“Where the sway bar is bolted to the chassis has completely deteriorated causing sway bar to completely detach from both sides of the frame. This has caused it very difficult to steer and nearly impossible the more MPH the vehicle goes. I own another vehicle nearly exactly the same but a 1998 dodge ram 1500 vin number [XXX]. It to has the same exact problem.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 5, 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the dash board was disintegrating. Pieces of the dashboard were penetrating through the heater vacuum system, which caused the heater not to work. The manufacturer was contacted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 163,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 26, 2019 at 163,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2001 Ram 1500 peaked in 2007, with 166 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 46% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.
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.
Filed Dec 10, 2003214 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Remedy. DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
Filed May 8, 2001216,100 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2001 Ram 1500.
Opened Jul 25, 2008Closed Dec 17, 2008door locks and latches
The agency opened this investigation based on 30 complaints alleging that the hoods on model year (my) 2000 and 2001 dodge ram pickup trucks flew up and blocked the driver's vision.these vehicles have a primary hood latch and a secondary (backup) hood latch.the secondary latch is designed to secure the hood if the primary hood latch is not properly closed or otherwise malfunctions.in these complaints, the secondary hood latch malfunctioned, apparently due to corrosion, and did not latch.dodge conducted recall 01v-040 in 1999 to address similar problems on model year 1994-1997 dodge ram pickup …
REAR SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE DISENGAGEMENTPreliminary evaluation PE00025Closed
Opened Jul 6, 2000Closed Dec 27, 2000seat belts
Allege that both rear inboard safety belt anchorages were found to lack proper attachments.
Technical service bulletins
24 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2001 Ram 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 7body and frame 5engine 4electrical system 3steering 2airbags 1transmission 1brakes 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.
3100619Service 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.
9002828Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 3, 2014body and frame
Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA. Note: Insulator color is not relevant for service
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 13, 2026259,021 milesFL
The contact owned a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while exiting a parking lot and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal floored, causing the contact to roll to a stop on the side of the road. The ABS and Brake Warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive at 2 MPH to their home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the brake line had blown and replaced it where it had failed. Approximately 6 months later, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated again. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed no leaks. When restarting the vehicle, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. While driving at an unknown speed, the ABS and brake lights illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to Meineke Car Care Center to a certified mechanic. The following morning, the lights were not illuminated. The vehicle was returned to Meineke Car Care Center, who stated that it may have been a computer glitch causing the lights to illuminate, then turn off when the vehicle was restarted. The contact had the brakes replaced as routine maintenance; however, after doing so, while driving in the rain at approximately 25 mph and attempting to apply the brakes, the brakes failed, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain injuries or require medical attention. The contact assumed the other driver had injuries, but could not confirm. A police report was filed. The contac
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 21, 2025VA
While driving and operating the heater, unbeknowst to me leaves/pine needles had come in through the fresh air cowl vent and built up on the heater blower resistor resulting in a fire. This design in dangerous as the default for the air intake is open and allows debris to enter and drop directly into the fan and blower motor resistor. I've searched online and seen multiple reports of this issue. I have a video I can provide if contacted.
Air BagsFire
Filed Mar 28, 2024GA
Passenger side airbag exploded while sitting in my yard.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 14, 2023TX
The headlights no matter what bulbs I buy are extremely dim making it unsafe to drive at night. Now truck will not start for some unknown reason. It tries to turn over but will not crank. The mileage flashes NO BUS. I was literally only getting at best 8 miles per gallon.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 8, 2023IL
2001 Dodge Ram Dashboard is an extreme safety hazard due to the cracking. I have owned this vehicle for 12 years and it's been garaged kept for 8 years. The dash started with a crack and then a hole was created when hitting a bump. Then I had a mechanic work on the heater, and the dash basically disintegrated when moving it. The holes on this dashboard are absurd. A review of safety information identified others who reported this problem to NHTSA and many more complaints on online message boards. This dashboard creates a safety issue for all personnel in the vehicle in case of an accident since projectiles (pieces of the dash that crumble) will fly. Also, there are other components under the dash that could create additional problems (ie-heater core spraying hot antifreeze after an accident). This is completely absurd. Keep in mind, my vehicle has less than 80K miles and the dash is getting worse.
Unknown or OtherFire1 injured
Filed Dec 7, 2022NC
Unknown, Is all I know that I was checking the code on my truck and left truck on all night went out to start truck and battery was dead I got a jump from a friend and it started fine. I let it run for @20-30 minutes then I and my wife went to Realo drug store about 3/4 of a mile from home to get her meds. We pulled up and waiting and got the meds payed for and my wife said there is smoke coming from under the hood. The truck stopped running and I tried to start it back and it did not start. Started smoking more and more I told my wife to get out of the truck and she did the pharmacist came out and help push the truck away from the store. Started flaming up and I drove it to a safe place and finally got out of the truck wife was ok but I had smoke halation and had to go on rescue squad to ER they said along with smoke halation I had a burnt nose ,forehead and burnt throat. Please check about this. Thank you
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 5, 2022VA
Where the sway bar is bolted to the chassis has completely deteriorated causing sway bar to completely detach from both sides of the frame. This has caused it very difficult to steer and nearly impossible the more MPH the vehicle goes. I own another vehicle nearly exactly the same but a 1998 dodge ram 1500 vin number [XXX]. It to has the same exact problem. I believe that the quality of steel used in manufacturing the frame of these vehicles was not up to standards. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 12, 2022GA
Shavent had funds to take to a shop but was told that the wrong fuel lines are on the truck
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Oct 18, 2021220,000 milesNV
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact was making a turn and heard a loud grinding noise coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and took the vehicle out of gear and heard the grinding sound again. The contact was able to continue to drive to the residence. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the pinion nut was loosened and grinding into the rear axle. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Sep 25, 2021CA
The dash has been cracking for years. It has now disintegrated into very small pieces. It has clogged up the air ducts. The small pieces have blown in my eyes, creating a driving safety hazard. Ample history and reporting of this matter has been filed. It is an extreme safety hazard. The responsibility is clearly a manufacturing defect.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 20, 2021CA
2001 Dodge RAM has a severely deteriorated dashboard. It has been this way since 2004. I am concerned that pieces of the cracked and damaged dashboard could become dangerous projectiles in the event of a crash with airbag deployment. The damaged pieces on the truck’s dashboard are very sharp, so they could cause serious injury if they broke loose and became a projectile in a crash. It is simply amazing that a recall has not been issued up to this date. We've waited so long for this to be resolved. A dangerous manufacturing flaw!
Power Train
Filed Jul 5, 2021KY
There have been three times now in the last two years, six-eight months of which I never drove the vehicle due to being repaired. I was driving at about 60-70mph. At which time there were no odd or sudden noises, no warning at all when the trucks acceleration goes way up till I let of the gas pedal, go to pull over while two of the three times, my drive shaft is bouncing between the road and underneath the truck which could have bounced up into another vehicle's windshield, radiator or whatever and could have actually hurt or even killed someone. Thank God nothing like that ever happened. After inspecting the problem, in which all three cases, the transfer case has broken off part of the tailshaft of the transmission and once, even broke part of the transfer case to. After trying to look up the problem on line, the exact same problem seems to have happened to several people from several different states and even one same instance from the same small town that I'm in. All the same instances that I've seen have been from the same type of vehicle from the years of 1995-2001. It just seems like a wide spread problem to me
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 12, 2021NC
THE DASH IN MY 2001 DODGE RAM HAS CRACKED AND PIECES AND SOME BREAK OFF AND FLY AROUND THE CAB OF MY TRUCK WHILE IN MOTION.. I HAVE 13 GRAND CHILDREN AND SOME PIECES FLY IN THE BACK SEAT. CAN ANYONE DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS AT ALL BEFORE ANYONE GETS HURT? ITS NOT MY FAULT THAT DODGE BOUGHT CHEAP EFFECTIVE DASH BOARDS, PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS IT WOULD HELP A LOT TO GET A REPLACMENT. THANK YOU
Engine
Filed Apr 7, 2021198,000 milesGA
SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY OR BUSY ROAD AND THE ENGINE GETS TO NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, THE ENGINE STALLS AND SHUTS OFF. THEN I HAVE TO MANEUVER IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND LET IT COOL OFF APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES AND THEN IT CRANKS BACK UP AND I CAN DRIVE 5 MINUTES AND IT DOES THE SAME THING AGAIN, VERY DANGEROUS.
Engine
Filed Apr 7, 2021198,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 198,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 21, 2020144,000 milesTX
I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE AND AS IT STARTED CRANKING SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE DEFROSTER AND THEN FIRE STARTED COMING OUT THE ENGINE HOOD. LUCKILY I HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY AND OPENED THE HOOD AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. WONDERED WHERE THE FIRE STARTED SO TRIED STARTING AGAIN AND FIRE STARTED IMMEDIATELY AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE OR ON TOP OF THE BELL HOUSING. I ALSO SMELLED FUEL. THE TRUCK WAS NEXT TO MY GARAGE AND HAD BEEN DRIVEN A FEW DAYS EARLIER. IF I HAD NOT PUT OUT THE FIRE MY WHOLE HOUSE COULD HAVE BURNED DOWN. I DONATED THE TRUCK TO WHEELS 4 VETS.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 19, 2020NC
MY 2001 DODGE RAN HAS A BROKEN AND CRACKED DASH BOARD PARTS OF THE DASH WILL FLY OFF AND HIT THINGS,PEOPLE ECT AND I THINK IT WILL HURT THE PEOPLE I LOVE LIKE MY GRANDKIDS,WIFE ECT. I THINK IT SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE SOMEONE (DRIVER) MIGHT GET HIT IN THE FACE AND LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SOMEONE GETS HURT OR EVEN KILLED FROM THIS CRACKED DASHBOARD THAT IS NOT THE OWNERS FAULT. THANK YOU AND PLEASE CAN YOU RECALL THIS DASHBOARD?
Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 2019400,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS VERY LOOSE AND MOVED A LOT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. ALSO, THE GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAYED DIFFERENT GEARS EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 26, 2019163,000 milesNM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASH BOARD WAS DISINTEGRATING. PIECES OF THE DASHBOARD WERE PENETRATING THROUGH THE HEATER VACUUM SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE HEATER NOT TO WORK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 2, 2019MO
DASH PANEL HAS CRACKED BADLY TO THE POINT PIECES HAVE FALLEN OUT EXPOSING WIRES, CONNECTORS, DUCTS AND OTHER UNDER-DASH COMPONENTS. I AM CONCERNED THIS MAY AFFECT INFLATION OF AIR BAGS AND POTENTIAL FOR PIECES OF CRACKED DASH TO CAUSE SEVERE INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. DASH PANEL CRACKING ON THESE MODELS IS WELL KNOWN TO CHRYSLER, AND HAS DRAWN NATIONAL MEDIA ATTENTION (EG NEW YORK TIMES, 2013). CHRYSLER HAS APPARENTLY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ITS LIABILITY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 2019175,000 milesMO
DASHBOARD FALLING APART; SHARP/JAGGED PIECES OF DASH CUTTING INTO ELECTRICAL WIRING CAUSING SHORTS, FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ON BOARD TRUCK; WHILE DRIVING ON STREET, HIGHWAYS IN MOTION STRAIGHT-LINE AND TURNING.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 14, 201935,000 milesAZ
I'M WORRIED THAT THE AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE IS DEFECTIVE AS THE STRANGEST NOISE IS COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASH LIKE A RUBBER BAND IS TIGHTENING AND THEN CLICKING ON AND OFF. DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. I'VE ALSO HAD MY TRUCK IN FOR THE STEERING BEFORE AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN RIGHT. NOW THE HOOD WILL NOT SHUT RIGHT. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN A LEMON. I FIGHT TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 36,000 MILES ON IT. I'M WONDERING WHAT RECALLS I'VE MISSED SO I'M CHECKING. THANK YOU.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 26, 201860,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO KEEP ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (VICTORY DODGE, 64 GREENSBURG ST, DELMONT, PA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 15, 201890,000 milesCA
DISINTEGRATION OF DASHBOARD PLASTICS. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR DODGE TRUCKS IN THIS TIMEFRAME. IF THIS VEHICLE WERE TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT SUFFICIENT TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS, SHARP PLASTIC SHARDS WOULD BE PROPELLED EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING THE FACE AND EYES.
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 14, 2018143,394 milesFL
THE HOOD LATCH BEHIND THE GRILL BROKE OR FAILED. MY HOOD FLEW UP AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND SHATTERED MY WINDSHIELD. THE HOOD AND HINGES ARE BENT. IT FELT LIKE I HIT A BRICK WALL. I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING. I GRADUALLY GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT PULL THE HOOD DOWN. A GENTLEMAN STOPPED TO HELP ME AND WE GOT THE HOOD DOWN BUT IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE HOOD HAD TO BE SECURED WITH A BUNGEE CORD. MY TRUCK WAS TOWED AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP. THEY WILL BE REPLACING THE HOOD, WINDSHIELD AND HOOD LATCH. THIS WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION I WAS PUT IN FROM A FAULTY HOOD LATCH.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 31, 201860,000 milesTX
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW. I HAVE MAINTAINED IT REGULARLY. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I NOTICED A LARGE CRACK IN THE DASH. SINCE THAT TIME THE CRACKS HAVE EXPANDED UNTIL PIECES ARE FALLING OUT OF THE DASH. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! I HAVE EVEN A MINOR ACCIDENT THE SHARP PIECES OF THIS BROKEN DASH COULD INJURE ME OR MY PASSENGER. I LOOKED INTO HAVING THE DASH REPLACED AND WAS GIVEN A PRICE OF MORE THAN $2000. THIS IS TOO MUCH FOR ME TO BE EXPECTED TO PAY TO REPAIR A DEFECT THAT IS TOTALLY DODGE'S FAULT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS.
Structure
Filed Aug 16, 2018MI
CSPC: THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 PICK UP TRUCK HAS BECOME EXTREMELY BRITTLE. IT CRACKS WITHOUT WARNING AND SENDS SHARDS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *DT *JS
Air Bags
Filed Jul 15, 2018TX
TAKATA INFLATOR. MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ON ALL THE TIME WHEN THE TRUCK IS RUNNING. AS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS CONCERN? I DON'T IF IT WILL WORK OR NOT IF I WHERE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION RECALLS.
Steering
Filed Jun 6, 201896,000 milesPA
THE FABRICATED ATTACHMENT POINTS THAT HOLD THE CONTROL ARMS, TRACK BAR, DAMPER AND SPRINGS TO THE FRONT AXLE RUST TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE. I HAVE REPLACED MY FRONT AXLE ONCE, AND WILL HAVE TO DO SO AGAIN SHORTLY. FORTUNATELY THIS PROBLEM WAS DETECTED BEFORE THE AXLE FELL OUT OF THE TRUCK, AND THAT IS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED! THE MANUFACTURER SIMPLY DID NOT PROTECT THESE CRITICAL PARTS FROM CORROSION.
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jun 4, 2018125,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR TRACKER 2 SERIES TIRES, SIZE: P265/70R17 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE TREAD ON ALL FOUR TIRES SEPARATED. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SENT AN EMAIL TO WALMART'S STORE MANAGER VIA THE CORPORATE WEBSITE, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT ALSO SENT AN EMAIL TO THE MANUFACTURER AND DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TT CONSUMER ONLY HAD ABOUT 2,000 MILES ON THOSE TIRES BEFORE REPLACING UPDATED 9/21/18*JB
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 1, 201865,000 milesNC
SEVERELY CRACKED AND BROKEN DASH BOARD. SMALL PIECES FLY OUT WHEN FAN IS ON.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 27, 20189 milesNC
MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 DASHBOARD IS A WRECK ITS BROKEN IN LITTLE PIECES AND WILL FLY TO THE FRONT SEAT AND THE BACK SEAT AND SOMETIMES HITS WIFE AND THE GRANDKIDS IN THE BACK SEAT. THIS REALLY NEEDS A RECALL BECAUSE SOME COULD FLY OFF AND GET IN EYES AND MIGHT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I HOPE AND PRAY THAT THE DASHBOARD PIECES DONT HURT WIFE OR GRANDKIDS OR ME.PLEASE RECALL THE DASHBOARDS SO NO MORE WILL GET HURT OR EVEN KILLED. TKS
Unknown or Other
Filed May 24, 2018TX
I KNOW THAT THIS IS AN OLDER VEHICLE AND THE DASH HAS BEEN COMING APART FOR YEARS. EVERY TIME I CLOSE THE DOORS OR HIT A BUMP, PIECES OF PLASTIC FALL OUT. NOW THE WHOLE DASH IS LOOSE AND RATTLES. I LOOKED AT IT AND CAN SEE WHERE THE PLASTIC AROUND ALL THE DASH MOUNTS IS COMING APART AND MAKING IT EXPONENTIALLY WORSE. LIKE I SAID, I KNOW ITS AN OLDER VEHICLE BUT IT HAS BEEN COMING APART FOR YEARS. LOOKING ONLINE I SEE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL AS WELL. MY FEAR AT THIS POINT IS THAT IN AN ACCIDENT, THE ENTIRE DASH ASSEMBLY MAY SHIFT OR BREAK FREE CAUSING TO AIRBAGS TO NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY OR IN THE WRONG LOCATION OR EVEN PROJECT BIT OF THE PLASTIC DASH INTO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER WHEN THEY DEPLOY.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 3, 2018VA
SEVERAL YEARS AFTER I BOUGHT MY DODGE 1500 RAM TRUCK ABOUT 2008 THE DASH STARTED FALLING APART AND THE BLEND DOOR STOPED WORKING EVERY DODGE DEALER I TOOK IT TO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire1 injured
Filed Apr 17, 2018123,000 milesVA
SATURDAY 14 APRIL 2018 BACKED UP DRIVEWAY TRUCKLENGTH AND GOT OUT TO DELIVER BOOKCASE FOR FRIEND. UNHOOKED ROPE HOLDING HAND TRUCK AND PLACED ON GROUND. SMELLED SMOKE LOOKED AROUND NEIGHBORHOOD TO MY LEFT SAW NOTHING, LOOKED THE OTHER WAY AND SAW SMOKE COMING UP BEHIND CAB IN CAB TO BED GAP. HAD 1.5L PEPSI AND SPRAYED ON GAP. NO EFFECT. THREW QUILT OVER GAP TO CHOKE AND POURED 3 ADDITIONAL 1.5 L PEPSI ON QUILT SOAKING IT. CALLED 911 AND GAVE INFO. THEN UNLOADED BOOKCASE 5 SECONDS AND MOVED IT AWAY. THEN PROCEEDED TO ATTEMPT SALVAGE OF POSSESSIONS. WINCHESTER CITY FD APPEARED AND PROCEEDED TO ATTACK FIRE, 4/5 EMGINES HYDRANT AND FOAM AND 40 MINUTED FIRE CONTAINED. CAB CONTENTS SAVED AND REMOVED MONDAY 16 APRIL 5PM. EMAIL TO YOUR AGENCY MONDAY NIGHT
Electrical System
Filed Apr 10, 2018130,000 milesWI
I HAVE A DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK. MY ENTIRE DASH IS COMING APART. A PIECE FLEW OFF AND HIT ME IN THE FACE WHILE DRIVING I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND MY WIFE HIT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING IT. MY LIGHTS ON MY CEILING WENT OUT DON'T WORK
Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Mar 29, 201850,000 milesFL
DASH, FROMT COVER COVERING INSTUMENT PANEL. SEVERLY CRACKED SO BRITTLE,THAT EVEN JUST A SINGLE TOUCH MAKES IT CRACK AND FALL APART. MY YOUNGEST SON HAS GOTTEN CUT BY THE SHARP EDGES OF THE CRACKS BEFORE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. I HAVEN'T BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT I WOULD BE CONCERNED THAT THOSE SHARP SHARDS OF HARD PLASTIC COULD FLY AN INJURY MY XHILDREN AND MYSELF.
Air Bags2 injured
Filed Mar 13, 2018122,220 milesOK
DASH COMPONENTS CRACKED UNDER NORMAL USE CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS, IF NOT DEADLY, SITUATION WHERE IN THE EVENT OF AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT CREATING PROJECTILES FROM SUCH DEPLOYMENT THAT CAUSE EGREGIOUS BODILY HARM TO THE OCCUPANTS. DODGE KNOWINGLY IS ALLOWING SUCH CONDITIONS TO EXIST.
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 19, 2018NC
DASHBOARD ON MY 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 IS CRACKING ON LIKE AN EGG. IT IS CRACKING ON TOP AND THE FRONT WHERE THE STEREO IS LOCATED. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE RAM FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS AND WHERE CAN I TAKE IT TO GET THE ISSUE RESOLVED.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 15, 201810,000 milesSC
THE DASH IS CRACKED BAD AND COULD CAUSE A PERSON TO GET CUT FROM THIS.REALLY CRACKED BADLY FROM THE SUN.POORLY MADE FROM PLASTIC.IF YOU WANT PHOTOS,LET ME KNOW,AND I WILL SEND YOU SOME.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 27, 2017202,000 milesTX
I BELIEVE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE INTO THOUSAND TWO AND IN APPROXIMATELY 2006, THEY DASHBOARD STARTED SEVERELY CRACKING AND FALLING APART IN PIECES. I PURCHASED A DASHBOARD COVER TO TRY TO HOLD THE DASHBOARD IN PLACE AND PREVENT CHUNKS OF THE DASHBOARD FROM FLYING LOOSE AND HITTING EITHER MYSELF OR A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. ON DECEMBER 23, 2017, I WAS DRIVING AND A CHUNK OF THE DASHBOARD FLEW OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER VENT AND HIT ME IN THE EYE. LUCKILY I WAS NOT HURT BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS WILL NOT BE THE CASE NEXT TIME. I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO DRIVE AND I GOT AN ESTIMATE FOR $1500 TO REPLACE IT AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO DO THIS, NEITHER SHOULD I HAVE TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE I'VE DONE RESEARCH AND IT WAS A MAJOR FAULTY DEFECT ON THE MANUFACTURES PART. PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE SO THAT I'M NOT INJURED OR A PASSENGER RIDING WITH ME IS NOT INJURED. MY NUMBER IS [XXX] AND MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS [XXX] SINCE I HAVE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE I DON?T HAVE ANOTHER ONE AND CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD, IF ANYONE IS INJURED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, I WILL HOLD THE MANUFACTURE RESPONSIBLE. I'M UNABLE TO TAKE ANY PICTURES OF THE DASHBOARD BECAUSE IF I REMOVE THE DASHBOARD COVER, CHUNKS OF THE PLASTIC SHARP DASHBOARD WILL FALL INTO THE INSIDE OF THE PANEL AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE VEHICLE EVEN MORE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 1, 2017139,136 milesPA
WHILE DRIVING A HUGE CRACKING NOISE CREATED A VERY LARGE HOLE IN THE FRONT DASH JUST UNDER THE WINDSHIELD. PIECES OF THIS FLEW OUT INTO THE CAB CREATING A DRIVING HAZARD. PIECES CONTINUE TO BREAK OFF AS I NOW HAVE A HUGE HOLE THAT I HAVE NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA HOW TO REPAIR. THE DASH MATERIAL MUST BE DEFECTIVE AS I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OTHER CARS/TRUCKS WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 1, 2017OK
PLASTIC DASH I'D FALLING APART STUFF FALLING OFF SHARP OBJECTS NOT SO SURE DASH ISN'T GOING TO FALL DOWN AROUND MY FEET AND KEEP ME FROM BRAKING AS NEEDED
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 27, 2017100,000 milesNC
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2001. SINCE THEN, THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. ONCE BY DODGE AND 2 TIMES BY ME. THIS DASHBOARD CONTINUES TO CRACK AND SPLIT. NOW THE BEZEL HAS CRACKED INTO SEVERAL PIECES. NOW, WITHIN THE LAST WEEK, THE GLOVEBOX, MADE OF THE SAME PLASTIC MATERIAL HAS SPLIT AND BROKEN AT THE HINGES. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM THAT IS ALL OVER NHTSA'S COMPLAINT BOARD UNDER SEVERAL LOCATIONS SUCH AS BODY, STRUCTURAL, AIRBAGS. THESE DASHBOARDS HAVE CRACKED SO BADLY, NO ONE KNOWS WHICH PORTION OF THE VEHICLE THAT IS AFFECTED BUT COULD SHOW UP IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS. ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE BLAMED THIS ON UV DEGRADATION, I HAVE OTHER VEHICLES FROM 1986 AND 87 THAT STILL HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE A1999 DODGE 1500 THAT THE DASH HAS ALSO CRACKED AND I HAVE REPLACED AS WELL. WHEN WILL NHTSA FINALLY ISSUE A RECALL FOR FREE REPLACEMENTS. RIGHT NOW, MOPAR AND AFTERMARKET PARTS CONTINUE TO SELL THE DASHBOARD THAT HAS MULTIPLE DEFECTS. IF THE DASH COMES APART DURING A CRASH, SHRAPNEL FROM THE DASH CAN BE BLOWN INTO A PERSONS FACE OR CHEST DURING AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. IT IS ALL OVER THE WEB ABOUT POOR DASHBOARDS ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. WHEN IS THE RECALL? IT IS ALL OVER NHTSA'S WEB SITE UNDER VARIOUS CATEGORY'S. WHEN IS THE RECALL GOING TO OCCUR? A LOT OF DODGE OWNERS ARE TIRED OF PULLING MONEY OUT THERE POCKETS TO FIX A REOCCURRING PROBLEM FOR A DEFECT THAT DODGE/CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF? THE VEHICLE'S CRACKING AND BREAKING OF THE DASH, BEZEL
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 17, 2017114,000 milesNJ
CRACKED DASHBOARD
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 3, 2017280,000 milesIL
BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED THROUGH AND TANK FELL FROM THE TRUCK CAUSING FILL HOSE TO DISCONNECT FROM ITS CONNECTOR AND LEAKED GAS ON PAVEMENT. I HAD JUST FILLED THE TRUCK AND DRIVEN IT APROXIMATELY 9 MILES WHEN I CAME TO A FULL STOP AT A BUSY 4 WAY INTERSECTION AND HEARD STRANGE NOISE, PULLED FORWARD A COUPLE OF INCHES AT MOST AND MORE NOISE. PUT TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND STEPPED OUT OF VEHICLE AND SAW FUEL TANK ON THE GROUND WITH A SMALL SPOT OF FUEL WHERE IT WAS LEAKING FOR THE FILL HOSE.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 7, 2017200,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 15, 201789,000 milesOH
THE DASH BOARD IS FALLING APART HUGE HOLES IF IN AND ACCIDENT AIR BAGS WOULD BLOW PIECES EVERYWHERE
EquipmentCrash2 injured
Filed May 15, 201718,000 milesCA
THE DEFECTIVE PLASTIC DASHBOARD ON THE 2001 DODGE RAM BROKE INTO FRAGMENTS AND STUCK THE DRIVERS RIGHT EYE CAUSING TEMPORARY BLINDNESS AND LOSS OF CONTROL TO VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME WELL KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOUSANDS OF DODGE RAM OWNERS THAT NHSTA STILL SAYS IS A "COSMETIC ISSUE" I ALMOST KILLED MY CHILD DO TO YOUR COLLUSION WITH CHRYSLER DEEMING THIS A "COSMETIC ISSUE"
Structure
Filed Apr 26, 2017110,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASH ASSEMBLY FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTROLS TO COLLAPSE INWARD INTO THE DASHBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG ON/OFF SWITCH WAS ATTACHED TO THE PANEL, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, AND OTHER CONTROLS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND PREVENT THE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING OR OPERATING CORRECTLY. THE DEALER WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2009 AND WAS INITIALLY INFORMED THAT IT WAS A COSMETIC ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED AGAIN OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS SIXTEEN YEARS OLD WITH 240,000 MILES, IT COULD NOT BE SERVICED BY THEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE HAD BEEN ONGOING SINCE 2005. IN 2005 THE FAILURE WAS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY DEFECT, BUT NOW THAT IT IS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO AGE. *JS
Complaints 1-50 of 1,112, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Ram 1500 years to avoid. Owners filed 1,112 complaints, against about 610 for a typical Ram 1500 year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (46%).
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500?
The body and frame: 516 of the 1,112 complaints (46%) are about it. The typical report comes at 75,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 have?
3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 15, 2006. The largest, 01V153000, covered 216,100 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 75,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, PE08047 ("2000-2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP HOOD LATCH"), was opened Jul 25, 2008 and closed Dec 17, 2008.
Are there service bulletins for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500?
The manufacturer filed 24 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (5), the engine (4) and the electrical system (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.