1999 Dodge Ram 3500 problems & reliability
104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (2 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train → | 22 | 21% |
| Structure → | 18 | 17% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 12 | 12% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic → | 11 | 11% |
| Steering → | 11 | 11% |
| Suspension | 7 | 7% |
| Unknown OR Other | 6 | 6% |
| Air Bags | 5 | 5% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 5% |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 5 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 113,500 miles (middle 50% between 71,484 and 148,734 miles), based on 50 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that the dashboard began to fracture and was currently in several pieces. The contact called I-10 mac haik dodge chrysler (located at 12111 katy fwy, houston, tx 77079, 713-538-2700) and was informed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle…”
Structure · filed Oct 29, 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that the spare tire cables underneath the vehicle were rusted. The failure prevented the contact from placing the tire back in the spare tire compartment, as it could fall while driving. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer and…”
Structure · filed Feb 8, 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 dodge ram 3500. While the contact's spouse was driving 30 mph, she turned a corner and crashed into a band of trees that were covering the road. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact called goss dodge chrysler at (802) 658-0120…”
Air Bags · filed Aug 20, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- TIRE VALVE
Preliminary Evaluation PE02049 · opened Jun 3, 2002 · closed Oct 1, 2002
Technical service bulletins
16 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. The 10 most recent:
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
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…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and…
DOR-X6W2U-06 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 23, 2020
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.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
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.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
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.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
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.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1999 Dodge Ram 3500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 113,500 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.