR FIRE. THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY MYSELF A MECHANIC FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND A CERTIFIED PAINT AND BODY SHOP. TRUCK WAS IN MINT CONDITION AND NOW A TOTAL LOSS. THE TRUCK WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION IN A COLLEGE PARKING LOT! CONTACTED MANUFACTUER ONLY REPLY WAS SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I KNOW OF SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES IN A 5 MILE RADIUS SAME MAKE AND MODEL THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TOO.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 24, 201550,000 milesFL

DASHBOARD FIRST CRACKED THEN TOTALLY DISINTEGRATED AND COLLAPSED INSIDE THE DASH

Steering
Filed Oct 10, 2015TN

THERE IS EXTENSIVE DEATH WOBBLE IN MY TRUCK AND MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON AND RECOGNIZED PROBLEM BY DODGE/CHRYSLER FOR THEIR DODGE RAM LINE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND AN IDENTIFIED DESIGN FLAW. IT OBVIOUSLY HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TO NEARLY STOP THE TRUCK TO CALM THE SHAKING.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Sep 16, 201594,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HOOD LATCH BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE HOOD TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 01/20/16*LJ *CN

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 15, 2015149,100 milesVA

FRONT SEAT BELTS ON THE DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) ARE LOCKED - THEY WILL NOT PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM BUILT INTO THE SEAT BACK, SO THEY CANNOT BE USED. SEAT BELTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A FAIRLY SIMPLE MECHANICAL DESIGN BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVED, BUT APPARENTLY CHRYSLER CHOSE TO USE AN ONBOARD COMPUTER TO ELECTRICALLY COMPLICATE THE ISSUE. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT ANY PARTS TO ATTEMPT A REPAIR ARE OBSOLETE AND UNAVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2015200,000 milesMI

AM ON THIRD ENGINE EACH TIME OIL PUMP FAILED,AND NOW THIS ONE IS ACTING UP, POWERTRAIN END OF YEAR BUILT TRUCK HAS A LOT OF 2000 PARTS ON IT, REAR END SEIZED UP DRIVE SHAFT BROKE REAR YOAK SPLIT IN TWO, SUSPENSION TIE RODS AND IDLE ARMS ALWAYS BREAKING, TWO BREAK DISKS 1 LEFT SIDE 1 RIGHT SIDE BROKE, LEFT ONE SPLIT RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE, THE RIGHT SIDE THE CENTER OF THE HUB BROKE RIGHT OUT AT THE BEARINGS RIPED RIGHT OUT

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 8, 201592,000 milesCA

DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS CONNECTED WHEN A COLLISION OCCURRED AT AN INTERSECTION INVOLVING A HONDA ACCORD. UPON COLLISION, DRIVERS SEAT BELT STRAP BROKE THE TOP RING PORTION OF BUCKLE DURING DRIVER'S FORWARD MOMENTUM WHICH CAUSED THE METAL RING TO SNAP RELEASING THE SAFETY BELT STRAP AND FAILING TO ARREST DRIVER IN HIS SEAT AND CAUSING DRIVER TO IMPACT TOP DOOR FRAME WITH HEAD. BOTH AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR SCALP CONTUSIONS AND MINOR SORE NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN. VALLEJO CA POLICE REPORT #15-06667 INSURANCE CLAIM (MERCURY INSURANCE):CLAIM NUMBER 2015 0015 003636 - 29 (CLAIM CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS)

Power Train
Filed Jun 6, 2015137,000 milesMI

REAR DIFFERENTIAL JUST FELL OFF OF THE TRUCK GOING DOWN HIGHWAY! SMOKE EVERYWHERE , I MAINTAINED COMPOSURE AND GOT OFF OF THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED AS I WAS IN THE PASSING LANE PASSING A SEMI WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 2, 201592,000 milesMI

THE DASHBOARD STARTED WITH A SMALL CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT HAS EXPANDED TO MANY CRACKS, WITH PIECES FALLING INTO THE DASH ITSELF. I AM AFRAID THAT THESE PIECES WILL CAUSE A MALFUNCTION OF LIGHTS OR WHATEVER IS DOWN THERE, WHILE I'M DRIVING. MY TRUCK ISN'T THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, MOST 1999 DODGE RAMS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T SEE WHY THE COMPANY IS NOT OBLIGATED TO FIX THIS.

Service Brakes
Filed May 26, 2015140,000 milesMN

THE REAR HARD BRAKE LINE MOUNTED ON THE FRAME RAIL BEHIND THE FUEL TANK WAS SEVERELY RUSTED IN AN AREA ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG THAT COULD NOT EASILY BE VISUALLY INSPECTED (HIDDEN BEHIND THE FUEL TANK). THE HARD BRAKE LINE RUPTURED AT THE RUSTED AREA WHICH COMPROMISED 100% OF THE BRAKING POWER FROM THE PEDAL. SOME QUICK RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. MANY SUGGEST THIS WARRANTS A PRODUCT RECALL DUE TO THE DANGEROUS AND CRITICAL NATURE OF THE VEHICLE SUBSYSTEM IN QUESTION: BRAKES. I'M LUCKY TO BE ALIVE ... I HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A TRIP THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS IN TENNESSEE WITH A FULL LOAD IN THE TRUCK BED AND PULLING A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER. THE RUPTURE OCCURRED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHILE I WAS AT A FULL STOP!

Power Train
Filed May 11, 2015130,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE GEARS SLIPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Structure
Filed Apr 8, 2015168,859 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY DIM AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED CAUSING THE BULB TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD SOMETIMES JERK FORWARD AND A SECTION OF THE DASHBOARD WOULD DETACH AND FALL TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,859.

Structure
Filed Feb 11, 2015NC

THE WHOLE DASHBOARD IS PRACTICALLY GONE DUE TO THE CRACKS AND DODGE NOT WILLING TO REPLACE IT WITH ME PAYING FOR IT. SAID IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. EVEN THOUGH WHILE DRIVING IT IS FALLING APART AND ROLLING AROUND THE TRUCK, (DASHBOARD, SEATS AND FLOOR) ALSO BEING I CAN SEE ALL OF THE WIRES UNDER NEATH AND ALL OF IT'S INNERS'. THAT COULD POSSIBLE CAUSE A FIRE. I CURRENTLY HAVE THE VIN NUMBER TAPED TO HE WINDSHIELD SO IT DOESN'T FALL OFF AS WELL. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 26, 2015123,120 milesMI

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE 131 SOUTH ABOUT 9 O'CLOCK GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND THE HOOD SOMEHOW OPENED AND FLEW BACK ON MY WINDSHIELD AND SMASHED IT. HIT THE BRAKES AND VEERED OFF THE ROAD. SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME TOOK ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO BRING THE HOOD BACK DOWN TO STRAP IT. THE HINGES SNAPPED ON ONE SIDE AND RIPPED AND BENT CORNERS OF THE HOOD. THIS TRUCK HAS 123K ON IT WITH NO RUST ON THE HOOD OR MECHANISMS. IF THIS WILL NOT BE TAKEN CARE OF FREE OF CHARGE I WILL NOT BE A HAPPY CAMPER.. I WORK ON CARS I KNOW HOW TO LUBE HOOD LATCHES I ALSO KNOW HOW TO CLOSE HOODS. MY VIN DOESN'T PULL UP A RECALL BUT THIS HAPPENED AS A MANUFACTURERS ERROR AND I HOPE THIS WILL BE PROFESSIONALLY TAKEN CARE OF FREE OF CHARGE . BEFORE I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK I HAD CHECKED FOR RECALLS. IF THIS WERE TO HAVE POPPED UP ON MY VIN THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. I'M JUST GLAD I COULD GET IT OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. *TR

Structure
Filed Jan 21, 201590,000 milesGA

THE DASHBOARD SUDDENLY CRACKED ON DAY WITHOUT ANY OUTSIDE CAUSE. IS NOW IN PIECES WITH SEVERAL SHARP EDGES THAT COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Structure
Filed Jan 20, 201555,000 milesCO

THE DASH IN THIS TRUCK HAS BROKEN TO PIECES. THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE OF SUN EXPOSURE OR CLIMATE--IT IS SIMPLY DEFECTIVE MATERIALS. NOW WHEN THE TRUCK IS DRIVEN WITH THE WINDOW(S) OPEN SHARP PIECES OF DASH PLASTIC FLY UP HITTING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN THE FACE. ADDITIONALLY THE ELECTRONICS FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOW EXPOSED TO SUN AND POSSIBLE MOISTURE. *TR

Structure
Filed Jan 5, 2015VA

THE DASH IS CRACKED WITH SHARP PLASTIC PIECES ALL OVER. *TR

Structure
Filed Dec 29, 2014MO

DASH PANEL BREAKING CAUSING DANGEROUS SHARP PIECES. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 16, 2014120,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT SAFETY BELTS FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 30, 2014200,153 milesNC

THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RETRACT. THE SEATBELT IS BUILT WITHIN THE SEAT AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT ALL. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 610, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20141000Routine
20126987100Above average
2011689470Above average
2010488430Above average
2009670220Above average
2008554860Do not drive
2007517780Do not drive
20067921281Do not drive
20051,1737165Do not drive
20041,0998291Do not drive
20031,1715126Do not drive
20028156141Fatalities reported
20011,1123351Fatalities reported
2000513380Above average
1999 — this page6101191Fatalities reported
19985201168Fatalities reported
19973611141Fatalities reported
19962981174Fatalities reported
19952131140Above average
1994116170Routine
19936010Routine
19920100Routine
19917000Routine

Compare every Ram 1500 year →

1999 Dodge Ram 1500: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 a good car?

It is not among the Ram 1500 years to avoid. Owners filed 610 complaints, against about 610 for a typical Ram 1500 year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (37%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500?

The body and frame: 226 of the 610 complaints (37%) are about it. The typical report comes at 86,416 miles.

How many recalls does the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 have?

1 safety recall on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 15, 2006. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 85,000 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 86,416 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500?

The manufacturer filed 17 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (4), the body and frame (4) and the engine (3). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 15, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.