Faults:

The heads on the motor mushroomed around 130000 miles. This called for a total rebuild of the motor.

The fuel filter did not perform as intended. This cause dirt to get to the fuel injectors and lean the motor out. This in turn, warped the valves and they did not seat properly. I had to have them re-machined around 175000 miles and the total package of having them re-machined and finding the problem was around 1800 dollars.

Next the fuel pump went out. The most probable cause was the amount of dirt in the fuel tank. This cost me 300 dollars at Advanced Auto. The dealership wanted 450 dollars, so I saved 150 dollars and got a lifetime warranty.

Just recently at 209000 miles, the passenger side seal in the front end started leaking.

General Comments:

The truck overall has been a good truck. It gets stuck easily because it is so heavy, but I use it to pull a 24 foot goose-neck horse trailer and sometimes I can't hold her back. She has vasts amounts of power.

Faults:

At 30,000 miles the vibration dampener pulley had to be replaced and was not covered by the extended warranty. Dealer could not explain why this happened since I have never had an accident with it. Cost was about $600.

At around 55,000 miles the same thing happened again with the vibration dampener pulley. Cost around $600.

I get about 25 to 30,000 miles out of a set of tires. I use the truck for pleasure and do not tow or carry heavy things.

At 72,500 miles the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Garage just called and will get me a price quote on Monday (01/13/03).

General Comments:

My biggest complaint with this truck is the automatic transmission. It seems sloppy when shifting. I have been told that the OD is used in each gear and not as a final gear and that causes a lot of the sloppy feelings. I had a 1964 Chevy SS with a 2 speed auto that was nicknamed "slush-box" because I thought that was sloppy, but even with 120,000 miles on that car it wasn't so prevalent as it is with this truck.

Otherwise the truck handles well and is comfortable to drive and ride in. My kids and older and bigger and all four of us are comfortable in the extended cab. I wish I could afford to replace it with a new 4 door model.

Faults:

One fuel pump (warranty)

ALL air conditioning components (warranty)

General Comments:

Majority of miles on this truck has been interstate towing.

Faults:

1996 Dodge sport - freeze plug split on driver's side resulting in a rebuilt engine, just over 50,000 miles. Check engine light on several times, found that head on driver's side cracked approx. 4 ms. later. Replaced at dealer.

Both O2 sensors went out. Replaced engine again September '02. Rear end plug leaks.

1996 Dodge 4x4 has 143,000 miles. Replaced O2 sensors @ 100,000 miles.

Transmission is starting to "act up".

Tries to down shift at 75 m.p.h.

General Comments:

My wife drives the '96 Dodge sport 1/2 ton x-cab. We purchased the truck with just over 50k on it. Drove it for about 2 weeks before the problems started.

I drive a 1996 Dodge 4x4 x-cab 1/2 ton.

This has been a very dependable truck.

We have 143,000k on it and haven't had any major problems. The transmission is starting to "act up". It tries to down shift at 75 m.p.h.

Faults:

101000 miles. - At time of purchase, check engine light was on. Unknown reason for check engine light.

101000 miles. - At time of purchase, found that after prolonged use (45 - 60 minutes), the cruise control would suddenly stop working. Appeared to be heat and vibration sensitive problem.

110000 miles. - Battery dead. Found that it was a poor connection due to corrosion on the battery terminals.

120000 miles. - Catalytic converter began rattling. Found that the heat shield had come loose around the converter. Simple tack weld stopped the noise.

120000 miles. - Cruise control has stopped working completely.

124300 miles. - Starter beginning to fail.

General Comments:

I bought this truck for a tow rig, to tow my Jeep Wrangler with. It has served it's purpose very well, and is still very attractive looking.

For as many miles that is on the truck, I can't complain about how it has held up.

The steering is "soft", meaning it seems to wander on the highway at times. This could be caused from wear and tear on tie rod ends and other steering mechanism joints.