1996 DODGE RAM 2500

1 recalls, 365 complaints - 18 TSBs

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Defect Description

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999,... Read more

Consequence

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

44,386 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.

Complaint Statistics

365 total complaints 21 crashes 18 fires 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	32
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	19
TIRES	14
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES	12
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS	11
SUSPENSION	9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	9
TIRES:TREAD/BELT	9
STEERING	9
SUSPENSION:FRONT	7

Incident date: Jun 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to merge into highway traffic, the vehicle shuddered and started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed to 20 MPH and would not accelerate while depressing the acceler... Read more

Incident date: Nov 2, 2021

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at night with the high beam on, a strong burning odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he thought the burning odor was coming from outside not the vehicle as no warning lights were illu... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Oct 19, 2020

THE PEALING (DEFECTIVE) PAINT THAT DODGE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT HAS NOW PEALED AROUND THE WINDSHIELD FRAME. THE WINDSHIELD IS STUCK TO THE PAINT, BUT SINCE THE PAINT HAS TURNED LOOSE FROM THE WINDSHIELD FRAME IT'S JUST SORT OF SITTING THERE. I GUESS THE GOOD NEWS IS NOW UPON IMPACT THE WIN... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE FRONT END SHAKES AND VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING OVER GROOVED PAVEMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER URNESS MOTORS (505 CHERRY HEIGHTS ROAD, ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2020

Incident date: Aug 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AT NIGHT TIME. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AFTER TEN MINUTES AND THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY.... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2019

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, I LOST MY POWER STEERING, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HAVE A REAR END COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD MY TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND MY BRAKE SYSTEM TO BE CONTAMINATED AND TOLD ME THAT ALL PARTS OF THE SYSTEM WITH RUBBER IN THEM WOULD HAVE ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2016

DEATH WOBBLE

Incident date: Jul 6, 2016

DEATH WOBBLE

Incident date: May 1, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DISINTEGRATED TO THE POINT THAT THE WIRES UNDERNEATH WERE VISIBLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO B... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE THE CABIN. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IGNITED INTO SMALL FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 5, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER, ARM, JAW, AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACT... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Nov 10, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Fire

Incident date: Sep 12, 2014

WHEN TOWING A TRAILER THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MIN. THEN COME BACK ON. WITH THE BRIGHTS ON THE SHUT OFFS HAPPEN EARLIER IN THE DRIVE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. DODGE DID A RECALL ON THE 3500 TRUCKS WITH THE SAME HEADLIGHT SYSTEM, BUT THEY DID NOT RECALL THE 2500 TRUCKS. ALL THE ELECTRICAL POWER ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2014

ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON HEADLIGHTS. HEADLIGHT SWITCH PULLED OUT FROM DIS-INTEGRATED INSTRUMENT PANEL PLASTIC. HAD TO RELEASE STEERING WHEEL AND HOLD BODY OF HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH ONE HAND WHILE OPERATING SWITCH CONTROL WITH OTHER HAND. THIS DODGE RAM'S DASH COVER HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED AWAY SEVERAL Y... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2014

Incident date: May 15, 2014

ON A BUSY STREET, IN DAYLIGHT, IN GOOD WEATHER, TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEED....THE SPARE TIRE JUST FELL OFF INTO THE ROAD. INSPECTION BY OWNER SHOWS THE CABLE THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE BROKE. THANKFUL NOT TO BE AT HIGH SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. *TR

Incident date: Dec 13, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, FUEL WAS SMELLED IN THE CABIN AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE FUEL LINE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND PERSONALLY REPLACED THE NUMBE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Oct 2, 2013

EARLY MORNING, DARK, SOME FOG, MOUNTAIN ROADS, 45 TO 55 SPEED LIMITS. USING HIGH BEAMS AS NEEDED BUT NOT CONSTANTLY DUE TO FOG AND SOME ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT,FLASHED BACK ON AND OFF,SEEMED TO HAPPEN A COUPLE OF TIMES AS I WAS BREAKING AND TRYING NOT TO HIT SOMETHING OR GO INTO A DITC... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2013

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 55MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED TO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION. IT CAUSED THE WHOLE TRUCK TO SHAKE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER IT AND ALL AROUND IT BUT FOUND NOTHING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT AND IT DROVE FINE. EVERY TIME IT GETS AROUND 55 IT STARTS THE SHAKIN... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2013

Incident date: Aug 11, 2013

AFTER USING HEADLIGHTS ON HIGH BEAM FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, WENT TO SWITCH TO LOW BEAM AND LOST ALL LIGHTING. UPON EXAMINATION, HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS MELTED. THIS IS THE SECOND SWITCH THAT HAS DONE THIS. *TR

Incident date: May 14, 2008

THE STEERING COLUMN ON THIS TRUCK HAS GOTTEN VERY HOT UNDER THE IGNITION SWITCH AREA. SO HOT IN FACT THAT THE WIRES AND PLASTIC COLUMN COVER HAVE SMOKED AND MELTED THROUGH. I FEEL THERE MAY BE A FIRE SOON. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY MODEL YEAR BUT THE MELTED HOLE IN MY STEERING CO... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 14, 2008

Fire

Incident date: Dec 4, 2012

NUMEROUS HEADLIGHT SWITCHES REPLACED DUE TO THEM BURNING UP TO INCLUDE SEVERAL INCHES OF THE EXISTING WIRING HARNESS TO SWITCH. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS TYPE OF SAFETY ISSUE IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED. YOU DAM SURE HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE THE AFTERMARKET AUTO PARTS O REILYS ETC. CARRY THE ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 16, 2009

THE DASH IS A BIG PILE OF JUNK! HARD PLASTIC WITH A VIBRATING DIESEL? TURNS TO PIECES AND FALLS INTO DEFROSTER DUCTS, FLOOR, ALL IN CAB OF TRUCK! THIS IS WHY YOU DON'T BUY DODGE OR YOU BUY IT FOR ONLY CUMMINS DIESEL POWER! THATS ONE OF THE ONLY THINGS THAT SELDOM BREAKS AND NEEDS FIXING! TAKE THE PO... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2011

TRUCK WOULD NOT QUIT LEAKING INSIDE TRUCK NO WINDOWS DOWN OR DOORS OPEN AFTER RAIN? FOUND THROUGH A BOROSCOPE INVESTIGATION THAT TRUCK WELDED SEAMS WERE NOT PROPERLY SEALED AFTER THE WELDING TOOK PLACE. WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS REMOVED AND IN BETWEEN CAB UNDER WINDOW MOTOR NUMEROUS WELDS WERE FOUND T... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2012

Incident date: Dec 10, 2012

SEVERAL YEARS BACK IGNITION SWITCH WAS RECALLED FOR BURNING UP. AT THAT TIME HAD REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH TWICE PREVIOUSLY. DODGE PAID FOR THE SWITCHES AND LABOR AND REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH WITH NEW AND IMPROVED IGNITION SWITCH. NOW APPROX. 5 TO 7 YEARS LATER IGNITION SWITCH BURNING UP AGAIN TAKING... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2012

AFTER OPERATING VEHICLE UNDER HEAVY LOAD (SNOWPLOWING), THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE RUPTURED WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED AND THE HYDRAULIC FLUID IGNITED ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM. NOTE: THERE WAS A RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 99V115000 ) ISSUED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 20, 2012

Fire

Incident date: Sep 2, 2011

THIS REPORT IS REGARDING THE FAILURE OF A GOODYEAR WRANGLER ATS TIRE, LOAD RANGE D, SIZE 305/70R16. FOR SEVERAL MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A MILD TO MODERATE TIRE SHAKE OR IN-BALANCE. A GOODYEAR DEALER RE-BALANCED THE TIRES, BUT THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THE SHAKE. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2011

Incident date: Jan 18, 2000

THE PAINT IS COMING OFF IN BIG SPOTS. *TR

Incident date: Jul 12, 2009

PULLING LOADED CARGO TRAILER ON A HOT DAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC KIN SAN ANTONIO, TX. ALL A SUDDEN TRUCK STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. STOPPED AND LOOKED UNDER AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS COMING OUT OF TRANSMISSION ON TO HOT EXHAUST. THE HOT TRANSMISSION FLUID MELT... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2009

DASHBOARD FOR 1996 DODGE RAM TRUCK. CRACKED UNTIL NOTHING BUT PIECES OF SHARP EDGES AND EXPOSED WIRING AND METAL SUPPORT BELOW . *TR

Incident date: Jan 1, 2007

DODGE RAM 2500 PICK UP TRUCK: DASHBOARD HAS BEEN SLOWLY DISINTEGRATING TO THE POINT WHERE CERTAINLY ELEMENTS ARE HOLDING ONLY BY ONE SCREW ' AIR-CONDITION VENTS ARE FALLING OUT. TOP OF DASHBOARD IS 50% GONE, BROKEN IN TO SMALL PIECES AND EXPOSING ELECTRICAL WIRES TO THE HARSH SUNLIGHT. SOME CONTROLS... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2007

Incident date: Dec 7, 2009

ON THE MORNING OF 12/7/09 I STARTED MY TRUCK TO WARM IT UP WITH THE HEATING FAN ON HIGH WHEN AT SOME POINT, SOMEWHERE IN THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH OVERHEATED AND STARTED THE INTERIOR ON FIRE. DESTROYING MY VEHICLE. THE WINDSHIELD AND DRIVER DOOR WINDOWS WERE BROKEN FROM THE HEAT BUT LUCKILY ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jul 25, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DOWNSHIFT AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO ANY GEARS. HE WAS FORCED TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT ... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 1998

DASH ON MY DODGE TRUCK CRACKING UP. *TR

Incident date: Jun 10, 2009

HOOD HINGES ON EARLY MODELS FULL SIZE DODGE TRUCKS CAN SLIDE OUT OF SLOT THUS RELEASING SPRING. SHOULD ANY ONE BE IN THE AREA THEY COULD RECEIVE A SERIOUS INJURY. LATER MODELS PUT A RETAINER PREVENTING SPRING FROM SLIDING OUT OF SLOT AND RELEASING. *TR

Incident date: Jun 25, 2009

STRAPS BROKE ON MY GAS TANK DROPPING THE TANK TO THE HWY,WHICH PUNCTURED THE TANK AND 34 GALS OF DIESEL FUEL WAS LOST ON THE HWY. AFTER CHECKING THIS OUT WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT SOURCES, IT SEAMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH DODGE TRUCKS WHY NO SERVICE BULLETINS OR OWNER NOTIFICATIONS, TO THE ORIGI... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE AND ENGINE WAS STILL IN THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CUTS AND LACERATIONS ON HIS FACE AND NECK. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V023000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) WAS REF... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Dec 22, 2007

NORMAL DRIVING. TRUCK HAS 138K MILES. HEADLIGHTS FAIL. INITIALLY THEY GO OFF, COME ON, THEN GO OFF PERMANENTLY. CAN SMELL SMOKE FROM DASH WIRING HARNESS. MANUFACTURER HAS A RECALL #819 THAT COVERS THE 3500 SERIES TRUCKS WITH IDENTICAL WIRING AND HEADLIGHT SWITCH PART NUMBERS, BUT WILL NOT COVER... Read more

Incident date: Dec 22, 2007

Incident date: Jan 3, 2007

MY 96 RAM 2500 HAS A MAJOR STEERING/HANDLING PROBLEM AT OR ABOUT ANY HIGH SPEED IF I HIT ANY POTHOLES, ROUGH SPOTS, OR IF I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT FOR A PROLONG PERIOD OF TIME MY STEERING WHEEL STARTS SHAKING LIKE I HAVE BLOWN A TIRE VIOLENTLY SHAKING/HOPPING SO ERRATIC THAT IT SHAKES A ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2007

ON 9/20/2007 I TOOK MY 96 DODGE PICKUP FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE ATTENDANT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT GAS TANK STRAP (1 OF 2) WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION THE BACK STRAP WAS FOUND TO BE CORRODED ALSO. *JB

Incident date: Jul 29, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH UPHILL HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. HE PULLED OVER NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL AND FENDER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,000.

Showing 50 of 365 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 DODGE RAM 2500

18 manufacturer communications from 13 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	5
160000 STRUCTURE	5
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	2
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	2
020000 SUSPENSION	1
100000 POWER TRAIN	1
021540 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT	1
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1

350000 EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are nece

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

160000 STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

160000 STRUCTURE

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

160000 STRUCTURE

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

021540 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly ma

100000 POWER TRAIN

This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement

160000 STRUCTURE

350000 EQUIPMENT

68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

REPROGRAM WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE. *AK

020000 SUSPENSION

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SITS TOO HIGH TO ATTACH THEIR FIFTH WHEEL OR GOOSE NECK TRAILER TO THE TRAILER HITCH TURNABLE. *JB

NHTSA Safety Investigations, DODGE RAM 2500

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

FALSE PARK

THERE HAVE BEEN 50 COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND DAIMLERCHRYSLER ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF REVERSE POWERED ROLLAWAY IN SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED.THE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN 42 CRASHES AND 3 INJURIES. ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER,... INCIDENT VEHICLE INSPECTIONS HAVE NOT IDENTIFIED ANY MISADJUSTED OR BROKEN PARTS.A TYPICAL INCIDENT IS BELIEVED TO INVOLVE THE FOLLOWING SET OF CONDITIONS:(1) WITH THE VEHICLE ON A RELATIVELY LEVEL SURFACE, AN ATTEMPTED SHIFT INTO PARK INADVERTENTLY PLACES THE TRANSMISSION IN A POSITION BETWEEN THE REVERSE AND PARK GEAR DETENTS; (2) THE DRIVER EXITS THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE RUNNING, AND THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED; AND (3) AFTER SOME DELAY, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TRAVELING REARWARD.IN PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS OF OTHER DAIMLERCHRYSLER PRODUCTS, REVERSE MOTION WAS FOUND TO RESULT FROM A GRADUAL PRESSURIZATION OF THE REVERSE CIRCUIT (HYDRAULIC REVERSE). DAIMLERCHRYSLER ATTRIBUTES THE INCIDENTS TO OPERATOR ERROR IN USING A SYSTEM THAT FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, THE ALLEGED DEFECT CANNOT OCCUR IF THE DRIVER:(1) SHIFTS FULLY INTO PARK AS INDICATED BY END OF SHIFTER TRAVEL SLAM, THE FORWARD THROW OF THE SHIFT LEVER, AND/OR THE ILLUMINATION OF THE PARK INDICATION IN THE PRNDL DISPLAY; (2) REMOVES THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION; (3) TURNS THE ENGINE OFF; OR (4) ENGAGES THE PARKING BRAKE. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH:(1) DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S RE-SPECIFIC TRANSMISSIONS THAT HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF TWO PREVIOUS ODI REVERSE POWERED ROLLAWAY INVESTIGATIONS (EA96-006 & EA01-017); AND (2) A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT MECHANISM WITH AN ELECTRONIC GEAR POSITION INDICATOR (PRNDL) THAT IS LOCATED IN THE DASH DISPLAY DIRECTLY FORWARD OF THE STEERING WHEEL.TWO PEER POPULATIONS OF DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE ANALYZED FOR COMPARISON WITH THE SUBJECT VEHICLES:(1) MY 2001-02 RAM 2500/3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TRANSMISSIONS, BUT A DIFFERENT SHIFTER WITH A MECHANICAL PRNDL; AND (2) MY 2003-04 RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME SHIFTER AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT DIFFERENT TRANSMISSIONS.THE COMPLAINT RATE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN IN THE TWO PEER POPULATIONS.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.Read more