Dodge Ram 2nd Generation Common Problems and Issues

1996-2002 2nd Gen Dodge Ram Common Problems
Dodge Ram common issues
Chrysler Ram common failures
Dodge Ram issues and problems
Dodge ram transmission and engine problems
dodge ram buyer's guide

[theratedrtransformer]

The only real issue i think we can all agree on damn dash board were not built to last in the texas heat

[AZsmoothrider]

1997 owned for 22 years..still on original fuel pump, water pump, starter, alterantor and AC. Replaced belt, hoses, fluids and filters only. I've changed the driver door window switch 3x and the driver door hinge pins need to be replaced. Been an excellent truck for me.

[darreshprasad]

I have a 96 dodge ram and it has gave me zero problems for the last 21 years all you have to do is maintain it properly

[juanhurtado]

Proud owner of a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, minor repairs like water pump and alignment components, biggest repair was a new transmission at about 200k miles. Currently 245k miles, same original engine, no smoke 💨 or mechanical issues other than normal maintenance when needed. 21 yrs and still looking like a just a couple of years out of the lot.

[beaprezoutto]

I have a 98 with 310, 000 Kms.. You should have mentioned about the clear coat on the hood and other places peeling off, l could see it on yours, same as mine.

[randyprevette]

I have 98 5.2 no ac bit it's a work truck. Dash is perfect. Never done a thing to the suspension. 1 transmission! 231k miles. Pulls 4k daily!
Love my RAM 🐏

[dadtype]

Got a 96 ram 1500 gen 2 reg cab 165k miles all stock no issues, it's not fast in a quick sense but it's one hell of a monster for pulling! Yeah, hell with the dash, what dash lol. Only parts that are not stock and mind you I just changed for new parts: rear drum breaks, front wheel bearing hubs, front rotors and break pads and yeah that's at 165k miles. America's longest lasting truck indeed! Oh, and I put an air horn in. Easy to work on parts are cheap cost wise, I'd recommend this truck.

[IssaqAl-Ahmed]

Agree with just about everything except the transmission. Just over 200k on my 2001, no real issues besides the torque converter finally getting old and slipping a bit when cold. Nice vid.

[sstiver]

I've got a 99 and haven't had a single issue with it. Great truck highly recommend it

[fernandoduarte]

I just bought a 1996 with 163000 miles on it 3 days ago and i do like it . i will keep it .cuz people asking me if im selling it
No never..

[mps]

I have had some of these problems but alot of the issues he's talking about are fairly trivial. I still have my 98 1500 with a automatic and 318 its rusty but trusty believe there's nothing fancy about these trucks but he is right they are work horses and they're also very practical especially to fix. Yes even the transmission issues if you ever do.

[mattshavers]

They aren't slow! Torque is 2nd to none in this class of truck. The 5.2 had a more issues than the 5.9. I have a 2000 4x4 5.9 with 240, 000. I have had no mechanical problems whatsoever. I did experience the HVAC vaccum lines dry rotting and breaking due to age and heat. Simple fix with the vaccum line replacement kit. The ball joint issue is from not regularly greasing them. I don't see this as problems its age and not taking care of it. Only problem legit is the trans.

[conradts]

I love my 2001. bought w 142000 now have 180000. problems: ball joints and control arms replaced. two power steering pumps, water pump and two sets of hoses, A/C evaporator, transmission rebuild -- in the shop now. still it's a great truck. long bed, extended cab. Interior is good except for top of dash and it hasn't left me anywhere despite the trouble. Air bag rear suspension helpers put it my previous owner and I can haul anything.

[xeonentertainment]

With the HVAC system check valve I have have two questions on first is how do you know there bad and is there a specific way of or orientation of putting them on?

[mnlvill]

I’ve had my 01 ram for 20yrs and that hvac system is new discovery.

[soultormentor]

I Used to have a 98 ram with no problems
had it in the family for 18 years until the truck took a hit on the driver side

[Jim_Stark]

thank you. i was looking at buying a 98 with 172, 000 on it. now i've changed my mind.

[feartheancient]

Should I buy a 1996 it just has dents and a little play in the steering wheel? 2500 bucks seems like a deal to me but I don’t know much about trucks any advice?

[bobbyhansen]

The transmission issue is because of the check valve, I had no idea until my transmission guy told me to take it out because they will cause the transmission to burn up.

[tonyposillo]

I have a 97 and agree. A little Maintenance will go a long way. I'm at 228000 miles, and no check engine lights 👍