1996 Dodge RAM 1500: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Feb 7, 2015 · Electrical · 180,000 miles · NJ · fire

I went out on friday the 6th of feb.2015. I got a coffee at wawa everything was fine I left to go to my buddy's house to hangout and I started driving down the road n I noticed smoke coming out the vents when I was driving so I pulled over cuz I thought it was the heater core cuz when they go bad smoke comes out of them so I'm looking n looking n all of a sudden the smoke is getting heavier and darker within 20-25 mins after calling 911 there it happened my truck went up in flames n a total loss. Then that day after I got home n calmed down I looked it up n the first thing that popped up recall for wiring harness in dashboard shorts out n causes fires... I'm like really....

Filed Oct 8, 2013 · Engine · 123,000 miles · IL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 1500. The contact was driving 65 MPH and noticed a loss of power in the vehicle. The contact then noticed smoke and flames shooting from under the hood. The contact safely merged off the roadway and exited the burning vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an impound lot. The vehicle remains were not inspected to determine the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Electrical · OH · fire

1996 dodge ram 1500 caught fire in the air conditioning unit. *kb the cause of fire was determined to be electrical under the dashboard. Ohio traffic crash report.

Filed Dec 28, 2004 · Fuel system · 188,000 miles · TN · fire

My husband was letting his 96 dodge warm up after a big snow and ice storm and someone stopped to tell him it was on fire. The fire started under the bed of the truck . They tried to put it out with extinguishers and water but to no avail it was completely lost by the time the fire truck arrived.

Filed Dec 6, 2004 · Engine · 98,000 miles · CT

While driving from cold start engine performed roughly, and smoke came out of the exhaust tail pipe. Consumer changed fuel, but there was no improvement in performance. Consumer was told by a dealer that the intake plenum gasket was the cause. Consumer was aware of others with same problem. *ak

Filed Dec 2, 2004 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · AL · fire

I have this truck for 2 years and in that 2 years I have many complications with the electrical system. The main problem is the headlight switch melting and burning the wires in the dash. I have had the switch replaced twice and it continues to burn out and melt. I am so scared the truck is going to catch on fire one day that rareley drive the truck. I still have the old parts that were replaced but dont feel it is the switch causing all the problems. I feel it is the whole wiring system. I read the custom reports on mycarstats.com it seems the 1996 dodge dakota had the same problems. There were even reports of the truck catching on fire. If this has already been reported on many differnet occaions; why havent they recalled it??? I would appreciate a response and hopefully dodge taking care of this problem free of charge. Please help!!! [email protected]

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Lights · 150,000 miles · MO

While driving the consumer noticed smoke coming from the vents. The consumer had taken the vehicle to a mechanic, in which he suggested that the headlight wiring harness switch melted. *ak

Filed Aug 31, 2003 · Electrical · 159,000 miles · OK

I took my 1996 dodge ram to the dealer for an ignition switch wiring recall. After the recall parts were replaced, my truck was not fixed. The wiring harness had overheated and damaged my ignition switch. This cost more money. There was also a special tool that my husband had to purchase to change the ignition switch. The plastic cover on my steering column had aslo melted. I would say my truck was very close to going up in flames. This is very upsetting to me because I feel this part should have been replaced along with the harness since the defective wiring caused this part to be damaged. I think dodge should add this part to the list of parts changed when they service vehicles from this recall. I also believe they should reimburse me and anyone else who has had this problem. There was almost a fire, I know this because I have the old ignition switch and the plastic part on my steering column has a hole where it was hot, since I did not see a fire (my husband did smell something burning), I cannot answer yes to the question below that asked "was there a fire?". Any help would be greatly appreciated. I think something should be done before someone is seriously injured or killed. Something similar happened to a friend of mine who had a different make car, her son burned to death in a car. I shiver to think what might have happened if I had not found out about the recall on this vehicle.

Filed Sep 5, 2002 · Electrical · MD

When headlights are turned on there is a burning smell and smoke coming from dash near windshield. Once headlights are turned off the smoke stops. Vehicle has not been examined by dealer.

Filed Sep 14, 1999 · Lights · KS · fire

Headlight switch overheats and catches on fire. All the lights in the dash will go out. Also. Dealer has sent an updated owners manuel.

Filed Apr 19, 1998 · Fuel system · MA · fire · 1 injury

Vehicle caught on fire after a new fuel rollover valve was installed as per manufacturer's recall 748. Driver suffered injuries, and vehicle was totaled.

Filed Apr 14, 1997 · Electrical · TX · fire

Driving car; engine suddenly died; car caught on fire & was engulfed in flames; driver's side door failed to open; fire department arrived & put flames out; manufacturer's representative looked at car; insurance company had private representative look at car; fire originated under car due to location of electrical wires. Driver/passengers escaped unharmed.