KnownCarProblems2000 Dodge Ram Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 147 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Dodge Ram, most often about the brakes (16% of complaints). It is the 2nd most complained-about Ram model year since 2000 and has 6 recalls.
Most common 2000 Dodge Ram problems
Brakes
24 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, conventional.
Consumer stated while attempting to apply the brakes they grabbed and then released. As a result, the consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. No injuries reported.
Air bags
23 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
Dt: the consumer was involved in an accident and the air bag on driver's side did not deploy. She was going about 20 MPH and hit a telephone pole. The caller said the air bags were working. The caller was injured when she hit the steering wheel. Police were called and a report was taken. . Dealer and manufacturer have…
Dt: the caller's vehicle was involved in a rollover accident while going 45 MPH. The vehicle hit a bump in the road. When the caller lost control of vehicle he overcorrected and rolled over. Upon impact, both driver's side and passenger's side air bags did not deploy. The caller was slightly injured. Dealer and…
Steering
22 complaints · 15%Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist system, gear box (other than rack and pinion), steering wheel/handle bar, linkages.
2000 Dodge 2500 has loose steering,wanders,darts left or right and constantly correcting the steering wheel and shimmy. Truck darted to the edge of the road and went thru the ditch while towing a trailer and I have back and neck injurys and unable to work at my old profession. And Dodge is trying to settle with now…
Transmission
21 complaints · 14%Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, manual transmission, axle assembly.
Consumer stated that transmission failed at 80,000 miles. While driving to work power shut down, and the vehicle stopped. Consumer had vehicle towed to a Dodge dealer, and was told that the transmission failed. The dealer/mechanic told consumer that in order to repair vehicle it would cost her from $3000.00 to…
Overdrive module and torque convertor both failed at 59000 miles. Had vehicle back to dealer around 34000 for a vibration in the transmission and they stated nothing was wrong, that was the beginning of the torque convertor problem. Dodge won't stand behind their products and an automatic transmission should last…
Suspension
20 complaints · 14%Parts named most often: front, rear.
While having the front passenger side tire check by the dealership because it was balled. The dealership noticed that the wheel bearing lubrication had depleted. This resulted in the hub developing rust and the axle seizing.
2000 Dodge 2500 has loose steering,wanders,darts left or right and constantly correcting the steering wheel and shimmy. Truck darted to the edge of the road and went thru the ditch while towing a trailer and I have back and neck injurys and unable to work at my old profession. And Dodge is trying to settle with now…
Engine
15 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
While driving 75 MPH the consumer lost all steering and brake power preceded by a loud noise coming from the engine. The technician serviced the vehicle and replaced the broken engine crankshaft. The engine failed because lubrication failed to reach the front two piston rods. The other six piston rods and bearings…
Engine spark knock as a result of a bad plenum gasket. Dodge apparently will not fix, unless I come up with $450-$500. I bought the truck used and apparently there was a service bulletin for that particular problem, but I had no idea that it neede to be done. By the way, I bought the truck in jan of 2003 and the…
Electrical
13 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: wiring, ignition, alternator/generator/regulator, 12v/24v/48v battery.
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Ram. The contact noticed that the entire instrument panel was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. No repairs were performed. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was 97,000 and the failure mileage…
Equipment
12 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: electrical, appliance, other.
Overdrive module and torque convertor both failed at 59000 miles. Had vehicle back to dealer around 34000 for a vibration in the transmission and they stated nothing was wrong, that was the beginning of the torque convertor problem. Dodge won't stand behind their products and an automatic transmission should last…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2000 Dodge Ram recalls
Brakes: control unit/module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: If the circuit breaker cycles for an extended period of time, heat could build up in the connector, possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: Owners will receive instructions for removing the circuit breaker from the fuse panel. If an owner desires, their dealer can perform the repair. Owner notification began august 27, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: vans and wagons not equipped with power front seats. In the presence of road salt, water, and possibly other debris, the power seat connector located beneath the driver's seat could develop a high resistive short circuit that cycles the circuit breaker.
Air bags
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: This could ultimately result in wire damage and/or a hole in the brake line, affecting brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hose assemblies, and the ABS sensor wire will be inspected and replaced if necessary. Owner notification began march 8, 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.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Some vehicles may have inadequate clearance between the front tire/wheel and the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly. During full lock turns, it is possible for the tire or wheel to contact the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly.
Equipment: trailer hitches
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.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with optional trailer hitch. The trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material with insufficient strength.
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: If the bracket separates the vehicle could experience reduced directional stability, braking degradation and/or vehicle pull under braking.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front axle with a properly welded front axle.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The welds at the right side lower control arm bracket to axle tube attachment may have inadequate fatigue life due to poor weld quality. This can lead to separation of the control arm bracket from the axle tube.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
2000-2001 dodge ram pickup hood latch
Summary
The agency opened this investigation based on 30 complaints alleging that the hoods on model year (my) 2000 and 2001 dodge ram pickup trucks flew up and blocked the driver's vision.these vehicles have a primary hood latch and a secondary (backup) hood latch.the secondary latch is designed to secure the hood if the primary hood latch is not properly closed or otherwise malfunctions.in these complaints, the secondary hood latch malfunctioned, apparently due to corrosion, and did not latch.dodge conducted recall 01v-040 in 1999 to address similar problems on model year 1994-1997 dodge ram pickup trucks.the information chrysler provided in response to odi's information request letter indicated t
Questions about the 2000 Dodge Ram
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Dodge Ram?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (24 complaints); air bags (23 complaints); steering (22 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2000 Dodge Ram have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 12, 2004 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2000 a bad year for the Dodge Ram?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Ram model year since 2000, with 147 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.