Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1996 Dodge Ram 1500
The 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 has a moderate number of owner complaints, with most issues reported in the power train and brakes categories. There's only one recall involving engine cooling, but it's limited to certain aftermarket parts. As such, inspection should focus on these areas, and buyers should be cautious despite the limited recall data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 296 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #06E024000 REPLACEMENT AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS/DEBRIS CAN ENTER NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 48 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 43 complaints
- Structure 35 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 26 complaints
- Suspension 26 complaints
- Electrical System 22 complaints
Of the 296 complaints on file, 18 report a crash and 17 a fire; across all 296 complaints, owners report 17 injuries and 4 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Frequent shifting problems
How to check: Test the automatic transmission for smooth shifting
Hydraulic failure
How to check: Inspect brake pedal feel and braking response
Excessive noise
How to check: Check for rattles or clunks during drive
Cooling system issues
How to check: Verify engine temperature and cooling system
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brake response and feel
Red flag: Spongy brakes
- 04
City driving
What to check: Observe transmission smoothness
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for engine performance issues
Red flag: Lag or lack of power
- 06
Steering
What to check: Check for steering pull or vibration
Red flag: Strong pull or vibrations
- 07
Parking
What to check: Test suspension noise over bumps
Red flag: Loud clunking noises
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission been serviced?
- Any recent brake repairs?
- Any known suspension issues?
- Has the cooling system been checked?
- Are there any aftermarket parts?
- Have there been major repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Brake service receipts
- Suspension repair documents
- Cooling system inspection
- Aftermarket parts receipts
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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