2001 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and problems

The 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 has 2 safety recalls and 1,112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
1,112
Crashes / fires
65 / 35
Injuries / deaths
80 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls

Recall 03V-504: Tires

Reported Dec 10, 2003 · 214 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with the snow plow preparation package, the tires supplied on some vehicles may have gross axle weight ratings that slightly exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."

Fix: Dealers will provide replacement p245/75r16 tires to meet the load carrying capacity specified on the vehicle certification label and accommodate the addition of a commercially available snow plow and hardware. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

Recall 01V-153: Air Bags

Reported May 8, 2001 · 216,100 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

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.

2001 Dodge RAM 1500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure548
Unknown or Other113
Power Train102
Air Bags87
Electrical System87
Suspension83
Engine and Engine Cooling65
Steering53
Service Brakes, Hydraulic51
Tires35
Latches/Locks/Linkages26
Vehicle Speed Control18

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 59
  • Structure › Body — 46
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 38
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 35
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 15
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint — 15
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 14
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 14

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 259,021 miles · reported Feb 13, 2026
The contact owned a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while exiting a parking lot and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal floored, causing the contact to roll to a stop on the side of the road. The ABS and Brake Warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive at 2 MPH to their home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the brake line had blown and replaced it where it had failed. Approximately 6 months later, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated again. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed no leaks. When restarting the…
Electrical System · reported Nov 21, 2025
While driving and operating the heater, unbeknowst to me leaves/pine needles had come in through the fresh air cowl vent and built up on the heater blower resistor resulting in a fire. This design in dangerous as the default for the air intake is open and allows debris to enter and drop directly into the fan and blower motor resistor. I've searched online and seen multiple reports of this issue. I have a video I can provide if contacted.
Electrical System · reported Jun 14, 2023
The headlights no matter what bulbs I buy are extremely dim making it unsafe to drive at night. Now truck will not start for some unknown reason. It tries to turn over but will not crank. The mileage flashes NO BUS. I was literally only getting at best 8 miles per gallon.
Unknown or Other · reported Jan 8, 2023
2001 Dodge Ram Dashboard is an extreme safety hazard due to the cracking. I have owned this vehicle for 12 years and it's been garaged kept for 8 years. The dash started with a crack and then a hole was created when hitting a bump. Then I had a mechanic work on the heater, and the dash basically disintegrated when moving it. The holes on this dashboard are absurd. A review of safety information identified others who reported this problem to NHTSA and many more complaints on online message boards. This dashboard creates a safety issue for all personnel in the vehicle in case of an accident…
Structure · reported Sep 5, 2022
Where the sway bar is bolted to the chassis has completely deteriorated causing sway bar to completely detach from both sides of the frame. This has caused it very difficult to steer and nearly impossible the more MPH the vehicle goes. I own another vehicle nearly exactly the same but a 1998 dodge ram 1500 vin number [XXX]. It to has the same exact problem. I believe that the quality of steel used in manufacturing the frame of these vehicles was not up to standards. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Other Dodge RAM 1500 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500: 03V-504 (tires), 01V-153 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500?

Owners report structure problems most often (548 reports), followed by unknown or other (113). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.