1999 Dodge Ram 3500

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 104 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Dodge Ram 3500 years to avoid. Which Dodge Ram 3500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
112,000 milesMedian miles at failure

51 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

16 of the 104 complaints (15%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure · body and frame9
000
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission9
000
Steering7
202
Unknown or Other6
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel · engine4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
200
Structure › Body · body and frame3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes3
000
Service Brakes · brakes3
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly08E027000
Filed Mar 28, 20085,700 vehiclesAffinia Group, Inc.

Defect. AFFINIA IS RECALLING 5,700 AFTERMARKET CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 28, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 17, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 1998 AND 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE DUST SEAL SUPPLIED WITH THE CHASSIS TIE RODS WERE MANUFACTURED TO THE WRONG SPECIFICATION. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE DUST SEAL MAY PREVENT THE BALL STUD OF THE CHASSIS TIE ROD FROM PROPERLY SEATING INTO THE TAPER OF THE VEHICLE STEERING KNUCKLE DURING AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION.

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION REMAINS UNDETECTED, THE BOLT CAN EVENTUALLY UNSEAT COMPLETELY, CAUSING THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. AFFINIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA AT 734-827-5400.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 29, 2019100,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO FRACTURE AND WAS CURRENTLY IN SEVERAL PIECES. THE CONTACT CALLED I-10 MAC HAIK DODGE CHRYSLER (LOCATED AT 12111 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77079, 713-538-2700) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Feb 8, 2019240,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM PLACING THE TIRE BACK IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT, AS IT COULD FALL WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Aug 20, 2018196,000 milesVT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE TURNED A CORNER AND CRASHED INTO A BAND OF TREES THAT WERE COVERING THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED GOSS DODGE CHRYSLER AT (802) 658-0120 (LOCATED AT 1485 SHELBURNE RD, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT 05403), BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Oct 2, 2017220,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO A SHOULDER LANE SO THAT THE CONTACT COULD CLOSE THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (FLEMINGTON CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (204 ROUTES 202-31N. FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822) CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 220,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 7, 2017FL

DASH IS NO GOOD BREAKING UP IF AIRBAG IS INFLATED THE PARTS OF DASH WOULD PUT OUT YOUR EYES COULD EVEN DO MORE ALL THE DODGE DASHES ARE BREAKING THEY NEED TO BE FIXED.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 13, 2016168,000 milesAZ

EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED FROM DODGE DEALER IN TUCSON ARIZONA WE HAVE HAD CONCERNS WITH SUSPENSION AND STEERING OF THE TRUCK. WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK STEERING IS BOUNCY AND UNSTABLE. WE THOUGHT IT WAS ALIGNMENT SO WE TOOK IT IN AND TRUCK CONTINUES THE SAME. WHEN PULLING OUT 34' 5TH WHEEL STEERING IS VERY SHAKY AND VIBRATES A LOT. AFTER YEARS OF BRINGING UP CONCERN WITH DODGE DEALER WE TOOK TO ANOTHER SHOP WHERE THEY GAVE US A HUGE LIST OF THINGS NEEDING TOO GET FIXED. WE WENT BACK TO DODGE DEALER WHERE THEY GAVE US A 2ND OPINION AND CAME UP WITH ADDITIONAL CONCERNS WITH TRUCK. WE HAVE CHANGED SHOCKS, STRUTS, BE ALL JOINTS AND OTHER THINGS WITH THE SUSPENSION AND TRUCK CONTINUES TO RUN THE SAME WAY. BUT RECENTLY WE GOT BRAKES, DRUMS, AND MASTER CYLINDER SINCE WE RAN OUT OF BRAKES WHILE PULLING OUT 34' 5TH WHEEL. ALL THIS THINGS WERE RECOMMENDED SO THAT THE TRUCK WOULD RUN WELL. WE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND ISSUE IS STILL UNRESOLVED. WE WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO HELP US SINCE ALL THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE AND STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. WE TRAVEL QUITE A BIT WITH OUR ANIMALS AND WOULD HATE TO HAVE A DEADLY ACCIDENT DUE TO TRUCK PROBLEMS. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST STEP TO REPAIRING OUR TRUCK TO SAFE CONDITIONS. STEERING SHAKY AND BRAKES FAILURE EVEN AFTER ALL RECOMMENDED REPAIRS. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 6, 2016147,000 milesNJ

I JUST GOT THE TRUCK AND HAVE HAD BRAKES ACT FUNNY FRONT BRAKES SOME TIMES LOCK UP PULLS TO THE RIGHT, ACTS LIKE YOUR ON ICE, AND SOME TIMES LIKE YOU STEP ON A BRICK SO I LOOK IT UP ON THE INTERNET TO SEE THEY HAVE HAD THIS GOING ON FROM 1997 TO TODAY ALL THE SAME THINGS NOT 100 BUT 10000S OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PLUS I HAVE READ OF 100S HAVING ACCIDENTS WHEN THIS HAPPENS I BELIEVE THIS IS A ABS ISSUE FOR A LONG TIME WITH ALL DODGE TRUCKS 1500,2500 3500, PICKUPS I HAVE LOOK AT THE BRAKE SYSTEM BUT DON'T SEE WHY THIS IS GOING ON I HAVE HAD THIS GO ON AT ALL SPEEDS 15 TO 65 IT COMES AND GO'S

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2016147,000 milesNJ

RUNS OUT OF FUEL AT 1/4 TANK,BREAKS ACT LIKE FRONT BREAKS OR ON ICE WHEN COMING TO STOP DRY ROAD , CRUSE CONTROL DONT WORK WITH VACUUM LEAK

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Dec 16, 2015288,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE PARK LAMPS, FOG LIGHTS, EXTERIOR ROOF LIGHTS AND THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH, HE NOTICED THAT THE SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V024000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 288,000.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 28, 2015149,312 milesCO

07/21/2015 VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY VEERED RIGHT LEAVING HIGHWAY RESULTING IN A CRASH

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 28, 2015149,312 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY AND CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, KNOCKING THE CONTACT UNCONSCIOUS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE NOSE AND FACE, A CONCUSSION, BRUISING OF THE LEFT SHOULDER, A HEAD INJURY AND A WRIST INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,312.

Tires
Filed Sep 23, 2013194,044 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH COMMERCIAL TIRES, SIZE: TA LT215/85/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE TIRES BALANCED BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES TREAD WAS SEPARATING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE WAS 20,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,044. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure
Filed Apr 16, 201362,856 milesFL

DASH BEGAN CRACKING IN 2003, AND HAS CONTINUED UNTIL NOW IT IS FALLING IN. I AM AFRAID THAT THE PIECES WILL CAUSE AN UNKNOWN HAZARD IN THE PARTS HOUSED UNDER THE DASH. *TR

Structure
Filed Oct 2, 201265,500 milesFL

THE DASHBOARD ON MY RAM 3500 CRACKED AND IT IS FALLING THROUGH. THERE IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD WITH THE SMALL PLASTIC PIECES. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 29, 2012SC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED AND SHARP SHARDS WERE EXPOSED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 289,000. ...UPDATED 10/19/12 *BF

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 20, 2011132,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MAIN ENGINE COMPUTER EXHIBITED A SHORT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ENGAGE FULL THROTTLE WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 21, 201174,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED HE NOTICED THAT HIS DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED IN DIFFERENT AREAS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 23, 2011SC

DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED, HOLES, SPLITTING. WORRIED THAT AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY NOTICED PROBLEM ABOUT 7 YEARS AGO -- BROUGHT TO DEALERS ATTENTION - BUT TOLD IT WAS COSMETIC -- WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT. IT WOULD COST ME $1500+ TO REPLACE.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 10, 2011290,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 290,000. UPDATED 11/17/11 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE DASHBOARD SUDDENLY COLLAPSED INTO PIECES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/29/12

Steering
Filed Jul 14, 2011106,591 milesRI

WHILE TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED THERE WAS A SUDDEN STEERING FAILURE RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. A LOOK UNDER THE VEHICLE SHOWED THAT THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE IDLER ARM ASSEMBLY HAD RIPPED OFF THE FRAME AND THE ARM AND STEERING LINKAGES WERE DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE FAILURE SEEMED TO BE CAUSE BY EXTREME RUST/ROT.

Engine and Engine CoolingCrash
Filed Feb 9, 201190,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UPHILL PULLING A TOW TRAILER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THEY FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD AND THE TOW TRAILER JACK KNIFED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS THEN ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure
Filed Feb 20, 2010MS

1999 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB 3500 DASH STARTED CRACKING ON PASSENGER SIDE AND LARGE PIECE WITH SHARP EDGE FELL INTO DASH. DASH BEGAN SPLITTING IN OTHER PLACES SOON AFTERWARD. REPAIRED WITH A MOLDED DASH COVER THAT DOESN'T FIT REALLY WELL.*TR

Power Train › Clutch AssemblyFire
Filed Nov 12, 2009230,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF, SMOKE ENGULFED THE FRONT-END OF THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED A SMALL ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE OCCURRED THE SECOND TIME. HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL FACILITY, AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE REPAIR COST APPROXIMATELY $1,000. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 230,000. UPDATED 12/18/09 *CN THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE FAILED TWICE. THE CONSUMER LEARNED OF A RECALL. THE CLUTCH LINE FAILED A SECOND TIME BECAUSE A PLASTIC PRESSURE LINE WAS USED. UPDATED 12/22/09 UPDATED 02/1710 *BF THE HYDRAULIC LINE FROM THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER TO THE CLUTCH SLAVE DEVELOPED A HOLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO FLAMMABLE LIQUID LEAKING ONTO THE FIREWALL AND EXHAUST. THE CONSUMER LEARNED THAT A STEEL LINE WAS NOW BEING USED WITH A HEATED SHIELD. UPDATED 02/19/10

Structure
Filed Nov 9, 200940,000 milesNM

SHREADED DASHBOARD MATERIAL IN DODGE RAM TRUCK. *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 20, 200961,890 milesTX

DASH BOARD FALLING APART ON DODGE 3500 1999 DIESEL TRUCK THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TRYING TO FIND AFTER MARKET SO FAR NO LUCK WAS TOLD ONE FROM DODGE IS HIGH SINCE STARTED FALLING APART SINCE TWO YEARS AFTER IT WAS NEW DODGE SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS IT HAS FELL APART SO BAD I HAVE TO FIND ONE BECAUSE OF SAFETY NOW ALL ELECTRICAL WIRES EXPOSED AIR CONDITIONER WIRES SHOWING AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH WILL NO LONGER WORK AND IT IS AWFUL TO LOOK AT IT IS A DISGRACE THAT DODGE WOULD PRODUCE A PRODUCT THIS BAD AND NOT WARRANTY IT I WILL NEVER BY A DODGE AGAIN

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 31, 200964,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. THE FAILURE WOULD PREVENT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE FROM BEING PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V119000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR) AND THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED HER VIN ON THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE, THE OUTPUT STATED THAT HER VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,000. UPDATED 5/5/09 *CN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DID NOT EXTEND OVER THE PASSENGER. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS FROZEN SO THE BELT CAN'T BE RELEASED. UPDATED 05/06/09.*JB

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Dec 12, 2008140,000 milesAZ

DODGE TRUCK DIED,WOULDN'T START, WHEN TRYING TO START GAS WAS LEAKING ALL OVER THE ENGINE, TOWED TO AAMCO, FUEL FILTER HOUSING WAS LEAKING, MOPAR PART WAS DISCONTINUED BECAUSE CHRYSLER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, NEW PART COST $1606 TO REPLACE,..THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD...CHRYSLER SAID IT WASN'T AN ISSUE AND REFUSED TO REIMBURSE THE COST OF THE PART....AAMCO SAID THAT CHRYSLER HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS PART SO WHY WASN'T IT RECALLED...ALL IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN WAS A SPARK TO SET THE TRUCK ON FIRE. *TR

Tires
Filed Dec 3, 200885,800 milesUT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. THE VEHICLE HAS YOKOHAMA ALL SEASON RADIAL TIRES, SIZE 215/85/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING PULLED THREE INCHES BACK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL TIRE REPAIR SHOP AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE INSPECTED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TREAD WAS SEPARATED AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $400. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE CONTACT WOULD NOT BE COMPENSATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,800 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Structure
Filed Aug 16, 2008125,000 milesVA

DASHBOARD ON 1999 DODGE RAM PICKUP HAS "SPIDERWEB" CRACKED INTO MANY SHARP PIECES. THIS STARTED OCCURRING A WEEK GO, AND HAS NOW SPREAD TO MOST OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH. IN THE EVENT OF A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, I'M CONCERNED THAT THE DASH WILL DISINTEGRATE INTO MANY MORE SMALL CHUNKS OF SHRAPNEL FLYING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 3, 200851,000 milesAZ

CONTINUOUS AT SPEEDS OF 40 TO 60 MPH, AUTO TRANS SHIFTS BETWEEN GEARS HIGH/LOW, HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED THAT THEY SAID WAS THE PROBLEM IE: $2,400.00, DID NOT FIX IT, STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ITS WELL KNOWN IN THE TRANSMISSION AND DEALER SHOPS THAT ITS A ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE FROM THE PUMPS OR ALTERNATOR THAT INTERRUPTS THE SHIFTING SIGNAL TO THE COMPUTER, YET THEY CHARGE US TO FIX A DESIGN PROBLEM ! *TR

Structure
Filed Apr 18, 200876,000 milesRI

THE DASHBOARD OF THE VEHICLE IS CRACKING. MAJOR CRACKS. *TR

Structure
Filed Mar 24, 2008210,000 milesGA

THE TOP DASH COVER IS CRACKING AND FALLING APART INTO TRIANGLE SHAPED PIECES. IN FRONTAL COLLISION, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THESE PIECES POSING A DANGER TO THE PASSENGERS. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 16, 2008292,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 35000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF THEN ILLUMINATE AFTER TWO SECONDS. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, BULBS AND WIRES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 292,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 292,492.

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Oct 26, 2007182,140 milesTN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO FIFTH GEAR AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 40 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRESENT. THE MECHANIC AT THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT A NUT ON THE FIFTH GEAR FAILED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,240 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,140.

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Oct 16, 200766,102 milesWA

WITHOUT WARNING TRUCK STOPPED RUNNING. ENGINE WOULD CRANK, BUT NOT RESTART. HAD TO BE TOWED. ANALYSIS INDICATED FUEL LIFT PUMP FAILURE, WHICH IN TURN CAUSED FUEL INJECTOR PUMP TO FAIL. A NEW LIFT PUMP AND REBUILT INJECTOR PUMP INSTALLED. TOTAL COST FOR PARTS, LABOR, TAX = $2533.75. REFER TO COMPLAINT NUMBERS 10145520, 10146914, 10159741 FOR OTHER FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES ON THIS TRUCK MODEL. TRUCK MILEAGE AT STOPPAGE - 66,102. AN AFTER MARKET GAUGE IS AVAILABLE TO MONITOR FUEL LIFT PRESSURE. A DIESEL ENGINE SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 66,000 MILES. A FUEL PRESSURE WARNING SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUILT IN TO PREVENT THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR. REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT THEY REPAIR THIS FAILURE QUITE OFTEN. *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 4, 200788,000 milesCA

DASHBOARD CRACKED IN VAIOUS SPOTS, PARTS FALLING INTO ELECTRICAL AREA, LOOSE HEADLIGHTS SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 15, 2007FL

DASH BOARD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON OR ABUSE. TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO DODGE DEALER UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED AND THAT I MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO CAUSE THE DASH TO CRACK AND BREAK. AT THIS POINT DODGE HAS DONE NOTHING TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 25, 2006MD

THE DASH HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DEFROSTER DUCT TO THE TOP OF THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THIS SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO A LOT OF DODGE RAM TRUCKS. *JB

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jun 13, 2006115,000 milesAL

LIFT OR TRANSFER PUMP HAS FAILED 5 TIMES AND BOSCH INJECTOR PUMP TWICE. AT THIS TIME DODGE WILL NO LONGER REPLACE THE TRANSFER PUMP BUT IS REQUIRING THE CONSUMER TO PURCHASE AN EXPENSIVE CONVERSION KIT WHICH REPLACES THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jan 12, 2006140,143 milesME

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ENGINE STALLED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED MOSTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR WHEN TURNING. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AUTOMATICALLY. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT A VARIETY OF SPEEDS. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSFER PUMP AND INJECTOR PUMP NEED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO RESTORE PROPER FUEL DELIVERY. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Jan 4, 200651,273 milesPA

1999 DODGE RAM 3500 CUMMINS VP44 FAILURE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC NO BRAKES OR STEERING TRUCK HAS 60000 MILES. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Jan 2, 200686,025 milesVA

AT 86,000 MILES, DIESEL FUEL INJECTION PUMP FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING CAUSING ENGINE TO QUIT RUNNING LEADING TO A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND ASSISTED BRAKE CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO COAST THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OUT OF THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. TRUCK HAD TO BE TOWED FROM THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, AND FAILED INJECTION PUMP WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. FAILED BOSCH VP44 DIESEL FUEL INJECTION PUMP WAS RETURNED AS A CORE. *JB

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Dec 17, 2005122,153 milesMO

WAS SHIFTING GEARS ON I-44 ON RAMP TO GET UP TO SPEED SO I COULD MERGE WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. WHEN I PUT THE TRUCK INTO FIFTH GEAR IT FELT AS IF I HAD SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. WAS ABLE TO GO TO NEXT EXIT DRIVING IN FOURTH GEAR SO I COULD GET THE TRUCK BACK HOME. COULDN'T GO OVER 55 MPH IN FOURTH GEAR PLUS DIDN'T KNOW IF DRIVING THE TRUCK LIKE THIS WAS GOING TO CAUSE MORE PROBLEMS. CALLED A FEW PEOPLE I KNEW THAT HAD HEARD OTHERS SAY THAT THE NUT THAT GOES ONTO THE FIFTH GEAR SHIFT ROD WOULD OFTEN BACK OFF. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A MECHANIC AND HAD THEM TAKE THE TRANSMISSION APART TO SEE IF THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED. SURE ENOUGH WHEN HE SPLIT THE TAIL SHAFT OFF THE NUT WAS JUST HANGING ON THE SHIFT ROD. I WENT TO A LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP AND PURCHASED THE NEW AND IMPROVED LOCK NUT THAT DODGE CAME OUT WITH TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS COST ME ABOUT 65 DOLLARS AND ANOTHER 530 DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THE LABOR INVOLVED. THE OLD NUT WAS LEFT IN THE SCRAP METAL PILE AT THE MECHANIC'S SHOP. *JB

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Dec 17, 2005124,957 milesMO

WAS DRIVING WEST ON I-44 AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL AND LOSE POWER. I WAS AT A HALF TANK OF FUEL AND DECIDED TO HIT THE NEXT EXIT AND GET SOME DIESEL FUEL AND SOME ADDITIVE. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL GELLING UP BECAUSE IT WAS PRETTY COLD OUT. I SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN TO FILL WITH FUEL AND WHEN I WENT TO START THE TRUCK IT WOULDN'T START. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED AND FOUND OUT THAT THE VP 44 FUEL INJECTOR PUMP WAS BAD. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED1500 DOLLARS FOR A NEW ONE AND ANOTHER 160 DOLLARS TO DO THE LABOR. I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND A NEW ONE FOR 1046 DOLLARS AND ORDERED IT. IT WILL BE SENT TO THE DODGE DEALER SO THEY CAN INSTALL IT. THE OLD PUMP WILL HAVE TO BE SENT IN TO GET THE 500 DOLLARS REFUNDED FOR THE CORE CHARGE. *NM

Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Nov 12, 2005115,000 milesIN

TWO PRIMARY SAFETY RELATED ISSUES AND MANY LESS IMPORTANT QUALITY ISSUES HAVE PLAGUED THIS VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS BEGAN TO MOUNT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE WARRANTY LAPSED. THE MOST CRITICAL ISSUE HAS BEEN THE CORROSION AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINE THAT SUPPLIES THE PRESSURE NEEDED FOR THE REAR BRAKES TO OPERATE. THIS ISSUE RENDERED THE REAR BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE USELESS. DODGE CORPORATE AND TWO LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIPS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, EXCEPT BY OFFERING TO SELL A REPLACEMENT BRAKE LINE. THE FAILURE OF THE METAL AFTER ONLY 5 YEARS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE SECOND MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT THE NIPPLES ON THE ORIGINAL FUEL SENDING UNIT WERE MADE OF METAL AND CORRODED THROUGH AND BEGAN TO SPRAY FUEL ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS RESULTS IS VERY POOR MILEAGE AND A POTENTIALLY FATAL FUEL LEAK. BETWEEN THESE TWO SAFETY ISSUES AND THE BLATANT DISMISSAL OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DODGE CORPORATION I THINK SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I HAVE CORRECTED THE ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE, BUT WHAT IF SOMEONE WAS TOWING A LARGE TRAILER WITH A SIMILAR VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES FAILED? PEOPLE COULD BE KILLED. ADDITIONALLY THE FUEL LEAK DOESN'T SEEM TO BE AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD EVER HAPPEN. I BELIEVE THAT IN SYSTEMS AS CRITICAL AS FUEL AND BRAKES THE MATERIAL SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO LAST LONGER THAN 4 OR 5 YEARS REGARDLESS OF THE WARRANTY. WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY TO PREVENT THIS, ITS A SIMPLE MATERIAL CHOICE ISSUE. THE BRAKES AND FUEL LINES COULD HAVE EA

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2005OK

TRAVELING AT FREEWAY SPEED VEHICLE ENGINE BEGAN TO SURGE 200 TO 500 RPM. TOOK TO CHRYS GARAGE AND FOUND "INTERMIT VOLT SPIKES IN A.P.P. SENSOR" SENSOR REPLACED. 10/20/03. ON 9/13/05 SAME THING HAPPENED AND THE A.P.P. SENSOR WAS AGAIN REPLACED. VEHICLE RAN FINE AFTER A.P.P. SENSOR REPLACED. *JB

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed May 5, 2005IL

DT: THE CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE FIFTH GEAR TWICE SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED AT AROUND 30000 MILES. THE SECOND TIME IT WAS REPLACED AROUND 60000 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS MOSTLY DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING TO THE GEAR FAILURE. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE VEHICLE IN FIFTH GEAR WHEN IT FAILED. THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL SO THE CONSUMER HAD TO DOWN SHIFT TO FOURTH GEAR. ALL OF THE OTHER GEARS WORKED EXCEPT FOR THE FIFTH GEAR. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed May 2, 2005112,000 milesTX

I HAVE A 99 DODGE 3500 DIESEL P/U. THE BLOCK WAS CAST WITH A DEFECT IN THE THICKNESS OF THE METAL OF THE WATER JACKET ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BLOCK. THE BLOCKS WITH THE DEFECT WERE SUPPOSED TO BE CAST IN BRAZIL AND FIRST FOUND IN EQUIPMENT USED IN TURKEY(THIS WAS CALLED THE TURKEY CRACK). THE METAL IS REPORTED TO BE 6MM THICK ON THESE BLOCKS AND ON GOOD BLOCKS IT IS 12MM THICK. I CALLED DODGE AND CUMMINS(THE MANUFACTURER) AND BOTH SAID NO TSB'S WERE OUT ON THE PROBLEM. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO SOUTHERN PLAINS CUMMINS( A SHOP IN SAN ANTONIO) AND ASKED THEM IF THEY KNEW OF THE DEFECTIVE "53" BLOCK THEY REPORTED NO TSB'S BUT WHEN THE MECHANIC WENT OUT TO LOOK AT MY ENGINE WITHOUT BEING TOLD ANY MORE ABOUT IT HE LOOKED RIGHT AT THE SPOT WHERE THE CRACK WAS LOCATED. I NEVER SAID WHERE THE CRACK WAS AND IT IS UNDER THE TURBO SO HE APPEARED TO HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT WAS GOING ON. HE TOLD ME TO COMPLAIN TO CUMMINS ALOT AND THEY MAY HELP OUT A LITTLE BUT IN THE END THEY DID NOT. I UNDERSTAND THE WARRANTY WAS PAST BY 20K AT THE TIME BUT THEY(DODGE AND CUMMINS) SAY IT SHOULD BE AT LEAST 500K BEFORE THE BLOCK IS WORN OUT. IN MY OPNION THE WARRANTY WAS UP ON NORMAL PARTS THAT WEAR AND WOULD BE UP IF A PART FAILURE CAUSED THE BLOCK TO BE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR, BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS CUMMINS WAS PRODUCING A BLOCK WITH HALF THE THICKNESS IN PLACES IT SHOULD HAVE HAD, AND IF THEY WOULD HAVE CAST IT RIGHT I WOULD NOT BE IN THE POSITION I AM IN RIGHT NOW. I HAVE BEEN ADDING WATER TO THE OVERFLOW EVERY

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Mar 7, 200577,425 milesUT

5TH GEAR FAILED IN MY 1999 DODGE MODEL 3500.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Feb 8, 2005127,000 milesSC

ENGINE DEVELOPED A CRACK ON SIDE OF BLOCK, CAUSING COOLANT LEAK.CURRENTLY LOOSING TWO (2) GALLONS A DAY. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 104, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2012366980Above average
2011225550Above average
2010150940Do not drive
2009105520Do not drive
200817311140Do not drive
200721014140Do not drive
20062581142Do not drive
2005196761Fatalities reported
2004214740Above average
2003286910Do not drive
200244100Routine
2001130130Routine
200058151Fatalities reported
1999 — this page104161Fatalities reported
19981051100Routine
19971251120Routine
19961241100Routine
1995108160Routine
199470170Routine
199320000Routine
199210000Routine
19914000Routine

Compare every Ram 3500 year →

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 28, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.