2001 Dodge RAM recalls and problems
The 2001 Dodge RAM has 9 safety recalls and 318 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Dodge RAM vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Dodge RAM recalls
Recall 04V-185: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 02V-042: Electrical System
Problem: On certain pickup trucks, the alternator wire connection to the power distribution center (Pdc) can loosen.
Risk: This could cause a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the installation of the alternator wire connection to the pdc and if necessary, reposition the wire so that the crimp connection will face upward and tighten the fastener to the correct torque setting. Owner notification began may 20, 2002. 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 01V-289: Tires
Problem: Vehicle description: certain 2500 wagons were equipped with incorrect load range tires.
Risk: This could cause a tire to blow out if the vehicle is operated at the maximum gross vehicle weight. .
Fix: Dealers will replace the load range 'd' tires with correct load range 'e' tires. Owner notification began september 24, 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 01V-253: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 01V-184: Wheels
Problem: Vehicle description: vans. A substitute wheel lug nut tightening process may not have been sufficient to assure proper torque of the lug nuts.
Risk: Improper wheel lug nut torque could allow a wheel to loosen and cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wheel lug nuts for proper torque and correct if necessary. Owner notification began june 4, 2001. All owners have been contacted.
Recall 01V-153: Air Bags
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.
Recall 01V-008: Suspension
Problem: Vehicle description: quad cab pickup trucks equipped with a camper package and overload springs. The rear axle spacer plate could lead to deformation of the upper spring plate during assembly of the axle to the vehicle resulting a soft joint.
Risk: The soft joint could cause the rear axle u-bolts to lose clamp load, resulting in displacement of the rear axle and a loss of vehicle control. This could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will remove the spacer plates and the spring plates will be replaced. Owner notification began february 5, 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 00V-366: Child Seat
Problem: Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Fix: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.
Recall 00V-307: Suspension
Problem: Vehicle description: quad cab pickup trucks. The upper control arms attached with cadmium coated nuts can cause the bolts to stretch due to the application of a higher than specified clamp load. Breakage of the upper control arm fasteners could cause the axle to rotate forward under braking conditions.
Risk: This rotation could twist the steering linkage and possibly separate the brake lines, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the upper control arm bolts and nuts.
2001 Dodge RAM problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 59 | |
| Power Train | 51 | |
| Air Bags | 46 | |
| Suspension | 45 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 33 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 32 | |
| Structure | 24 | |
| Electrical System | 22 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 15 | |
| Visibility | 13 | |
| Tires | 13 | |
| Seat Belts | 12 |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 29
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 27
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 16
- Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack and Pinion) — 15
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 11
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 11
- Suspension › Front — 10
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 9
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,000 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Dodge RAM years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Dodge RAM have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2001 Dodge RAM: 04V-185 (service brakes, hydraulic), 02V-042 (electrical system), 01V-289 (tires), 01V-253 (electrical system), 01V-184 (wheels) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge RAM?
Owners report steering problems most often (59 reports), followed by power train (51). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,000 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.