Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1999 Dodge Ram
The 1999 Dodge RAM has a notable number of complaints and recalls, especially related to brakes, power train, and air bags. With 365 owner complaints and 13 recalls, it is important to inspect key areas before purchasing. Limited data is available on other components, so general checks are advisable.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1999 Dodge Ram has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 365 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 #04V185000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/ABS MODULE CORROSION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V153000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/CLOCKSPRING MATERIAL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V119000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMVSS 209/RETRACTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V040000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HOOD LATCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V107000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/TRAILER HITCH BRACKET NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V190000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V115000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V044000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/CNG FUEL LEAK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V034000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/CNG CYLINDER NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 79 complaints
- Power Train 52 complaints
- Air Bags 40 complaints
- Steering 37 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 35 complaints
- Suspension 35 complaints
Of the 365 complaints on file, 46 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 365 complaints, owners report 45 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
ABS control module leak
How to check: Inspect for electrolyte leakage around ABS module.
Clutch line heat exposure
How to check: Check hydraulic clutch line for heat damage.
Faulty airbag material
How to check: Inspect steering wheel airbag cover for wear.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any irregular engine noises.
Red flag: Rattling or knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth clutch engagement.
Red flag: Slippage or rough feel
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test brake responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Squealing or delayed braking
- 05
Highway speed
What to check: Monitor for steering stability.
Red flag: Vibration or pull
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check for abnormal steering effort.
Red flag: Grinding or stiffness
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- How often were the brakes serviced?
- Has the clutch line been checked or replaced?
- Were any airbags repaired or replaced?
- Any electrical issues like warning lights?
- Are there maintenance records available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recent brake service records
- Clutch inspection report
- Airbag service history
- Full vehicle maintenance log
- NHTSA recall clearance
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1999 Dodge Ram at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1999 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.