Model year record

1999 Dodge Ram recalls & problems

The 1999 Dodge Ram has 13 safety recalls and 366 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (95 complaints).

Recalls13safety recalls

Complaints366filed by owners

Crashes · fires46 · 6reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths45 · 1reported in complaints

1999 Dodge Ram in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Exterior lightingJun 29, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E06000087,745 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Service brakes, hydraulicApr 12, 2004

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 04V18500044,588 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.
Risk: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air bagsMay 8, 2001

Air bags

Recall 01V153000216,100 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Risk: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. 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 DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Seat beltsApr 11, 2001

Front › Retractor

Recall 01V119000161,682 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Risk: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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 DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Latches/locks/linkagesFeb 12, 2001

Hood › Latch

Recall 01V040000701,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."
Risk: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. 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 DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Trailer hitchesApr 11, 2000

Trailer hitches

Recall 00V107000357,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH.
Risk: BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

Power trainJul 16, 1999

Clutch assembly

Recall 99V1900008,378 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE UNDERBODY HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE HEAT SHIELD IS TOO SHORT, ALLOWING THE PLASTIC CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL TO BE DIRECTLY EXPOSED TO EXHAUST TEMPERATURES. IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXCEED THE MELTING TEMPERATURE OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL.
Risk: IF THE LINE MELTS, HYDRAULIC FLUID CAN LEAK ONTO THE VEHICLE EXHAUST AND CAUSE AN UNDERBODY FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE PROPER LENGTH HEAT SHIELD.

Power trainMay 6, 1999

Clutch assembly

Recall 99V1150008,883 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

Fuel system, otherMar 11, 1999

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 99V04400045 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VANS AND WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE FUEL HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL RAILS MAY SHRINK AND LEAK FUEL IF EXPOSED TO HIGH ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURES.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY.

Fuel system, otherFeb 24, 1999

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 99V03400045 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL TANKS. INCORRECT FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE INSTALLED ON THE SMALL FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT BE SECURELY ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE.
Risk: THE FUEL TANK COULD MOVE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MOUNTING STRAPS FOR THE SMALL FUEL TANK.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc	95	5	0	3	80,994 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift	58	2	0	3	68,413 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	47	1	0	1	45,095 mi
SteeringGear box (other than rack and pinion); Steering wheel/handle bar	45	1	0	1	—
SuspensionFront; Rear	41	0	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	40	36	0	37	—
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	22	2	6	0	—
TiresValve; Tread/belt	21	1	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments	17	0	0	1	85,000 mi
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Front › Anchorage	16	2	0	3	70,000 mi
VisibilityGlass, side/rear; Rearview mirrors/devices	14	1	1	1	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Delivery	13	0	2	0	111,806 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated he noticed a strong odor of gasoline inside the vehicle and the gasoline was leaking from the fuel pump. The contact stated he diagnosed the failure himself and noticed the rubber cap was defective. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The contact stated he replaced several different rubber caps but none rectified the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but the part could not be sold. The failure mileage was 180,000
Aug 3, 2022 · 180,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED, ON THERE WAS A VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL HOSE THAT CONNECTED BETWEEN THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL INJECTOR RAILS. . THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FUEL ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 07/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED FUEL WAS LANDING ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH QUICKLY HEATED UP. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO…
Apr 14, 2012 · 115,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE FRAME WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING BOX, SWAY BAR, PITMAN ARM, SPRING AND SHOCK ASSEMBLY, AND BUMPER WERE ALL CONNECTED TO THE SECTION OF THE FRAME THAT WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Jul 30, 2011 · 100,000 miles
Structure
CRACK IN DASH PANEL STARTED ABOUT AUG 2009, IT HAS NOW BECAME A FULL BLOW MESS AS LARGE PIECES HAVE FALLEN INTO THE WIRING HARNESS INSIDE THE DASH. THIS COULD BE A HAZARD IF YOU ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND SOME SMALLER PIECES FLY UP INTO YOUR FACE, OR COULD SET ON WIRES AND CATCH FIRE. I KNOW OF AT LEAST TWO OTHER 1500'S THAT ARE 98 AND 2000 MODELS DOING THE SAME THING AS MINE. *TR
Aug 4, 2009 · 120,000 miles
Structure
1999 DODGE RAM 1500. DASHBOARD HAS NUMEROUS CRACKS IN IT. PIECES ARE FALLING DOWN INSIDE FRONT COMPARTMENT AND COULD CAUSE OTHER ISSUES (ELECTRICAL, ETC.). THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ~5-7 YEARS. *KB
Jan 1, 2004
Structure
I NOTICED A VERY SMALL CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH, BY THE DOOR, LAST SUMMER AND DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT. NOW IT IS COMPLETELY CRACKED, FRONT TO BACK, TO THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. *TR
Jun 1, 2010 · 85,000 miles
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE VEHICLE HAVING PREVIOUS OWNERS. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO PAY FOR THE VEHICLE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING PREVIOUSLY OWNED. THE CURRENT MILES WERE 91,200. THE FAILURE MILES WERE 91,000.
Feb 19, 2010 · 91,000 miles
Structure
THE DASH IN MY 99 DODGE RAM IS SEVERLY CRACKED AND I BELIEVE THAT DOD GE SHOULD BE MADE TO REPLACE THEM THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM IN ALOT OF DODGES IF THE DASH IS CRAKED REAL BAD AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYS IT CAN BECOME A DEATHLY SITUATION. *TR
Sep 14, 2009

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.