Engine
3.9L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 311 of 398 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
88 complaint records7 crash reports
"THE BRAKE PADS WORE OUT 4 TIMES WITHIN 40,000 MILES. DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO THE CONSUMER'S WAY OF DRIVING. *AK.ET...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Power train
80 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. DEALER STATED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Steering
40 complaint records4 crash reports
"THERE IS TOO MUCH PLAY IN STEERING, VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES. DEALER SAID THIS WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF VEHICLE.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ98002 opened Mar 1998 | OPEN | Power Train | TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS - led to recall 97V084000 ON APRIL 17, 1997, THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING APPROXIMATELY 800,000 1994 THROUGH 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH V6 OR V8 ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, 1995 THROUGH 1997DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE... |
| DP03006 opened Sep 2003 | closed Apr 2004 | Seats | SEAT BACK FAILURE ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS... |
| RQ00012 opened May 2000 | closed Apr 2001 | Structure | HOOD LATCH - led to recall 95V056000 ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY... |
| EA98005 opened Feb 1998 | closed May 1999 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE ALLEGED PLASTIC CLUTCH TUBE MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO EXHAUST HEAT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CLUTCH FUNCTION AND POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE. |
| PE97043 opened Oct 1997 | closed Feb 1998 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE FAILURE - led to recall 99V115000 ALLEGED CLUTCH LINE MAY MELT AND LEAK HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE VICINITY OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.LEAKED HYDRAULIC FLUID COULD IGNITE AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02V161000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK. | Normally free |
| 01V153000 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. | Normally free |
| 01V040000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA,... | Normally free |
| 99V115000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. | Normally free |
| 99V023000 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND WAGON MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF WATER/ROAD SALT GETS ON THE INTERIOR FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), THE AECM CAN CORRODE. | Normally free |
| 97V126000 | Unknown Or Other | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE EXHAUST PIPE CONTACTS OR IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE OUTER DASH PANEL SILENCER PAD. | Normally free |
| 97V084000 | Power Train | UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002107 2002-07-06 | Engine | 13,006 | Certain Ram trucks equipped with a diesel engine. The potential is for the throttle control linkage joints to corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick, which could result in a loss of throttle control. |
| 2001055 2001-03-08 | Structure | 73,167 | On certain pickup trucks located in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces, corrosion of the hood secondary latch return spring may cause the hood secondary latch to become inoperative, possibly allowing the hood to open unexpectedly... |
| 1999132 1999-06-28 | Structure | 687 | On certain 4 x 4 pickups equipped with an 8.0 litre V10 engine, Under certain heavy duty applications, such as driving up a steep grade in four wheel drive with a full load, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch... |
| 1999026 1999-02-23 | Seats And Restraints | 12,845 | On certain vehicles, the air bag electronic control module (AECM) will corrode if water/road salt is introduced onto the interior floor in the proximity of the AECM. |
| 1999027 1999-02-23 | Electrical | 6,176 | On certain Ram 3500 vehicles, the headlamp switches used in this truck series operate under a high current load which results in switch internal temperatures above the 100 degree centigrade limit for the internal lubing grease. |
Show 4 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998038 1998-03-04 | Emissions | 3,408 | Certain Ram 3500 vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1101 - emission device. The Vehicle emission warranty statement in the engine warranty manuals does not include the powertrain control module and the catalyst in the list of warranted... |
| 1997167 1997-10-03 | Emissions | 13 | Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1103 - exhaust emissions. Improper calibration of the Powertrain Control Module may cause an increase in the levels of carbon monoxide (co) emissions to a level in excess of the Standard. |
| 1997139 1997-08-14 | Structure | 1,235 | On certain vehicles, the exhaust pipe may be in contact or close proximity to the outer dash panel silencer pad. |
| 1997096 1997-05-07 | Powertrain | 50,846 | On certain vehicles, the transmission fluid temperature could exceed the melting point of the connector which retains the fluid line to the transmission. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100605 Dec 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ILLUMINATED MIL AS THE RESULT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0420 - CATALYST EFFICIENCY, OR MAY HAVE FAILED A CALIFORNIA SMOG OR STATE I/M TEST BUT WITHOUT AN ILLUMINATED MIL, OR A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. | |
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 1801201 May 2001 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 0900401 May 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, GREY OIL SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST OR BREATHER TUBE, OR MECHANICAL KNOCKING. *TT | |
| 2100601 Mar 2001 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0200101 Jan 2001 | Suspension | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SITS TOO HIGH TO ATTACH THEIR FIFTH WHEEL OR GOOSE NECK TRAILER TO THE TRAILER HITCH TURNABLE. *JB | |
| 0800600REV Dec 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB | |
| 2300800B Nov 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 081600 Apr 2000 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH A BUZZ NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR SPEAKER(S). *TT | |
| 090700 Apr 2000 | Fuel System | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO AIR FILTER SERVICE. *TT | |
| 020400 Mar 2000 | Suspension | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A SQUEAKING / CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 090500 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT | |
| 180100 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT | |
| 020699A Dec 1999 | Suspension | THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT | |
| 233599REVA Oct 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS | |
| 021399 Sep 1999 | Suspension | EXPERIENCING SQUEAKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT | |
| 090699 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT | |
| 083099 Sep 1999 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING THE OUTSIDE POWER MIRROR PIVOT ARM ROTATING WITH LITTLE RESISTANCE. *TT | |
| 233599 Sep 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 050799 Jun 1999 | Service Brakes | BRIEF INFORMATION ON THE USE OF ASBESTOS FIBER BRAKE LININGS. *TT | |
| 050699 Jun 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION REGARDING ACCELERATED BRAKE LINING WEAR, FRONT VERSUS REAR. *TT | |
| 181299 Jun 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT | |
| 020699 Jun 1999 | Suspension | SUBJECT ON THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT | |
| 190399 May 1999 | Steering | CONDITIONS WITH STEERING SLOW TO RETURN TO CENTER. *TT | |
| 210899 Apr 1999 | Power Train | VEHICLES EXHIBITING BUZZ, WHINING, OR MOANING LIKE NOISE FROM COLD TRANSMISSION WHEN REVERSE GEAR IS SELECTED. *TT | |
| 230899 Mar 1999 | Unknown Or Other | EXHIBITING CREAKS OR SQUEAKS NEAR THE LEFT AND / OR RIGHT SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TT | |
| 184898 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING IGNITION SYSTEM CROSS FIRE/ SECONDARY IGNITION WIRE INDUCTION. *AK | |
| 184998 Dec 1998 | Power Train | DRIVELINE INDUCED VEHICLE SURGE / VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS. *AK | |
| 182997 Dec 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE MAY BUCK/JERK WHILE UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION OR WHILE DRIVING AT STEADY STATE SPEED DUE TO THE SENSITIVITY OF THROTTLE LINKAGE TO DRIVE RINPUT. *AK | |
| 250298 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC | |
| 211098 Sep 1998 | Power Train | CONDITIONS WITH LOSS OF FIFTH GEAR. *YC | |
| 110898 Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NEW KIT HAS BEEN RELEASED THAT WILL ALLOW TECHNICIANS TO REPAIR TURBOCHARGERS WITH FAILED WASTEGATE ACTUATORS. *AK | |
| 090498 Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE ACCESORY DRIVE BELT BECOMES DAMAGED ON THE INBOARD EDGE. *YC | |
| 183298 Sep 1998 | Structure | SUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC | |
| 233598 Aug 1998 | Structure | WHEN REMOVING DOOR TRIM PANEL FROM THE DOOR, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL PLASTIC RETAINER CLIP IS SEPARATED FROM DOOR BY USING ATRIM PANEL REMOVAL TOO, SUCH AS SNAP ON TOOL A161B/DOOR PANELS SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED BY HAND. *AK | |
| 182498 Jul 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT LIGHT SPARK KNOCK WITH A WARM ENGINE UNDER LOAD. *YC | |
| 060198 Jun 1998 | Power Train | WHEN SERVICING THE RELEASE FORK IT IS NECESSSARY TO INSURE THAT THE FORK IS INSTALLED PROPERLY. FAILURE TO DO SO, CAN CAUSE A LOW GROWLING SOUND TO COME THROUGH THE CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. *AK | |
| 050498 Jun 1998 | Service Brakes | VEHICLES LISTED ON THIS BULLETIN ARE EQIPPED WITH REAR HEIGHT SENSING PROPORTIONING VALVE THAT ADJUST BRAKE PRESSURE TO THE REAR BRAKES BASED UPON DISTANCE BETWEEN FRAME AND REAR AXLE. *AK | |
| 182198 Jun 1998 | Electrical System | SERVICE CAUTION ON POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE ( PCM ). *YC | |
| 231798 May 1998 | Structure | CENTER ARM REST UPPER INERTIA LATCH COVER ON DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. *AK | |
| 140398 May 1998 | Fuel System | SUBJECT ON FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE ADAPTER USAGE. *YC | |
| 081698 Apr 1998 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK | |
| 181998 Apr 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE BUCKING DURING WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) ACCELERATION. *YC | |
| 180798 Feb 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMER MAY BE CONCERN OF INCORRECT IDLE ADJUSTMENTS. *YC | |
| 180698 Feb 1998 | Fuel System | COMPLAINTS OF HARD OR NO START CONDITONS. *YC | |
| 210498 Feb 1998 | Power Train | SUBJECT ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION GEAR RATTLE AT OPERATING TEMPERATURES. *YC | |
| 230598 Jan 1998 | Structure | PAINTED SURFACES OF THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE A "MILKY" OR "FOGGY" DISCOLORATION. *YC | |
| 210697A Dec 1997 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES OVERDRIVE UNAVAILABLE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES, BYPASS KIT INSTALLATION, INHIBITOR PROGRAMMING. *NLM | |
| 182997A Dec 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLE BUCKING. *NLM | |
| 083997 Nov 1997 | Electrical System | CONDITION WITH KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) TRANSMITTER BATTERIES DISCHARGE PREMATURELY. *YC | |
| 021197 Nov 1997 | Suspension | VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A CLUNKING NOISE BEING HEARD IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS. *YC | |
| 191397 Nov 1997 | Steering | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES LOWER STEERING COLUMN NOISE AND/OR MINO LOWER STEERING COLUMN MOVEMENT. *NLM | |
| 236197 Nov 1997 | Structure | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES OIL CANNING NOISE COMING FROM BOX AREA. *NLM | |
| 140897 Nov 1997 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON POOR DRIVABILITY WITH HIGH DI (DRIVABILITY INDEX) FUEL. *NLM | |
| 070597 Nov 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS OF HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES OR OVERHEATING WITH SNOWPLOW ATTACHED. *YC | |
| 182997 Oct 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BUCKING OR JERKING CONDITION WHILE UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION OR WHILE DRIVING AT STEADY STATE SPEEDS. *YC | |
| 710 Oct 1997 | Power Train | EMISSION RECALL #710 ON REPROGRAMMING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT | |
| 970926082797 Sep 1997 | Equipment | THE CD PLAYER MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND WILL NOT ACCEPT THE CD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO INSERT THE DISK INTO THE RADIO. *YC | |
| 082797A Sep 1997 | Electrical System | VEHICLE MAY EXPEREIENCE INOPERATIVE CD PLAYER SALES CODE RAZ RADIO. *NLM |
Showing 60 of 95 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Ram →