Component Record

Dodge RAM 1996 Power Train Problems

148 distinct owners reported a power train problem on the 1996 Dodge RAM - 24% of all complaints for this model year.

Recall Coverage148 complaints

148 complaints; 2 recall campaigns cover this system.

Campaigns Covering This System

97V084000Reported May 5, 1997 - 960,000 vehicles potentially affected

Recall covering the power train system, reported to NHTSA on May 5, 1997. The campaign covers an estimated 960,000 vehicles across all affected models.

99V115000Reported May 6, 1999 - 8,883 vehicles potentially affected

Recall covering the power train system, reported to NHTSA on May 6, 1999. The campaign covers an estimated 8,883 vehicles across all affected models.

Other Systems on This Model Year

Brakes231 Engine64 Suspension51 Electrical System50 Steering48 Fuel and Propulsion System41

How to Read These Counts: complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not failure rates. Older and higher-volume vehicles accumulate more reports, and counts are not adjusted for vehicles sold - no per-sales rate or reliability ranking is shown, because the public data does not support one.

Data as of October 30, 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaints, recalls, and investigations files (U.S. Government public domain). DefectRecord is not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. For your specific vehicle, use NHTSA's VIN lookup. Report an error.