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1999 Dodge Ram problems

The most common problem on the 1999 Dodge Ram is brakes, typically around 80,994 miles. It has 9.2 times the complaints of a typical Ram model year.

Typical year9.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
366
Recalls
9
Service bulletins
117
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1999 Dodge Ram problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Dodge Ram

No deployment 23Pulling 23ABS 13Adaptive cruise 10Brake failure 9Knocking 8Jerking 8Headlights 7Transmission failure 7Fuel pump 6Ball joint 5Grinding brakes 5Door locks 5Fire or smoke 5Seat belt 5Slipping 5Stalling 5Tire blowout 5

Recalls 9

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported April 12, 2004 · 44,588 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 04V185000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported May 8, 2001 · 216,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 01V153000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: retractorReported April 11, 2001 · 161,682 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 01V119000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latchReported February 12, 2001 · 701,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 01V040000 · Recall details

Trailer hitchesReported April 11, 2000 · 357,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 00V107000 · Recall details

Power train: clutch assemblyReported July 16, 1999 · 8,378 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will install the proper length heat shield.

Recall number 99V190000 · Recall details

Power train: clutch assemblyReported May 6, 1999 · 8,883 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.

Recall number 99V115000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported March 11, 1999 · 45 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly.

Recall number 99V044000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: storage: tank assemblyReported February 24, 1999 · 45 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the mounting straps for the small fuel tank.

Recall number 99V034000 · Recall details

See all 9 recalls for the 1999 Dodge Ram

Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Dodge Ram 117

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 117 bulletins for the 1999 Dodge Ram

What 1999 Dodge Ram owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 17, 2022 · Fuel system · 180,000 miles · CO

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

Filed Apr 26, 2012 · Fuel system · 115,000 miles · AL

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 replacement hose and he would have to purchase both rails with the hose installed for almost $500. Updated 07/10/12

Filed Aug 3, 2011 · Body · 100,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jul 26, 2011 · Body · 120,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed Jul 19, 2011 · Body · GA

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.

Filed May 15, 2011 · Body · 85,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Seat belts · 91,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Jan 3, 2010 · Body · FM

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.

Filed Sep 21, 2009 · Seat belts · 70,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram which was purchased brand new in 1999. While the driver attempted to secure the seat belt into the buckle and it failed to lock in place. The dealer stated that the solenoid failed and needed to be replaced at a costs of $600. Although there was a recall for the failure for his make and model vehicle, his VIN was not included in the recall. The federal safety agency campaign id number 01v119000, seat belt retractor is directly related to the failure. No repairs had been made. The current and failure mileages were under 70,000. Updated 10/27/09 *cn the seat belt on the drivers side was fully retracted and would not release. The consumer was quoted a price of $634.00 updated 10/28/09

Filed Oct 10, 2008 · 80,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram. The contact noticed fine line fractures in the dashboard of the vehicle. She went to lightly wipe down the dashboard and a huge chunk of it came apart. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls and referred her to the dealer. The dealer stated that it would cost $90 to have the vehicle diagnosed. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 115,000.

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Questions about the 1999 Dodge Ram

Is the 1999 Dodge Ram reliable?

Owners have filed 366 complaints about the 1999 Dodge Ram, 9.2 times a typical Ram model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Dodge Ram?

Brakes, with 82 complaints, typically around 80,994 miles. Next is transmission (53).

How many recalls does the 1999 Dodge Ram have?

9 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, air bags and seat belts.

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