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 247 of 318 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 60 of 318 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.
Steering
59 complaint records7 crash reports
"VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO STEER, WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD. DEALER REPLACED STEERING BOX 3 TIMES, DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*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 →
Power train
51 complaint records3 crash reports
"DODGE SAYS THEY DONT HAVE A PROBLEM BUT EVERYONE YOU TALK TO HAS HAD A NUT COME OFF OF 5TH GEAR SOME MORE THAN ONCE. *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 →
Air bags
46 complaint records38 crash reports
"TURNED STEERING WHEEL WHILE GOING SLOW, HEARD A "CRUNCH" COME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, AIR BAG "NOT WORKING" INDICATION ON DASHBOARD. *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 air bags 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE08047 opened Jul 2008 | closed Dec 2008 | Structure | 2000-2001 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... |
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 |
| 02V042000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALTERNATOR WIRE CONNECTION TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) CAN LOOSEN. | Normally free |
| 01V289000 | Tires | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 2500 WAGONS WERE EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT LOAD RANGE TIRES. | Normally free |
| 01V253000 | Electrical System | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT SEATS. IN THE PRESENCE OF ROAD SALT, WATER, AND POSSIBLY OTHER DEBRIS, THE POWER SEAT CONNECTOR LOCATED BENEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT COULD DEVELOP A HIGH... | Normally free |
| 01V184000 | Wheels | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS. A SUBSTITUTE WHEEL LUG NUT TIGHTENING PROCESS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT TO ASSURE PROPER TORQUE OF THE LUG NUTS. | 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 |
| 01V008000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A CAMPER PACKAGE AND OVERLOAD SPRINGS. THE REAR AXLE SPACER PLATE COULD LEAD TO DEFORMATION OF THE UPPER SPRING PLATE DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE AXLE TO THE VEHICLE... | Normally free |
| 00V366000 | Child Seat | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
Show 1 more recall campaigns
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00V307000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS ATTACHED WITH CADMIUM COATED NUTS CAN CAUSE THE BOLTS TO STRETCH DUE TO THE APPLICATION OF A HIGHER THAN SPECIFIED CLAMP LOAD. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007389 2007-12-05 | Other | 39,078 | On certain vehicles, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperable. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the PARK position with the ignition key removed (or in the lock position) or it could allow the ignition key... |
| 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. |
| 2003334 2003-12-15 | Wheels | 3 | On 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 | Other | 20,961 | On certain pickup trucks, the alternator wire may be improperly attached, leaving it susceptible to a possible loss of clamp load under certain circumstances. |
| 2001210 2001-08-13 | Electrical | 6,515 | Certain vans and wagons. In the presence of road salt, water, and possibly other debris, the power seat connector located beneath the driver's seat could develop a high resistive short circuit that cycles the circuit breaker. |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001118 2001-05-10 | Seats And Restraints | 14,276 | On 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 | Suspension | 199 | On 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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0601 Jan 2006 | Power Train | CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY COVERAGE CUSTOMER REMINDER LETTER. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 0900904 Mar 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VACUUM PUMP SERVICE. *TT | |
| 1803003 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GENERIC CUMMINS ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 0802303 Jul 2003 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT LOCKING/UNLOCKING OF DOORS WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0703 Jul 2003 | Seat Belts | PROCEDURES FOR SERVICING THE SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE CINCH BAR. *TT | |
| 2100103 Jan 2003 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION SHIFTER LINKAGE RATTLE PRESENT AT THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR PAN AREA WHEN THE ENGINE IS IDLING. *TT | |
| 0900802 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE KNOCK OR RATTLE SOUND WHEN CLIMBING A LONG GRADE AND TOWING A HEAVY TRAILER. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 1802102 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AFTER A COLD START UP. *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 | |
| 0200302 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING A TOE IN SPECIFICATION CHANGE. *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 | |
| 1800602B May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: SURGE, LACK OF POWER IN 3RD GEAR, AND NO 3/4 UPSHIFT AFTER 4/3 DOWNSHIFT. *SLC | |
| 1800902A May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: HOT SAG/SPARK KNOCK/TRANSMISSION SHIFT ISSUES. *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 | |
| 2200102 Mar 2002 | Unknown Or Other | CHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC | |
| 1800602A Feb 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO SURGE, LACK OF POWER IN 3RD GEAR, AND NO 3/4 UPSHIFT AFTER 4/3 DOWNSHIFT. *YD | |
| 1801102 Feb 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: COLD ENGINE HESITATION. *JG | |
| 1800902 Feb 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: HOT SAG/SPARK KNOCK/TRANSMISSION SHIFT ISSUES. *JG | |
| 2303401 Nov 2001 | Structure | EXHIBITING A SCRATCHING OR ITCHING TYPE SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR OPENING. *TT | |
| 2100901 Oct 2001 | Power Train | CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A SHIFTER VIBRATION (GEAR CLASH) OF THE SHIFT KNOB WHEN SHIFTING FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER. *TT | |
| 2302701 Sep 2001 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 1802301 Sep 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING 5.2L ENGINE PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS AND HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION. *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 | |
| 2600701 Jul 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICE/DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL REVISIONS. *SLC | |
| 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 | |
| 1801101 May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | CUSTOMER WILL EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION. THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES SELECTIVELY ERASING AND REPROGRAMMING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE. *TT | |
| 2500401 May 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES CAUSED BY AN EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM LEAK. *TT | |
| 2600501 May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CONTAINS BOTH UPDATED SELF-ADHESIVE SERVICE AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL PAGES AND UPDATE PAGES. *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 | |
| 0500201 Mar 2001 | Parking Brake | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES PARKING BRAKE PEDAL ADJUSTMENT. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 0804100 Jan 2001 | Structure | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WITH THE DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY LOCKING AND / OR UNLOCKING WITHOUT ANY ACTIVATION OF THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH OR A CLICKING SOUND HEARD COMING FROM THE POWER DOOR LOCKS (REPEATED LOCKING OR REPEATED UNLOCKING). *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 | |
| 1802400 Dec 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHIBITING LOW ENGINE POWER WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS IN OVERDRIVE. *JB | |
| 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 | |
| 00068 Dec 2000 | Structure | ADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING TRUCK FEATURE CHANGES. *TT | |
| 2303400A Dec 2000 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 1802200 Dec 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT TO MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT | |
| 2601200 Dec 2000 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICE PUBLICATION UPDATES. *JB | |
| 2300800B Nov 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 0803600 Nov 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING CIRCUITS EFFECTED BY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD) FUSE. *TT | |
| 1900800 Oct 2000 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING A HIGH PITCHED WHISTLE SOUND HEARD WHILE DRIVING, INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE TIE ROD ADJUSTING SLEEVE SLOT. *TT | |
| 211100 Oct 2000 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION DUE TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1740 - TCC OR OD SOLENOID PERFORMANCE. *TT | |
| 082600 Sep 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING CENTRAL TIMER MODULE ELECTRICALLY LOCKS-UP. *TT | |
| 233400 Sep 2000 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 0046 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE OIL DISCOLORATION OBSERVED DURING PRE-DELIVERY. *TT | |
| 030800 Sep 2000 | Power Train | ;SUBJECT REGARDING RTV USE ON CORPORATE AXLE. *TT |
Showing 60 of 75 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- 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 →