1996 Dodge Ram 3500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Dodge Ram 3500: 1 recall, 124 owner complaints.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V024000 · 1999 · 79,366 vehicles
What's wrong: Operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out.
Why it matters: If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (36): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (19): the most common themes are leaks (6), hard / delayed shifting (5).
- Suspension (16): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), steering problems (5).
- Speed control / throttle (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 has 124 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 22 Ram 3500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 140). Complaints peaked in 1998 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 115,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (108 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (125 complaints, 1 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Dodge Ram 3500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Dodge Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (36), transmission & drivetrain (19), suspension (16).
Where can I get a 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.