Dodge Ram 1996 - Power train - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Dodge Ram 1996

Recalls
Technical Service Bulletins
Defect investigations
Consumer Complaints

Recalls

Campaign	Manufacturer	Manufacturing date	Type	# of units affected	Date Owner notified Mfg	Recall Initiated by	Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products	Report Recieved Date	Record Creation Date
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
97V084000	CHRYSLER CORPORATION	from 01/01/1994 to 02/01/1997	V (Vehicle)	960000	05/19/1997	ODI	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	05/05/1997	05/23/1997
Defect Summary	Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
Consequence Summary	When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
Corrective Summary	Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
Notes	Owner notification began may 19, 1997. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
99V115000	DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION	from 07/31/1993 to 04/30/1999	V (Vehicle)	8883	12/27/1999	ODI	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	05/06/1999	05/12/1999
Defect Summary	Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. if this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.
Consequence Summary	The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Corrective Summary	Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Notes	Owner notification began december 27, 1999. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chrysler at 1-800-992-1997. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Replacement Bulletin	Item no.	Summary	Added
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2100601	03/16/2001	211699	621898	Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. tt mj	10/03/2001
211197A	09/05/1997	21-11-97	6089030	This bulletin involves reverse buzz (46re) *nlm	01/12/2000
211297	08/29/1997		6089032	This bulletin involves transfer case shifter buzz or rattle. *nlm	01/12/2000
210899	04/30/1999		604975	Vehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear is selected. *tt	05/21/1999
211098	09/25/1998		602433	Conditions with loss of fifth gear. *yc	11/04/1998
211098	09/11/1998		602211	Transmission opertes normally through all ranges except fifth gear. *yc	10/15/1998
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
184998	12/30/1998		603145	Driveline induced vehicle surge / vibration diagnosis. *ak	02/04/1999
211197	09/05/1997		54392	Experiencing a buzz sound when shifting into reverse. *yc	04/07/1998
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
211397	11/07/1997		6089034	Concerns with manual transmission gear rattle at operating temperatures. *nlm	01/12/2000
210697A	12/19/1997	21-06-97	6088991	This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation, inhibitor programming. *nlm	01/11/2000
210498	02/20/1998		600371	Subject on manual transmission gear rattle at operating temperatures. *yc	05/12/1998
210697	03/21/1997		54373	Overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures. *yc	04/07/1998

Investigations

NHTSA ID	Manufacturer	Date open	Date close	Subject	Recall campaign
POWER TRAIN
EA99027	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	09/10/1999	05/30/2000	STEERING COLUMN FIRES	00V135000
	Odi has received 33 complaints alleging excessive heat in the ignition switch and related circuitry in 1994-1996 dodge ram trucks.the root cause is an excessive current draw through the ignition switch result in fire, smoke, melting of surrounding plastics, stalling and the illumination of air bag and anti-lock brake system (abs) warnig lights. daimlerchrsler has been aware of the potential for this failure and implemented a design change to reduce the current draw through the switch.this design change involved the installation of a relay in the blower motor circuitry for all ram trucks built after march 15,1996.daimlerchrysler also made available an ignition switch repair package (pn 4874996) which includes the necessary components to upgrade vehicles built prior to the implementation date.daimlechrysler also issued a correspondence to its zones instructing technicians to replace failed ignition switches in the subject population with the sevice kit only.an engineering analysis is necessary to determine if a safety defect trend exists.odi will focus its investigation on fires in the steering column area as well as the effects of switch failure on the abs and air bag system.
PE96070	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	11/26/1996	05/15/1997	TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES	96V084000
	Transmission fluid leakage at cooler tube disconnects is alleged to have resulted in vehicle fires.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)
PE99031	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	05/05/1999	09/10/1999	IGNITION SWITCH
	Complainants allege fires, melting, smoke or excessive heat in the vicinity of the ignition switch
PE96070	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	11/26/1996	05/15/1997	TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES	97V084000
	Transmission fluid leakage at cooler tube disconnects is alleged to have resulted in vehicle fires.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
RQ98002	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	03/10/1998		TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS	97V084000
	The loss of quick connector joint integrity due to high automatic transmission fluid temperatures which may exceed the melting point of the connector material, allowing transmission fluid to leak or spray from the joints, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
POWER TRAIN
03/15/1999	32701
	My main complaint is the transmission. the pressure seal for second gear has been replaced 3 times. it lasts for about 30,000 miles and then goes. i've had to pay for the repair 2 out of 3 times. approx 1400.00.. the last time i had parts put in that were not chrysler products.
10/15/2003	0

07/15/2003	88992
	Cylinder head's are cracked, causing truck to damage head gaskets. overdrive on the truck went out so truck wouldn't shift.
01/15/2003	75000
	Paint is coming off in huge spots. starts as a small faded area then starts peeling. transmission stalls in second gear and takes a while to shift to third.
09/19/2001		1	01/09/1996
	Driving up hill, stopped at top of hill and started again. noticed transmission would not shift out of first gear, pulled over to side observed transmission fluid leaking from disconnected lines, recall 97v084000 does not relate to the deisels vehicles
05/09/2000		5	02/01/1998
	During failure all of the warning lights flash the transmission goes haywire and the tachometer goes haywire. this truck has been at three different shops, we have changed out the transmission relay, the headlight lamp, serviced the transmisison and still cannot find the cause. in addition, we have replace a radio which has shorted out and the fuel indicator doesn't work. both of which failed before the truck was three years old, unfortuneately just out of warranty. *ak
12/29/1996		1	03/01/1996
	Trip odometer failed. qcaw
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
12/20/2003	65000	3
	While driving transmission failed to go from second to thid gear. mechanic stated that the third gear lip seal failed. this was a common failure with these vehicles. *ak
	77158	1	06/01/1999
	Manufacturer defect could have caused an accident or even harm. ph problems with vehicle not shifting properly. vehicle was taken to dealership and the high clutch drum was replaced. mr jb sc
06/09/2002		1	07/01/2097
	Shifted from park to reverse. engine idled fast, truck took off in reverse and could not be stopped by pressing on the brake. speed probably accelerated to 20 mph before hit 3 other vehicles. witnesses said the rear tires were spinning and the engine noise was high pitched and oscillating.*ak
04/15/1996		3
	Transmission will jump into low gear and/or won't down shift at times. ak consumer added during cold start, transmission will not back up for short time. tt
10/01/2000
	Transmission has a delay when shifting from 2 nd to 3 rd gear, also there is a grinding sound when in reverse.*ak
09/01/2001
	Transmission slips most times when it shifts from 2 nd to 3 rd gear, vehicle has not been examined by dealer yet.*ak

	While shifting vehicle in second gear transmission would skip second gear. dealer has been contacted. please provide further information.*ak
11/01/2001		1	04/01/2000
	Mechanic said he see this in dodge's ranging in the yrs.1994-1999's, it is a faulty part. no safety defec tmentioned. *ak
01/14/2002		0
	While driving about any mph transmission worked poorly. at starting/ passing gear will make a loud noise. please provide more information.*ak
08/15/2001		1	01/01/1996
	His transmission started slipping in august. i contacted the chrysler corporation who stated that it wasn't their problem to have replaced, when we had 2 dealerships tell us that dodge has always had problems with their transmissions, and that is why now they are offering the 7 year/70,000 mi. powertrain warranty on all of their vehicles. we feel that they should recall this and have it replaced for no charge to us. the dodge trucks we wre told have the longest running powertrain capabilities. we were also told that the transmission should not have gone out at 70,000 mi. when they are good for at least 150,000 mi. before any problems should ever occur. if you should need any further information, please feel free to contact me at either number listed. thank-you. walter butler. *ak
07/17/2001		0
	When vehicle is cold it will not go into reverse. also, vehicle will not go into second or third gear unless consumer releases gas pedal and rpms will come down. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
11/09/1998		2	08/01/1996
	Problem was intermittent ,got progressively worse. no safety defec tlisted. *ak
08/13/2001		3	12/01/1995
	No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/07/2001			07/01/2001
	Transmission slips going from 2 gear to 3 gear. *ak
09/03/2001
	Vehicle jumps from fifth gear to neutral because bolt in column shift comes out. dealer has been notified. please provide additional information.*ak
08/01/2000
	Transmission does not shift from second to third gear easily. consumer contacted several mechanics, including chrysler dealer, who said that it was a manufacturing defect and should be recalled. transmission began to fail at 57, 000, it was a heat related problem. an overdrive unit w/ torque converter heated up seals which will not allow the seals to hold pressure.*ak
02/17/2000		2	03/01/1996
	I have replaced mirrors at my own cost. *ak
05/17/2001			01/01/1998
	I was not able to enter the vin # here it is: 187kf23c8tj185891. i was traveling @ 75 mph in the fast lane of interstate 95 in heavy traffic. felt sudden loss of power & decline of speed, narrowly escaped major accident. found that transmission lost 5th gear. researched and found manufacturer published service bulletin (#21-10-98a) sept. 98. i was never made aware of this known problem. dodge does not consider this a safety concern - i wish they were in the vehicle when this happened instead of my two sons & i.*ak
11/01/2000
	Steering has to much play, also there is a popping sound, to dealer 4 times, cannot find problem. vehicle will not stay in overdrive. *ak
02/26/2001		1
	Engine would hesitate before shifting gears. 3rd gear was burning out. dealer said nothing was wrong with it. consumer took vehicle into an amoco, and test drove it to find problem. ak dealer replaced the transducer and solenoid. slc
06/15/2000		1	07/01/1999
	No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
01/11/2001		1
	Was driving home when vehicle started to slow down, applied more gas, but vehicle was not going anywhere. motor would rev up. managed to get vehicle to side of road. placed vehicle in park and was getting out when vehicle almost ran over driver. vehicle did not have park/drive or reverse. vehicle was towed. was informed, it had no rear end. *ak
12/03/2000		2
	This is the second time we've had the transmission replaced. once at 43,832 miles, now at 71,750 miles. almost caused an accident when we pulled into traffic and the transmission slipped out of gear. *ak
		1
	The original transmission was replaced under warranty, the vehicle has not been used for any towing or other power train stressing jobs. the second transmission has failed, under similar no stress condition less than 20k miles later. a widely accepted industry standard for transmission life expectancy is 7yrs/100,000 miles. *ak
11/18/2000		1
	Have had to rebuild transmission, also know of others in this same area with the same problem and they are also 1996 models

	Frame separated because of improper welding, causing the transmission bolts to separate.*ak
05/30/2000		1	02/01/1996
	Nhtsa id 97v08400
08/04/2000		0
	While driving gas pedal may be down to the floor, but vehicle won't go anywhere. took vehicle to dealer, and they found pieces of rubber o-ring, metal slitherings, clutch materials in transmission pan. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they said consumer needed a new transmission/front pump, consumers felt this car was 4 years old, and should not be having transmission problems.*ak
06/25/2000
	While driving vehicle experience problems with transmission which the vehicle does shift properly and may result in a crash. also, the engine check light stayed on. but, dealer could not determine the problem. please provide further information. *ak
05/09/2000		5	02/01/1998
	During failure all of the warning lights flash the transmission goes haywire and the tachometer goes haywire. this truck has been at three different shops, we have changed out the transmission relay, the headlight lamp, serviced the transmisison and still cannot find the cause. in addition, we have replace a radio which has shorted out and the fuel indicator doesn't work. both of which failed before the truck was three years old, unfortuneately just out of warranty. *ak

	Vehicle will lose power when going up a hill. dealer has rebuilt transmission, but defect has reoccurred. *ak
02/22/2000		1	04/01/1996
	The transmission failed at 31, 700 mi. it required a major overhaul to return it to operation. labor costs were $1100 dollars and parts $800. after discussions with the dealer the labor charges were paid by the dealer. investigation into continuing problems with dodge ram transmissions prompted owner to call chrysler 800 number to complain about $800 payment. owner was told that since the $800 was paid, no refund could be provided. owner was told that this determination was final and no appeal to higher authority was possible. owner personally knows three other individuals with dodge ram pickups that had the same problem at the same mileage. chrysler refuses to acknowledge this defect preferring instead to defer the expense to the vehicle owner. *ak
01/29/2000		2	12/01/1998
	Transmission goes into 2nd when going down the road and won't shift out other. people i know with same pickups have had similar problems with transmission. *ak
			12/01/1995
	Transmission will not shift to 2-3 geras normaly, also, abs brake light comes on at idle. *ak
			09/01/1995
	The automatic transmission has not failed. it continually skipps in and out of 2nd gear. when pulling away from a stop sign in first gear, the transmission jumps to 2nd and back to 1st, then into drive. this action is random and occurs more frequently sometimes. it will jump in and out of 2nd gear when ever the vehical speed is low enough to require 2nd gear. the vehical is maintained extremely well. the transmission has had 5 full service filter and oil changes. it has a factory transmission oil cooler. the problems are not related to neglect, or to heat. this transmission drives me nuts! in fact it, could disrupt ones attention just enough to result in an accident. *ak
04/01/1998		2	11/01/1997
	Transmission slips and fails on ingrades.... excessive tire wear on the front tires and excessive fuel consumption.. and rough vibration in the front end even after a tire change and balance, and front end alignment... gas milage is 230 miles to a 26 gallon tank of gas( dot number: tire size: p225/75r16 )
09/01/1999		1	11/01/1996
	We experienced a complete transmission failure and had to be towed. the dealer had to replace the transmission with a factory rebuilt unit because this transmission is no longer manufactured. we can only assume this is because the transmission was under designed and not suitable for use in this truck. we feel that the entire cost of the repair and replacement should be borne by the vehicle manufacturer.
			08/01/1998
	Trans shifts into 2nd and stays until high rpm or slips until +load or +throttle
			06/01/1996
	No summary.
05/01/1999		2	09/01/1995
	The automatic transmission failed the first time when it was under warranty at about 20,000 miles. the dealer said that a forward seal had been rolled when it was installed at the factory. the transmission was taken out and the seal replaced. the exact same problem occurred again at about 70,000 miles. symptoms: when starting out with the engine cold, the transmission will not upshift past second gear. the engine speed will not affect the change, only warming the engine by driving approximately two miles will cause the transmission to operate normally. however, even during warmed driving, the problem returns intermittently, which causes the vehicle to slow down considerably and has caused problems with traffic on freeway systems where higher speed is required. top speed during this problem is 35 mph.
04/16/1999		1	10/01/1997
	Engine completely fell apart and was replaced by northe star dodge in san antonio. air conditioner has relay problems. transmission found to have clutch pieces in it by independant used car tester. all windows and doors have air leaks and rain leaks. vehicle leaks water up throught he floor board when driving in rain. vehicle also shudders dramatically when going over 40 mph. carberator has choke problems and is hard to start. most if not all of these problems were reported to dodge within 10,000 miles of purchase but due to stalling techiches by fiesta dodge nothing has ever been remedied.
08/15/1998		4	10/02/1997
	Transmission shudders at 45 mph, does not shift and shakes when going into 3rd or overdirve, and jerks and slips, dealer has replaced the valve body and reconditioned transmission and replaced convertor, transmission continues to lock up and jerk. driver and passenger side mirrors were both replaced due to being loose. emergency brake handle came off and was replaced. fuel gauge read empty with 12 gallons in tank, dealer replaced fuel pump module. wiper blades weren't cleaning windshield, dealer replaced both wiper blades, windshield washer was inoperable, dealer replaced washer motor. vehicle has experienced many problems with the interior and dome lights failing, dome light keeps blowing fuse and dealer has replaced the strip lighting and fuse box door and repaired the open circuit to junction block. radiator cap was replaced due to low coolant. there was a brake fluid leak, dealer replaced caps for the master cylinder, the brake and abs light were illuminated, dealer replaced rear wheel speed sensor and wiring. passenger side vent window would not open and leaked air. vehicle only gets 13mph on highway, consumer states this is poor gas mileage. *slc
08/13/1999
	When driving at any speed vehicle isn't shifting properly. also, floorboard is getting hot, and there is some type of noise coming from the floorboard. *ak
07/28/1996
	Ongoing problem with automatic transmission; transmission has no reverse, and will not shift into 3rd gear. dealer/manufacturer notifed, and manufacturer is willing to share cost; but consumer believes manufacturer. should be responsible for full cost. can nhtsa provide additional information on this matter. *ak
			06/22/1996
	Transmission will not shift between gears. transmission needs an overhall. manufacturer will be notified. *ak
12/27/1998		1	01/01/1996
	Initial transmission problem started @ 38000 just out of warranty. dealer said they couldn't help. i never thought of contacting manufacturer. trans. diagnosis complete at 72500 mis, dealer say rebuild, r+r at 89300mis. brake mastercylinder lid was leaking causing insufficiet fluid level lead to pad and shoe failure. transmission failure led to lifter failure in the engine. trans would long shift putiing strain on engine causing a higher rev. ultimately weakening 2 lifters. i am now hearing a noise and feeling jolts on the steering wheel turning left . problem is unknown at this time. *ak

	Transmission slips while driving. dealer has rebuilt transmission. *ak
03/15/1999		1	12/01/1995
	Transmission has premature internal dysfunction. hangs in gears, and slips while shifting, causing a dangerous situation. this truck is apparently well known for this problem without submitting a recall. repair is about $2000.
04/25/1998		2
	Transmission replaced last fall. now lost reverse in transmission. took to dealer & informed needed a kit to correct problem in transmission at owner's cost. the manufacturer knows about lost reverse gear. *ak
03/05/1999			05/01/1997
	Vehicle placed in service 10/95 so out of warranty. manufacturer refuses to do anything because it was not repaired by them. this is the same problem that the 95 trucks had (8/82).
09/01/1998			04/03/1996
	While driving 60 mph the transmission will slip from drive tino neutral without warning, causing unknown. dealer cannot identify the problem. please give any further details. *ak
12/30/1998		1	02/01/1996
	No summary provided by consumer
08/01/1998
	Transmission goes into first gear at a stop position, and won't shift to second, moving the transmission winds. replaced with new, same problem still exists. provide further information. *ak
10/08/1997
	Consumer experiencing ongoing problems with vehicle on varouis parts. 1. transmission failed to operate at 58,000 mile of wear 2. intake manifold gasket broke, and 3. fuel pump failed to operate. dealer notified and refused to repair because the consumer did not have extended warranty. *ak
10/13/1998			10/01/1996
	Van 250 transmissioon failure, at 48,000 mi transmission does not shift into 3rd gear. reverse gear does not ingage until you race the engine in reverse then bangs. dealer claims upper cluches leaking and transmission has to be rebuilt. this is a heavy duty transmission and it should not go out at only 48,000 miles
		1	10/28/1995
	Transmission quick cooler line connect recall work not completed due to scheduling problem.
07/15/1998
	The three out of four bolts that are attached plate at the bottom of the clutch are loose. if all bolts separate clutch could drop. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer states bolts need replacing. please provide any further details. *ak
			01/01/1996
	Transmission cooling line couplings problem.
			11/01/1996
	Transmission failure.
10/02/1997		1	01/16/1996
	Transmission failed after recall repair.
		1	01/26/1996
	Four speed automatic transmission slipped before/after recall repairs.
04/06/1996		1	03/01/1996
	Transmission noisy when in reverse.
11/01/1996		1	05/01/1996
	Automatic transmission makes noise while in reverse gear.
		3
	Transmission failed times.
01/29/1997		1
	Transmission failure resulted in fire prior to recall.
01/12/1997			09/01/1996
	While driving vehicle in cold wheater the transmission locks up and will not shift in a higher gear. this happens when going about 30mph. dealer says that they have no idea what the problem is on this vehicle. *ak
05/07/1996		1	05/02/1996
	Transmission failed.
06/01/1997		1	05/16/1996
	Overdrive unit broke, causing sudden acceleration.
06/01/1997		1	05/16/1996
	Transmission down shifted.
09/20/1996		1
	Transmission vibrates.
04/29/1997		2	06/26/1996
	Vehicle experienced a transmission overheating problem. also, vehicle pulled to the left upon braking/front end misalignment pulled vehicle to the right. *ak
04/23/1996		1	02/17/1996
	Transmission slipping.
07/07/1996
	Put the vehicle in park, got out of vehicle and it slipped into reverse and ran over me. took vehicle to repair shop and the dealer said the linkage was off about 1 inch. *ak
07/07/1995		3	06/01/1990
	Truck was in park, driver got out truck, truck jumped into reverse, ran over driver's leg. leg was lost. has happened twice since then. *ak
03/18/1996		1	03/16/1996
	Epa standard. onboard computer redesigned for 1999, doesn't provide proper reading to engine, resulting in hesitation and stalling. *ak
12/10/1995
	While vehicle was warming up in park position , gear selector went from park to reverse causing vehicle to back up into a building. please describe details. tt
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
12/21/2001		1
	Consumer states transmission leaks. dealer found defective cooler line. copy of reimbursement check for expenses incurred by consumer attached. *tt
11/01/2001		1	03/09/2001
	Coolant system inside of transmission was melting gear, transmission was replaced. consumer states that the transmission was replaced 01-nov-2001 and she had nothing but problems with it until now. *slc
07/13/2001		0
	While driving up a hill engine lost power and rolled backward. then, consumer controlled vehicle and parked it, and saw black smoke. transmission fluid came out. problem was just like safety recall on gasoline o, but this vehicle engine was diesel. *ak
03/05/2001		0
	In 1997 vehicle was taken in for recall 97 v 084 000 repairs. problem has reoccurred, transmission fluid was leaking. consumer has contacted dealer. please provide any further information.*ak
07/01/2000		2
	While driving 55 mph transmission cooling lines broke, there was a recall on this component but it only covered gasoline models, not diesel. ak the consumer stated that there were two instances when the transmission connections blew out. yh
05/12/2000			02/01/2000
	The throttle cable unraveled, front differential seals leak oil, transmission plastic connections leaked, and an alignment needed t offset bushing. *ak
02/06/1999		1	09/26/1998
	Recall 97v084 000/transmission cooling line: while traveling on the highway at 65 mph fluid line disconnected from transmission and caused loss of fluid. this could have caused a fire. dealer notified, and infomed consumer that vehicle was not under a recall. *ak

	Dealer was doing a diagnostic check on the vehicle when temperature exceeded the limit, causing transmission cooling lines to separate, resulting in fluid leaking onto the manifold which caused a fire. also, recall 99v115000 deals with the same type of problem. however, this vehicle is not included due to vin. please provide any further details. *ak
05/21/1999		1	01/01/1996
	While driving driver saw heavy smoke coming from the back of truck. after stopping truck, driver crawled under the truck and noticed transmission fluid squirting out of the transmission line. truck was towed to the dealership. dealer is reparing the truck at owner's cost. also, this truck was not included in recall 97v084000 chrysler/transmission cooling line. the failure was the plastic fitting that attaches the trans cooler line to the transmission, allowing fluid to leak out. fluid was spewing out dangerously close to the ignition. *ak.et.
		1
	Consumer not notified of recall of transmission cooler pressure line quick connects which from incorrect seating or extreme heat caused fluid loss rrsulting in severe transmission damage.
12/11/1998		1	10/01/1995
	3500 pickup while driving up a 7% grade the transmission cooler line came loose and i lost all transmission fluid. the tow truck dealer said there was a plastic snap fitting on this cooler line that often ruptures. when they called in the dispatcher said, another dodge? we had just come down a severe grade. if this had failed on that slope we'd probably been killed.

	Recall 97v084000, transmission cooling unit and lines; dealer does not have the time to do recall repairs because it is for free. *ak
10/29/1997
	Received recall notice (#97v084000). called nearest dealer & made appointment, but they were overbooked. took vehicle to another dealer out of town after calling about parts. arriving was informed did not have parts & to take vehicle some place else. *ak
09/15/1997
	Received recall notice (397v084000). called dealer & set appointment. supposedly did the recall, but transmission was damaged. owner noticed oil on ground after recall repairs was done. had a cracked transmission case. dealer does not know when it will be replaced. *ak
08/18/1997
	Had received the recall notice (#97v084000) in mail. called in to make appointment with dealer. took the vehicle to dealer. they kept it over a week. they did not repair the recall problem. did not explain why they could not do it. *ak
12/27/1995
	Transmission coolant overheated, transmission fluid spilled onto exhaust; caused fire between frame and transmission, on left front of vehicle. tt
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
03/01/1996		1	12/30/1995
	Transmission slips in/out of third gear.
06/19/1996
	Vehicle slipped from park into reverse while the engine was running. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
08/02/1996		1	06/01/1996
	Transfer case and universal joint broke.
01/01/1996		1	11/04/1995
	Routing of transfer hoses cause hoses to burn/melt on exhaust/4 wheel drive to fail.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
04/15/1996		3
	Transmission will jump into low gear and/or won't down shift at times. ak consumer added during cold start, transmission will not back up for short time. tt

	This vehicle can be placed into gear without the brake being applied. dealer has not been contacted. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
08/01/2000
	Transmission does not shift from second to third gear easily. consumer contacted several mechanics, including chrysler dealer, who said that it was a manufacturing defect and should be recalled. transmission began to fail at 57, 000, it was a heat related problem. an overdrive unit w/ torque converter heated up seals which will not allow the seals to hold pressure.*ak
12/05/1995		2	11/30/1995
	Torque converter bolt failed.
02/17/1997		1
	Torque converter locks up while towing near capacity loads up hill.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
08/21/2001		1
	Rear axle seals leaking and transfer case leaking. nlm
08/20/2000		1	05/01/1996
	Rear axle recently started making an audible gear whine/moan when going any speed. the truck has 68,000 miles currently. i have accounts of other people that have owned '96 ram 1500 trucks that have had similar, if not the same problem that i have experienced. i am concerned about my saftey and the saftey of others if this differential decides to fail and lockup. my warranty is up and this will be a costly fix. your attention and response would be much appreciated.
06/05/1999		2	03/01/1996
	The tire, rim, brake drum and axle shaft separated from the axle housing. the assembly wedged under vehicle. when it popped out, it flew up and landed directly in front of another vehicle. when the assembly separated, apparently the other (remaining) drive wheel became disconnected from the engine; our exhaust brake could not slow us down. additionally, the brakes were spongy, and apparently not working. we slid to a stop on what remained of the axle housing. when we exited the vehicle, there was a flame shooting from the end of the axle housing, where the axle shaft would normally be. this flame was approx. 1.5-2 feet from the fuel filler tube. immediately prior to the accident, there was a very loud screetch sound. within a minute, the wheel assembly came apart. after repairs were made, the same axle problems reappeared.
06/18/1999		2	03/01/1996
	The vehicle had just been repaired by sandusky chrysler dealership, sandusky, oh, for the previous axle failure. traveling east on the ohio turnpike, the vehicle suddenly slowed, like someone just jammed-on my brakes. within a minute, there were two very loud screetches. my wife, traveling in a rental vehicle behind me, even hear the screetches. given our previous experience, i immediately stopped at the side of the road. while trying to see what happened, we were informed by construction crews that we could not stay, there, on the side of the highway. they directed us a couple miles up the road, to the next exit. once off the highway, we stopped to find the driver's side rear wheel sticking out from the fender by a couple inches. on closer inspection, there was smoke coming from between the wheel and the backing plate. the wheel assembly was starting to separate from the axle housing, again. we called for a tow truck, to return the vehicle to the repairing dealership. upon their inspection, the wheel bearings were again burned. and, yes, the wheel assembly and axle shaft were leaving the vehicle.
01/09/1987
	Suspension failure, the rear axle broke while driving, causing loss of control. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
02/23/1998		1	11/17/1995
	Transmission vibration due to failure of the bearings.
		15	01/15/1996
	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.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
09/01/1998		2	07/15/1996
	There is an oil leak from rear axle because of poor machinery of metal that allowed brake line to become contaminated with oil on the left rear wheel.*ak
05/12/2000			02/01/2000
	The throttle cable unraveled, front differential seals leak oil, transmission plastic connections leaked, and an alignment needed t offset bushing. *ak
12/30/1998		1
	Axle seal failed, brake shoes replaced. *mjs
03/24/1999		1	05/01/1997
	When applying the brakes, vehicle has no power. also, the power steering failed, causing consumer to put vehicle into neutral, and rev the engine. took six months to get part after repeated calls. front brakes wearing out prematurely because rear brakes are not self adjusting. very unsafe when braking at higher speeds. yc the left rear axle seal was leaking. water collects near the passenger door underneath the carpet. yh
		15	01/15/1996
	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.
07/08/1996		1
	Rear axle seals replaced.
08/01/1996		1	06/16/1996
	Rear axle seal failed.

	Rear axle seal leaks fluid onto brakes. *ak

	Was driving and the abs and brake light came on, brake pedal went to the floor, took to dealer once and replaced the master cylinder, now the truck is at dealer for rear seal repair. *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
01/14/2002		0
	Clutch could not be use at the time of shifting gear. had taken vehicle to dealer. they found out that clutch trail bearing was destroyed. please provide more information.*ak
07/21/1999		2	09/01/1995
	There are two recalls for this problems #828 & #838. they do not include the 1996 two wheel drive, the clutch hydraulic is the same and we had the same problems. they fixed it at 98,000 miles and the same thing happened 15,000 miles later. their fix did not fix the problem. they installed a shield but the plastic clutch line runs next to the shield and touches. plastic next to metal melts and the line burst causing or can cause a fire. they will not fix it again. the recall also need to be expanded.. *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
10/26/1998		3
	Transmission fails to change gears at 35mph. took vehicle to dealer to have transmission checked & replaced. had noticed the front clutch was leaking fluid. *ak
07/15/1998
	The three out of four bolts that are attached plate at the bottom of the clutch are loose. if all bolts separate clutch could drop. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer states bolts need replacing. please provide any further details. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CENTER SUPPORT BEARING
04/18/1997		1
	Drive shaft center support came loose from its mounting bracket.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
01/14/2002		0
	While driving, could hear noise coming from rear of vehicle wich sounded like suspension was out of place. had taken vehicle to dealer, and they had to replace rear pinion bearing on differential. please provide more informatinon.*ak
10/09/1999		1	05/20/1996
	While traveling at approximately 55 mph, a nut fell off from center of rearend that holds yolk, this caused driveshaft to fall out of vehicle, and rear end to lock up. ak slc
07/19/1998		1	02/01/1996
	Whinning noise while traveling, noise increases as speed increases
06/06/1996		4	06/06/1996
	Differential noise.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT

	While driving on the highway the driveshaft fell out of vehicle, causing the vehicle to lose power. dealer has seen and replaced the driveshaft at consumers expense. *ak
02/23/1998		1	11/17/1995
	Universal joint and drive shaft failed, causing vibration.
05/04/1996		1	02/17/1996
	Drive shaft problem, causing vibration.
12/30/1996		1	02/01/1996
	Drive shaft failed.

	While traveling 70 mph, driveshaft seperated from the back axle. dealership indicated have not seen this before. driveshaft, universal joint and collar straps on rear are being worked on. please describe details. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - UNIVERSAL JOINT
02/23/1998		1	11/17/1995
	Universal joint and drive shaft failed, causing vibration.
02/26/1996		1
	Front universal joint drained to proper level and cleaned.
08/02/1996		1	06/01/1996
	Transfer case and universal joint broke.
05/18/1996		1	04/29/1996
	Consumer was driving and the steering came apart. ak consumer states the upper universal joint dropped off the steering shaft, causing no steering control, the steering shaft and universal joint were not assembled properly at the factory, upper universal joint was barely stuck onto the end of the steering shaft, the universal joint was stuck onto the shaft only up to the area of the upper universal joint. slc
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
		1
	Consumer states transmission has been replaced. *jb
		3
	Was driving 55mph in 5th gear, downshifted into 4th gear, went back to 5th gear & vehicle failed to stay in fifth gear. shifted back to 4th gear & then back to 3rd gear. vehicle started to make loud noises. was hard shifting back into 3rd gear from 4th gear. *ak
05/24/2000
	The nut on the 5th gear on the nv4500 transmission backs off of the 5th gear, causing loss of the 5th gear. dealer has been notified. vehicle has been repaired by independent mechanic. *ak
12/30/1996		1	11/28/1995
	Transmission failed.
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
08/21/2001		1
	Rear axle seals leaking and transfer case leaking. nlm
03/01/1996		1	12/30/1995
	Transfer box makes noise, also trouble shifting in 4wd.
01/26/1996
	When engaging 4-wheel drive, indicator comes on, indicating that's in 4-wheel dr; may or may not be in 4 wheel drive; trailer jack-knifed in to truck. *ak