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 269 of 366 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 38 of 366 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
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
95 complaint records5 crash reports
"ABS BRAKE LIGHT APPEARS ON DASHBOARD. ABS BRAKING SYTEM DOESN'T HAVE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE PROBLEM...."- 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
58 complaint records2 crash reports
"SLIGHT VIBRATION WILL OCCUR WHEN VEHICLE IS HEATING UP, GRADUALLY IT WILL INCREASE POSSIBLY DUE TO DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE. *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 →
Engine & cooling
47 complaint records1 crash report
"THE RADIATOR IS NOT BOLTED INTO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS TIED DOWN WITH SOME KIND OF PLASTIC TWINE, CRANKSHAFT SEAL LEAKED. *YH..."- 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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V185000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE... | 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 |
| 01V119000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | 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 |
| 00V107000 | Trailer Hitches | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH. | Normally free |
| 99V190000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE UNDERBODY HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE HEAT SHIELD IS TOO SHORT, ALLOWING THE PLASTIC CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL TO BE DIRECTLY EXPOSED... | Normally free |
| 99V115000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. | Normally free |
| 99V044000 | Fuel System, Other | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VANS AND WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE FUEL HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL RAILS MAY SHRINK AND LEAK FUEL IF EXPOSED TO HIGH ENGINE OPERATING... | Normally free |
Show 1 more recall campaigns
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99V034000 | Fuel System, Other | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL TANKS. INCORRECT FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE INSTALLED ON THE SMALL FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT BE SECURELY ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004129 2004-04-08 | Brakes | 4,392 | On certain vehicles, aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector and compromise the sealing integrity of the connector. |
| 2001134 2001-05-24 | Seats And Restraints | 10,930 | Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of C.M.V.S.S. No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The front seat belt retractor may not work properly, it therefore will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash. |
| 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... |
| 2000106 2000-04-17 | Structure | 22,881 | On certain pickup trucks, the trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using materials with insufficient physical properties (i.e. yield and tensile strength). |
| 1999146 1999-07-30 | Powertrain | 471 | On certain pickup trucks, the plastic hydraulic clutch line could rupture from overheating from exhaust temperatures because an underbody heat shield may be the improper length. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0601 Jan 2006 | Power Train | CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY COVERAGE CUSTOMER REMINDER LETTER. *TT | |
| 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. | |
| 1803003A Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GENERIC CUMMINS ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACED 18-030-03. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACED 18-030-03A DATED 10/17/03. TO ALSO INCLUDE 2005 RAM TRUCK. *TT | |
| 1803003 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GENERIC CUMMINS ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 0900802 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE KNOCK OR RATTLE SOUND WHEN CLIMBING A LONG GRADE AND TOWING A HEAVY TRAILER. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1801902A Sep 2002 | Unknown Or Other | REVISION OF FLASH PROCESS FOR NEW ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FROM CUMMINS. *SLC THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 18-019-02 DATED JUNE 17, 2002. *TT | |
| 1400202A Jul 2002 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON TAMPERING WITH VP44 FUEL PUMP ON CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE. *TT | |
| 2100202 Jul 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISION IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND LABOR OPERATION TIMES FOR RE TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 1400202 Jul 2002 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON TAMPERING WITH VP44 FUEL PUMP ON CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES. *TT | |
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 1800602C Jun 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: SURGE (BEAMING), LACK OF POWER IN 3RD GEAR, AND NO 3/4 UPSHIFT AFTER 4/3 DOWNSHIFT. *SLC | |
| 2301502 Apr 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC | |
| 0800702 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *SLC | |
| 0900202 Mar 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING CRANKCASE BREATHER OVERFLOW. *SLC | |
| 1800402 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING 1999 MY ENGINE SPARK KNOCK. *TT | |
| 1803001 Dec 2001 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING 46RE SHIFT QUALITY AND DURABILITY IMPROVEMENTS. *TT | |
| 2302701 Sep 2001 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 1801901 Sep 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE COLD IDLE ENGINE WARMING *SLC | |
| 0900601 Aug 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE OIL PAN GASKET LEAKS.*SLC | |
| 1801401 Jul 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS, HARD STARTING AND / OR IDLE SPEED FLUCTUATIONS FOR SEVERE COLD WEATHER ENVIRONMENTS. *TT | |
| 0801301 Jun 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING RADIO CONNECTOR REPAIR KIT. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 2500401 May 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES CAUSED BY AN EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM LEAK. *TT | |
| 2600401 Apr 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING SERVICE / DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL REVISIONS. *TT | |
| 2100601 Mar 2001 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ | |
| 0900201 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES THAT ARE USED FOR EXTENDED HEAVY TRAILER HAULING PURPOSES MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT TORQUE. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 1801500A Dec 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF POOR DRIVEABILITY WHEN WINTER FUEL IS USED TO POWER THE ENGINE. OR, THE CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A HARD OR NO-START CONDITION, WHILE THE ENGINE IS AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURES, WHEN USING ANY TYPE OF GOOD QUALITY DIESEL FUEL. *JB | |
| 2303400A Dec 2000 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 180600C Dec 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT TO MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT | |
| 2300800B Nov 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 233400 Sep 2000 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 030800 Sep 2000 | Power Train | ;SUBJECT REGARDING RTV USE ON CORPORATE AXLE. *TT | |
| 180600B Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT-TO-MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT | |
| 082400 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES THE ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START OR STARTS AND STALLS. *TT | |
| 181500 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF POOR DRIVEABILITY WHEN WINTER FUEL IS USED TO POWER THE ENGINE AND / OR A NO START HOT ENGINE RESTART CONDITION WHEN USING ANY TYPE OF GOOD QUALITY DIESEL FUEL. *TT | |
| 210800 Sep 2000 | Power Train | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A DELAYED TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT (LOCK-UP). THIS CONDITION MAY ILLUMINATE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP DUE TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1740 - TCC OR O/D SOLENOID PERFORMANCE. *TT | |
| 180600A Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT-TO-MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT | |
| 082300 Jun 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING PLASTIC BOOT TO PROTECT THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS B+ END TERMINAL AT THE GENERATOR. *TT | |
| 180600 Jun 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING 1999 MODEL YEAR ENGINE SPARK KNOCK. *TT | |
| 081600 Apr 2000 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH A BUZZ NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR SPEAKER(S). *TT | |
| 140300 Apr 2000 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING MAINTENANCE TO THE WATER-IN-FUEL SENSOR PROBES DUE TO POSSIBLE FUEL CONTAMINATION. *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 | |
| 080800 Mar 2000 | Unknown Or Other | CONCERNS WITH AN INOPERATIVE OR INTERMITTENT REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) TRANSMITTER. *TT | |
| 210200 Mar 2000 | Power Train | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION WHERE THE TRANSMISSION MAY SEEN TO HAVE A DELAYED 3-4 UPSHIFT, WHILE MODERATELY ACCELERATING FROM 30 TO 50 MPH. *TT | |
| 030200 Mar 2000 | Suspension | SUBJECT PERTAINS TO 9.25 AXLE GEAR MARKING COMPOUND CAUSING A MILKY-LIFE APPEARANCE TO THE AXLE FLUID. *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 | |
| 090200 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A HEAVY OIL OR FUEL-LIKE ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TT | |
| 210100 Feb 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT PERTAINS TO INTERMITTENT HARSH ENGAGEMENT INTO REVERSE GEAR ON CERTAIN RE MODEL TRANSMISSIONS. *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 | |
| 084499 Dec 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT OPERATION / STATIC IN ANY OR ALL SPEAKERS. *TT | |
| 084399 Dec 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING CENTRAL TIMER MODULE SOFTWARE UPDATE WHEN A WIPER MODULE IS REPLACED. *TT | |
| 080699A Dec 1999 | Electrical System | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF RADIO INTERFERENCE TO / FROM TWO WAY RADIO RECEIVERS. *TT | |
| 084299 Dec 1999 | Fuel System | A CONDITION WITH THE FUEL GAUGE READING FULL FOR AN EXCESSIVE PERIOD OF TIME. *TT | |
| 020699A Dec 1999 | Suspension | THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT | |
| 182599 Nov 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON ERRONEOUS ENGINE MISS WHILE PERFORMING DIAGNOSTICS WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL (DRB III). *TT |
Showing 60 of 116 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.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 9 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 →