2001 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls and problems

The 2001 Dodge RAM 2500 has 1 safety recall and 469 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
469
Crashes / fires
20 / 11
Injuries / deaths
17 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Dodge RAM 2500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls

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 2500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure181
Steering73
Suspension43
Unknown or Other33
Engine and Engine Cooling32
Power Train30
Service Brakes, Hydraulic25
Air Bags19
Electrical System19
Tires16
Fuel System, Diesel13
Fuel System, Gasoline11

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 29
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 16
  • Suspension › Front — 12
  • Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack and Pinion) — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 8
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint — 8
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 7

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 84,000 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 2500 complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Aug 25, 2026
I own a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel, manufactured in September 2000, with approximately 197,000 miles. The AIRBAG warning light now remains illuminated continuously, and the steering-wheel cruise-control buttons are completely inoperative. The horn still works. I performed the instrument-cluster self-test, and the CRUISE indicator illuminates during that test, confirming the indicator itself functions. I suspect a failure in the steering-wheel clockspring or related airbag circuit because these symptoms are similar to the condition addressed by Chrysler Safety Recall…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 30, 2024
My 2001 Dodge Ram Instrument Panel has cracked in three pieces causing the defroster & vents to stop working recently due to the moisture/UV Issue. I'm aware of this problem because I participated in the investigation as manager of validation and testing for the manufacturer, Textron Automotive. How can I get a replacement to correct this Safety issue...?
Air Bags · reported Apr 2, 2024
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. In 2003, I noticed parts of the dash, starting to break apart. In 2004, I had a major head on collision, and the airbag, did NOT deploy. The damage was extensive, with bent frame. The damage was $17,000 in 2004. I was told by the Chrysler Dealership, that did the repairs, that they could not check the condition of the airbag wiring, because the dashboard was broken. I wonder how many others out there, that have the same issue, with the dashboard, and don't have a working airbag. The other issue I have, is the seatbelt tensioner, has caused the seatbelt, to get…
Unknown or Other · reported Feb 6, 2023
I own a 2001 Dodge RAM 2500 and the truck’s dashboard is disintegrating. Pieces have fallen into my heating system, and I believe that is what’s causing my vacuum issue! It is winter time right now, and i was stranded in 10° weather for hours. I could not stay warm by running the trucks because of these pieces getting into the heating system. My girlfriend put her hand on the dash and it broke and she was cut. I would hate to think if that was one of my small grand children, climbing in and the dash breaking away and them getting injured! I own two other Dodge trucks And the dashboards…
Structure · reported Sep 28, 2022
The dashboard in this truck has been crumbling to pieces. It is to the point now the gauge cluster and passenger air bag are barely in place. This is a common occurrence on all of these dodge rams and it is definitely a safety hazard

Other Dodge RAM 2500 years

Compare all Dodge RAM 2500 years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Dodge RAM 2500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Dodge RAM 2500: 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 2500?

Owners report structure problems most often (181 reports), followed by steering (73). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 84,000 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.