2000 Dodge Ram 2500

Above average

Owners filed 211 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
80,000 milesMedian miles at failure

121 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure43
000
Steering16
101
Unknown or Other11
000
Structure › Body10
000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System9
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
100
Suspension › Front7
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission7
000
Fuel System, Diesel7
000
Suspension6
000

2 safety recalls

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.

Air Bags01V153000
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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires1 injured
Filed Aug 14, 2024305,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 equipped with Mastercraft Tires, Tire Line: Courser AXT, Tire Size:245/75/R16, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the abnormal shaking worsened, and the contact pulled over and discovered a bulge in the rear driver’s side tire. The contact replaced the tire with the spare and resumed normal driving. Upon returning to the residence, while inspecting the front passenger’s side tire, the contact cut his index and middle finger on the left hand due to the steel belt protruding from the tire. Upon further inspection, the contact discovered the same failure with the rear driver’s side tire that was replaced. The contact had not sought medical attention for the injuries. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer for assistance but was unable to reach a representative. The tires were not replaced. The tire failure mileage was approximately 3,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 305,000. The VIN was not available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 19, 2023NC

The dash has completely desegregated exposing all the wires, air conditioning unit, and airbag parts. This is a huge hazard because my headlight switch hangs with nothing to attach to. My airbags are completely visible and could explode at anytime. Everything that was in the dash heated seat, headlight, air system, radio, speedometer, and airbag controls are completely visible and all attachments are completely desegregated I do not know if this also caused the loose steering in my vehicle but I assume it did the steering wheel will turn about a quarter turn before it ever engages the wheels and when driving you must constantly move the wheel back and forth to keep the car in the road I feel as though this is a major issue that has not been recalled in the dodge rams all models of my year truck that has been reported several times and should be fixed there are plenty of these trucks on the road still and all have the same issues I cannot afford another vehicle and would like for mine to be recalled and fixed so I can drive it safely without worrying about the airbags deploying or the steering being so lose it causes me to have a accident. When the plastic degenerates it also leaves extremely sharp edges that will cut you extremely deep I have been cut several times getting things from the dash pad I have lid across it covering the gapping hole. thank you for your time and consideration . Side note I tried to upload pictures of the dash or what's left of it but it would not le

Service Brakes
Filed May 19, 2022OK

In Muskogee County.By the grace of God, I finally gain control of my vehicle, after applying the brakes that failed on me, to avoid an accident, I pulled over to inspect my vehicle. I did a walk around inspection and noticed left rear side a puddle of oil on the ground, a oil leaks right next to the fuel tank inside the frame. After getting into my vehicle I noticed, my ABS light come on. So, I had it tow home. Prior to this I did not have an inspection to see it was safe to drive and I did not report this to the police.

Steering
Filed Jun 22, 2021FL

They Did Not INCLUDE THE 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 Yet I have had the same experience several times.When travelling at highway speeds and hitting a bump or pot-hole in the road, the front end begins to shake violently and does not stop until the driver jams on the brakes and brings the truck back down to below highway speeds. Some people contribute this phenomenon to the worst possible downside of having a coil-sprung front suspension on a truck with a track bar. Unlike a typical suspension set up, Dodge Ram trucks will continue to shake long after hitting the bump to the point that controlling the vehicle is nearly impossible until the driver slows down. The current lawsuit alleges that Chrysler learned about the death wobble defect with Dodge Ram trucks in the mid-2000s but waited four years before conducting a series of recalls from 2009 through 2013. Chrysler classified the recalls as Safety Recalls, H36, H46, K28, L16, N62, N49, and N63. The recalls addressed various parts of 2009-2012 Dodge Ram trucks’ steering linkage system, including its tie rod assemblies. The complaint alleges that the recalls excluded many affected vehicles and that Chrysler provided replacement parts that were also defective, forcing Chrysler to make additional recalls to remedy prior recalls. Consumers have reported that Chrysler does not have enough replacement parts to repair all the vehicles for which it has submitted recall notices and that drivers have been put on long waiting lists for repairs.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 9, 2018173,190 milesOR

DASH CRACKED AND SHATTERED TO PIECES, WITH NO REASON APPARENT REASON AND/OR WITHOUT OPERATOR'S CONTROL. PART OF IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING.

Steering
Filed May 29, 2017116,000 milesIL

VAN FRAME IS RUSTING OUT, STEERING BOX THAT IS MOUNTED TO FRAME IS LIKELY TO FALL OFF SOON. TIE ROD TO FRAME CONNECTION ALSO IS RUSTING OUT. TO MY KNOWLEDGE AND AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, THERE IS NO REASONABLE FIX.

Structure
Filed Aug 23, 201690,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED. THE DASHBOARD WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED TWICE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AFRAID THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 19, 201696,000 milesWV

THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, RADIO, AND HEAT/AC CONTROLS IS BREAKING INTO PIECES. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL BE A SAFETY ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE SHARP AND JAGGED EDGES AND LOOSE MATERIAL ALL THROUGHOUT THE DASH AREA. CURRENTLY I HAVE ZIP TIES HOLDING MY HEAT/AC CONTROLS IN PLACE AND 2 REMAINING FACTORY SCREWS HOLDING MY RADIO IN PLACE. THE TOP PORTION OF THE DASH ALSO HAS FAILED AND FALLEN APART OVER THE YEARS AND DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS, I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED IT. I HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN FINDING A SUITABLE REPLACEMENT LOWER DASH ASSEMBLY TO REPLACE MINE WITH.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 15, 2016178,000 milesOR

THE METAL SURROUNDING THE DOOR LATCH HAS RIPPED IN HALF LEAVING A GAPING SEAM AND THE DOOR LATCH WILL NOT KEEP THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SAFELY CLOSED. THEREFOR, BECAUSE THIS IS A DAILY DRIVER FOR ME, I HAVE TO USE A 1,000 LB CARGO STRAP TO KEEP THE DOOR SHUT UNTIL I CAN FIND A WAY TO GET IT FIXED.

Suspension
Filed Nov 23, 2015119,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. DURING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRACKET THAT HELD THE CONTROL ARM TO THE FRONT AXLE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 29, 2015130,000 milesCA

DASH BOARD HAS DESINTEGRATED DUE TO FAULTY MATERIALS. DASH HAS BEEN COVERED SINCE ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER DATE OF PURCHASE WHICH WAS DEC 31ST 1999. TRUCK WAS ORDERED STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY AN I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THE VEHICLE SINCE DAY 1. SET PAPERS ON DASH AND WHEN I PICKED THEM UP REALISED A SOFT SPOT IN THE DASH MAT. LIFTED MAT TO FIND LARGE HOLE IN DASH.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 22, 2015CA

COMPLETELY CRACKED DASH BOARD TOP IN TWO PLACES

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 6, 201587,000 milesNC

PLASTIC DASHBOARD HAS MULTIPLE FRACTURES AND CRACKS THROUGH NO FAULT OF MINE. MANY OF THE EDGES ARE VERY SHARP AND COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND ONE OF THE OCCUPANTS WAS THROWN INTO , OR CONTACTED THE DASH WITH ANY PART OF THEIR BODY. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT THE DASHBOARD IS FALLING APART ON THIS PICKUP ALL BY ITSELF. I SUSPECT AT SOME POINT I WON'T BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANYMORE BECAUSE THE GAUGES WILL BE LAYING ON THE FLOOR.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2015VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 19, 201568,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Structure
Filed Feb 17, 2015160,000 milesWA

THE DASH JUST STARTED TO CRACK AND FALL APART INTO SMALL AND LARGE VERY SHARP PIECES. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN AN ACCIDENT? THESE SHARP PLASTIC PARTS COULD FLY RIGHT INTO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS FACES. *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 19, 201468,000 milesVA

ALERT: DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM --- ON JULY 11, 2014, WHILE DRIVING ON U.S. ROUTE 77 IN NORTH CAROLINA I PASSED AN 18 WHEELER AT 70 MPH AND PULLED BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK WHEN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER, THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. THE TRUCK I HAD JUST PASSED NEARLY JACKKNIFED AS THE TRUCKER APPLIED HIS BRAKES IN A PANIC MANEUVER TO AVOID ROLLING OVER ME FROM BEHIND. LUCKILY, HE MAINTAINED CONTROL, GOT AROUND ME, AND CONTINUED ON HIS WAY. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD CRANK, IT WOULD NOT START. I WAS FORCED TO WAIT AND THEN, AFTER A TIME, TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN. IT DID. I SLOWLY DROVE TO THE NEXT EXIT BUT NOT WITHOUT INCIDENT. AFTER GOING ONLY A FEW HUNDRED YARDS THE TRUCK BUCKED, HESITATED AND STOPPED AGAIN. AGAIN, I WAITED. THIS SCENARIO REPEATED ITSELF UNTIL I GOT TO SAFETY. COINCIDENT WITH THE ENGINE STOPPING THE POWER STEERING FAILED, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, IT APPEARED THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE AND ALL THE GAUGES IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STOPPED WORKING. EVENTUALLY, MY TRUCK WAS TOWED TO LAKE NORMAN DODGE. THERE, THE VERY HELPFUL ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER, TERRY, EVALUATED THE PROBLEM SAYING EITHER THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE OR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS THE PROBLEM BUT HIS EXPERIENCE LED HIM TO TRY REPLACING THE COMPUTER FIRST. REPLACING THE PCM FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER RESUMED WORKING. AT LEAST TEMPORARILY. ON SEPTEMBER 16 2014, ON A L

Steering
Filed Aug 15, 201462,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Structure
Filed Apr 1, 2014CA

THE FRONT DASH BOARD CRUMBLED BEHIND THE FRONT PANEL ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC WHILE PUT ON A FACING DASH COVER TO PATCH A CRACK IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.. THE DASH THAT IS PROTECTED WITH COVER IS GROSSLY CRACKED. I ALSO DRIVE 52 YEAR OLD VW BUG THAT HAS STARTED TO HAVE SOME PLASTIC FAILURE AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT NOT A SINGLE CRACK IN THE DASH AFTER 52 YEARS IN THE CALIFORNIA SUN. THE DODGE ON THE OTHER HAND FAILED AFTER JUST 9 YEARS, AND FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. THE CRACKING MOST LIKELY HAPPENED SOONER AS I HAD A DASH COVER ON IT AND DIDN'T THINK TO CHECK UNTIL THE COVER NEED TO BE SECURED WITH VELCRO AGAIN. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Feb 12, 2014CA

DASHBOARD CRACKED AND HAS SUNK IN. FUMES ARE NOW COMING THROUGH THE DASHBOARD. I WONDER IF THE AIRBAG WILL WORK NOW. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A INDIVIDUAL INCIDENT BUT NOW I AM FINDING OUT THAT MANY CUSTOMERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I NEED TO GET A DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT BUT THAT IS GOING TO COST OVER $300 JUST FOR THE PART AND $300 TO INSTALL. DODGE IS NOT ISSUING A RECALL BUT SHOULD SINCE THIS CAN GO INTO A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

20 of 211 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20122835120Above average
2011297460Above average
2010236440Above average
2009214530Do not drive
2008317980Do not drive
20073611192Do not drive
2006669940Do not drive
2005422981Do not drive
2004582974Fatalities reported
2003661922Do not drive
2002155211Fatalities reported
20014692110Above average
2000 — this page211250Above average
1999313220Above average
1998225230Above average
19972131140Above average
19962911150Above average
19952671130Above average
1994168160Routine
199339000Routine
199232020Routine
199116000Routine

Compare every Ram 2500 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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.