2000 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2000 Dodge Ram: 6 recalls, 147 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 5 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #00V007000 · 2000 · 76 vehicles
What's wrong: The welds at the right side lower control arm bracket to axle tube attachment May have inadequate fatigue life due to poor weld quality. This can lead to separation of the control arm bracket from the axle tube.
Why it matters: If the bracket separates the vehicle could experience reduced directional stability, braking degradation and/or vehicle pull under braking.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front axle with a properly welded front axle.
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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #01V038000 · 2001 · 2,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Some vehicles May have inadequate clearance between the front tire/wheel and the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly. During full lock turns, it is possible for the tire or wheel to contact the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly.
Why it matters: This could ultimately result in wire damage and/or a hole in the brake line, affecting brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hose assemblies, and the ABS sensor wire will be inspected and replaced if necessary. Owner notification began March 8, 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #01V253000 · 2001 · 98,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the circuit breaker cycles for an extended period of time, heat could build up in the connector, possibly resulting in a fire.
The 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…
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.
5 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.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E066000 · 2007 · 175 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cequent 90 degree 7-way right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5th wheel rv travel trailers. Due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights May not operate properly.
Why it matters: If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
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, 34 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (23): the most common themes are fails to deploy (13).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (23): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Steering (22): the most common themes are steering problems (18).
- Transmission & drivetrain (21): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8), hard / delayed shifting (6), stalls / loses power (4).
The 2000 Dodge Ram has 147 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 181). Complaints peaked in 2001 (56 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 63,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (366 complaints, 9 recalls), 2001 (318 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 18 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 17 | 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 | 16 | 13 | 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 2000 Dodge Ram.
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FAQ
Does the 2000 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2000 Dodge Ram, plus 5 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 2000 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (23), brakes (hydraulic) (23), steering (22).
What gas mileage does the 2000 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.9 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2000 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.