1999 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Dodge Ram: 9 recalls, 366 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
9 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #99V034000 · 1999 · 45 vehicles
What's wrong: Incorrect fuel tank straps were installed on the small fuel tank. As a result, the fuel tank May not be securely attached to the vehicle.
Why it matters: The fuel tank could move increasing the risk of a fire and/or explosion.
The fix: Dealers will replace the mounting straps for the small fuel tank.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #99V044000 · 1999 · 45 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel hose that connects the left and right fuel rails May shrink and leak fuel if exposed to high engine operating temperatures.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V115000 · 1999 · 8,883 vehicles
What's wrong: Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.
Why it matters: The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V190000 · 1999 · 8,378 vehicles
What's wrong: The underbody hydraulic clutch line heat shield is too short, allowing the plastic clutch line material to be directly exposed to exhaust temperatures. It is possible to exceed the melting temperature of the clutch line material.
Why it matters: If the line melts, hydraulic fluid can leak onto the vehicle exhaust and cause an underbody fire.
The fix: Dealers will install the proper length heat shield.
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #00V107000 · 2000 · 357,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material with insufficient strength.
Why it matters: Brackets built without proper material could fatigue and fracture in the area where the trailer hitch mounts to the frame.
The 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.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #01V040000 · 2001 · 701,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri. Corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could…
Why it matters: If the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
The fix: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. Owner notification began September 17, 2001.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V119000 · 2001 · 161,682 vehicles
What's wrong: 209, "seat belt assemblies." the front seat belt retractor May not comply with the requirements of the standard.
Why it matters: If the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractor. Owner notification began August 20, 2001.
Airbags Vehicle recall #01V153000 · 2001 · 216,100 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #04V185000 · 2004 · 44,588 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This May allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
The 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.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 45 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (82): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (12).
- Transmission & drivetrain (53): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (17), noise or vibration (7), stalls / loses power (5).
- Steering (40): the most common themes are steering problems (34), noise or vibration (4).
- Airbags (40): the most common themes are fails to deploy (24).
The 1999 Dodge Ram has 366 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (2.0× the average Ram year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (107 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (483 complaints, 13 recalls), 2000 (147 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 18 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Dodge Ram.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Dodge Ram, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 366 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (82), transmission & drivetrain (53), steering (40).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Dodge Ram repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.