7.8

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,640 miles

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problem #35

Jul 162008

Ram 1500

  • 129,385 miles
Was driving on highway at 65 mph, I crossed a small bump in the road and lost all control of the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 pickup. It shook all the stuff off of my seat as well as my cd holder. This is the second time this has happened. I am at a loss as to how to look for the problem. I love this truck but I have gone through two wheel bearings and a tie rod end and I have only had it for a year.... I want to know how to fix this problem before someone gets killed.

- Belfry , MT, USA

problem #34

Apr 042002

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 68,000 miles
Vehicle is on fourth engine and only 44,000 miles on present engine. Dealer says engine is out of warranty. Excessive blow by from engine. Check engine light comes on. Sensors have been replaced but problem still occurs. Also the truck wanders on the road, and has a rumbling rattle noise on front passenger side that sounds like its coming from the shocks area. But my mechanic says shocks are ok. The dealer did not check into problem when I purchased the truck but it is listed as complaint when the first engine was replaced. Have replaced tracking bar, U-joints, rear springs, stabilizer shock & tires. When going over bumps on highway vehicle jerks the steering wheel to side rail fast giving a fishtail effect. Drive shaft has also been replaced.

- Grand Junction, CO, USA

problem #33

Oct 012000

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Under normal operating conditions when traveling around 50 to 60 mph and hitting a bump, front end will vibrate violently. Consumer must stop vehicle in order to get vibration to go away. Dealership has examined vehicle twice: During first incident dealership replaced track bar, and at second incident, dealership could not determine cause. The steering damper has been replaced and consumer hopes that this solves the problem.

- Hickory, NC, USA

problem #32

Jun 161998

Ram 1500

  • miles
Ongoing problem with a clicking sound in steering wheel when turning, and a problem with wandering cross road at 40 or more mph. Dealer was notified. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #31

Sep 182000

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Driving at 15 mph or more front end will shake uncontrollably causing a loss of vehicle control. Consumer replaced tires, but defect still occurs.

- Pen Argyl, PA, USA

problem #30

Jun 072000

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
Truck pulls right / alignment is within normal values / appeared at around 49500 miles.

- Del Rio, TX, USA

problem #29

May 052000

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
I have had this Dodge into the Dodge dealership many times explaining that the pickup pulls to the right or pulls to the left. They said on each time they have installed spacers to correct it but it is still not corrected. I am in need of getting this resolved.

- Gazells, CA, USA

problem #28

Mar 011999

Ram 1500

  • miles
While driving 60 mph front end vibrates or shakes, causing the wheel to feel like a wave in which the occupant may lose control which could result in a crash. Manufacturer is aware of the problem, but consumer has to pay for repairs.

- Villa Hills, KY, USA

problem #27

Feb 021999

Ram 1500

  • miles
Vehicle experienced excessive clunking and looseness noise in front end of vehicle due to excessively worn front end components.

- Danvers, MA, USA

problem #26

Apr 011999

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
At highway speeds, vehicle has vibration. Feels like tire slightly out of balance, but tires have been balanced repeatedly, wheels have been checked for true, and tires have been checked for out of round. Dealer stated that stock Goodyear tires "are known for having a rough ride" but are not covered by warranty because they are "wear items". dealer suggested replacing wheels and tires, both of which were done, but not at dealer; problem was not resolved and cost nearly $2000. Vibration is significant enough that front passenger seat can be seen vibrating. This is more of a nuisance than a safety hazard, but can make for an uncomfortable ride. Dealer's comment has been that "that's the way a truck rides, " and stated that there was nothing that they could do to resolve it.

- Clinton, MD, USA

problem #25

Apr 011999

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
When driving over a bump or pothole, front suspension will shimmy violently. Shimmying continues until vehicle is pulled to side of road and speed is reduced. Shocks have been replaced, and did not resolve problem. There is no rhyme or reason to cause. Some bumps and potholes cause, some do not. Sometimes, shimmy starts mildly and progressively gets worse. Although occurred at 65, also occurs at slower highway speeds. If you know of a fix that is available (e.g., dealer retrofit), please E-mail me! although this has not caused an accident, chances are it eventually will!

- Clinton, MD, USA

problem #24

Nov 201998

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The front tracking bar that holds the front axle in place is very loose and is about to break which may cause an accident. Cause unknown.

- Forest Lake, MN, USA

problem #23

Oct 181996

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Wheel alignment failed.

- Thousand P, CA, USA

problem #22

Apr 211998

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
Front end misalignment. In addition, rear axle seals/axle bearings/steering drag:link/front brake calipers/rotors and pads/rear brake shoes and drums and rear brake cylinders and brake vacuum booster failed/replaced.

- Rio Rancho, NM, USA

problem #21

Apr 081998

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Front end makes clunking noise.

- Simpsonvil, SC, USA

problem #20

Dec 301997

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Vehicle continuously out of alignment. Excessive wear to front tires that causes vehicle to drift to the right with steering wheel held straight.

- Gold River, CA, USA

problem #19

Dec 301997

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Vehicle continuously out of alignment. Excessive wear to front tires that causes vehicle to drift to the right with steering wheel held straight.

- Gold River, CA, USA

problem #18

Dec 301997

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Continuous out of alignment; inability to hold alignment. Front tires wear excessively on outer edges.

- Gold River, CA, USA

problem #17

Nov 101997

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Steering in the vehicle gets extremely sloppy when driving and makes it hard to steer. The steering column has been replaced and the upper and lower control arms.

- West Nyack, NY, USA

problem #16

May 031996

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
Alignment: Pulls to the right and wearing the tires out. The alignment has been repaired eight time since may of 1996.

- Pittsburg, CA, USA

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