Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1996 Dodge Ram
The 1996 Dodge RAM has been associated with a notable number of owner complaints and recall campaigns. The most worrisome areas include brakes and power train, which have received the highest complaint counts. There are also recurring issues with the electrical system and engine. While the model has several known problems, it's essential for buyers to conduct a thorough inspection as the data provides limited insights into the condition of individual vehicles.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1996 Dodge Ram has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 620 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E050000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMPS/MISSING AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E060000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V040000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HOOD LATCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V037000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/THROTTLE CABLE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V135000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/IGNITION SWITCH/WIRING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V115000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V023000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/AIR BAG NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V199000 CHRYSLER/FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V084000 CHRYSLER/TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V068000 CHRYSLER/BRAKES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #96V027000 CHRYSLER/CERTIFICATION LABEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #95V237000 Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 157 complaints
- Power Train 121 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 46 complaints
- Suspension 45 complaints
- Electrical System 44 complaints
- Steering 39 complaints
Of the 620 complaints on file, 72 report a crash and 24 a fire; across all 620 complaints, owners report 46 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Hydraulic system failures
How to check: Inspect brake lines for leaks or corrosion.
Cooling unit line issues
How to check: Check for leaks near transmission lines.
Ignition switch overheating
How to check: Test blower on high for switch overheating.
Cooling system complaints
How to check: Look for signs of overheating or coolant leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or tapping sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe idle stability and RPMs.
Red flag: Rough or unstable idle
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for effectiveness and noises.
Red flag: Squeaking or reduced braking power
- 04
Acceleration test
What to check: Check engine and transmission response.
Red flag: Delayed or jerky response
- 05
Cruising speed
What to check: Monitor engine temperature gauge.
Red flag: Overheating or fluctuating gauge
- 06
Parking lot maneuvers
What to check: Listen for suspension or steering noises.
Red flag: Clunks or resistance in steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the hood latch been serviced?
- Have aftermarket lights been installed?
- Has the ignition system been repaired?
- Any history of overheating issues?
- Have the brakes been serviced regularly?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recent service records
- Recall repair records
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Brakes and transmission receipts
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1996 Dodge Ram at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1996 Dodge Ram? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.