2001 Dodge Ram 1500

1,112 federal complaints (1,370 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 23 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Dodge Ram 1500 →
Engine
3.9L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 18 hwy
Federal complaints
1,112
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Body & structure
548
Other
113
Power train
102
Electrical system
87
Air bags
87
Suspension
83
Engine & cooling
70
Brakes
63
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

0 years old: 71 complaints01 years old: 55 complaints2 years old: 83 complaints3 years old: 129 complaints4 years old: 125 complaints5 years old: 108 complaints56 years old: 124 complaints7 years old: 103 complaints8 years old: 76 complaints9 years old: 62 complaints10 years old: 37 complaints1011 years old: 22 complaints12 years old: 21 complaints13 years old: 20 complaints14 years old: 13 complaints15 years old: 10 complaints1516 years old: 10 complaints17 years old: 11 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 9 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,091 of 1,112 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 26 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 95 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 149 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 150 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 128 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 67 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 47 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 22 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 20 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 10 complaints200,000+ miles: 15 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 729 of 1,112 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.

Body & structure

548 complaint records2 fire reports6 crash reports
"I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY HOOD CAME UNLATCHED AND FOLDED UP ONTO MY WINDSHIELD BREAKING THE HOOD SPRINGS. *TR..."- 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 body & structure parts in the directory →

Power train

102 complaint records1 fire report7 crash reports
"WITH 206 MILES ON THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSON WENT COMPLETLY OUT STRANDING ME ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD 86 MILES FROM HOME. *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 →

Electrical system

87 complaint records18 fire reports1 crash report
"FLASHING LIGHT ON ODOMETER READS, "NO BUS" AND THE GAUGES DO NOT WORK. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TRUCKS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM? *TR..."- 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 electrical system 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE08047
opened Jul 2008
closed Dec 2008Structure2000-2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP HOOD LATCH
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...
PE00025
opened Jul 2000
closed Dec 2000Seat BeltsREAR SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE DISENGAGEMENT
ALLEGE THAT BOTH REAR INBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES WERE FOUND TO LACK PROPER ATTACHMENTS.

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
03V504000TiresON 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...Normally free
01V153000Air BagsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING.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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2003334
2003-12-15
Wheels3On certain 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with the snow plow package, the gross axle weight ratings may exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in CMVSS 120 -Tire selection and rims for vehicles other than passenger cars.
2002026
2002-02-14
Other20,961On certain pickup trucks, the alternator wire may be improperly attached, leaving it susceptible to a possible loss of clamp load under certain circumstances.
2001118
2001-05-10
Seats And Restraints14,276On certain vehicles, the sound deadener material internal to the air bag clock spring may detach rendering the air bag inoperative. Correction: Dealers will replace the clockspring.
2001023
2001-01-30
Suspension199On certain vehicles equipped with optional camper and spring overload package, the rear axle retaining u-bolts could lose clamp load due to a soft joint at the upper spring plate.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
DOR-X6W2U-06
Mar 2020
Electrical SystemThis SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not function.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Show 18 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse 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.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse 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.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
1807717
Aug 2017
EquipmentConnecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
68332810A
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingCummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9002828
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart 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.
9002849
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA.
9002901
Jan 2014
Power TrainPart Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer. The Seal Kit is applicable to all (5)45RFE transmissions.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
9002688
Feb 2013
Engine And Engine Cooling68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is...
0408
Nov 2004
Electrical SystemORIGINAL MINUTE MOUNT WIRING AND E-FORCE ISOLATION MODULE WIRING CONVERSIONS. FISHER. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING ALL GM/CHEVROLET AND FORD. 2002 & PRIOR. *TT
0053
Oct 2000
SteeringSOME VEHICLES WITH A LONG WHEEL BASE RAM TRUCK STEERING GEAR MAY HAVE SENSITIVE STEERING AND EXHIBIT A STEERING WANDER CONDITION - ADVANCE SERVICE ACTION. *TT
0041
Sep 2000
SteeringSOME SHORT WHEEL BASE TRUCKS BUILT AT THE WARREN TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH THE WRONG STEERING GEAR. *TT
0009
Mar 2000
Service BrakesADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING THE RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER'S BLEEDER SCREW LOCATED ON BOTTOM OF CALIPER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO BLEED THE BRAKES. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  2. 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.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 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.
  5. 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 1500 →