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1996 Dodge RAM 1500 engine problems

32 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 106,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
32
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
106,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: gasoline
    8
  • Engine
    8
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    3
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    3
  • Exhaust system
    3
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    2
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    2
  • Cooling system: fan
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge RAM 1500 engine problems in other years

19911995200020052012

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Overheating 9

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 20, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 1500. When the engine was started, the rear of the vehicle emitted a fuel odor and fuel leaked from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the vehicle shook while the engine was running. The contact received a recall notice for the fuel tank rollover valve. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the vehicle already received the recall repair; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and the federal safety agency campaign number were unknown.

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 Apr 19, 2007 · Engine · 114,000 miles · OK

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 1500. The eighth cylinder on the engine is failing and the engine head is also cracked. The vehicle was previously repaired; however, the failure continued to occur. The contact paid $700 for the previous repairs. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileage were 114,000. The VIN is not available at this time.

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 Nov 24, 2004 · Engine · 121,000 miles · NC

Sludge build up in engine stopping up the oil pan pick up,causing truck to loose oil pressure. Now at 121000 miles the transmission blew. The truck has been losing oil pressure from the sludge since I bought it new in 1996, I was told several times by the dealer,this was caused by the lacquer that the engine builder used to ship the engine to the USA, 318cui built in japan. The dealer cleaned the engine several times, the last time was in july 2003 costing about $1000 to me. I have been getting the run around from dodge and the dealer, since the truck was under warranty when this first started and now at 121000 miles the transmission blew up. The sludge build up has happened 4 times over the past years, seems like about every 30000 miles, instead of fixing truck all they did was cleanup the mess afterward. When the transmission blew the motor lost oil pressure again, so this make 5 times the truck has done this, this has been reported to dodge several times but no help from them, they don,t want to stand by their truck and it don,t look like I can do anything about it. Thanks james c. Rose.

Filed Oct 24, 2003 · Engine, Suspension · 68,000 miles · CO

Vehicle is on fourth engine and only 44,000 miles on present engine. Dealer says engine is out of warranty. Excessive blow by from engine. Check engine light comes on. Sensors have been replaced but problem still occurs. Also the truck wanders on the road, and has a rumbling rattle noise on front passenger side that sounds like its coming from the shocks area. But my mechanic says shocks are ok. The dealer did not check into problem when I purchased the truck but it is listed as complaint when the first engine was replaced. Have replaced tracking bar, u-joints, rear springs, stabilizer shock & tires. When going over bumps on highway vehicle jerks the steering wheel to side rail fast giving a fishtail effect. Drive shaft has also been replaced.

Filed Mar 8, 2003 · Engine, Fuel system · 106,000 miles · WI

I own a 1996 dodge ram 1500 with the 5.2 liter engine. The engine oil light would flicker when stopped at a stop sign in drive. I took it to the dodge dealership and they said that the engine would have to be replaced due to the wear. I have used mobile 1 synthetic oil since the breakin oil and never let the oil in the vehicle over 4,000 miles. Each time the oil filter was also changed. The vehicle has 106,000 miles on it and the engine replacement is costing me $4.700. I've been told that the 5.2 liter engine does not handle synthetic oil well. The oil does not return to the oil pan fast enough to keep the bottom of the engine lubricated. I find this hard to believe but I've never wore out an engine before. My question is how can an engine wear out when it was taken such good care of? I've had several other failures of this vehicle dealing with u-joints, steering shaft, failed fuel pump, and an unstable suspension requiring a $500 piston assembly to repair but the repair did nothing to help.

Filed Jan 17, 2003 · Engine · 24,150 miles · PA

While driving at low speeds timing chain makes loud noises.

Filed Oct 9, 2002 · Engine · CO · fire

Consumer states when the engine was turned off for 30 minutes a fire broke out under the hood. Mr

Filed Jul 29, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Vehicle was running rough, engine check light came on. Mechanic replaced one of the fuel injectors. Also, said engine head was most likely cracked.

Questions about the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 engine

Does the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 32 complaints about the engine of the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 106,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Dodge RAM 1500 have bad engine?

The Dodge RAM 1500 model years with the most engine complaints are 2004 (190 complaints), 2012 (170 complaints) and 2011 (156 complaints).

Other 1996 Dodge RAM 1500 problems

Transmission 52Brakes 46Body 35Suspension 27Electrical 26Steering 24Fuel system 20Lights 13Tires 12Acceleration 11Locks 11Airbags 10Visibility 10Seats 7Wheels 7Seat belts 3

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