Faults:

The rear window leaked during heavy rains.

The big fault is the transmission. No mechanical problems to speak of until in went at 53,000 miles. The cost to replace is $3000.

General Comments:

I really loved my ram up until about two weeks ago. After 53,000 miles of trouble-free ownership I paid a hefty price.

I purchased my 1997 Ram with the intention of keeping it until the wheels fell off. I love the styling and overall performance... until now. I now have to replace a transmission. I do use my truck as a truck. It is used on the farm in central Kentucky. It has scratches on it and its rarely clean, but it is ALWAYS maintained. I depend on it to run the farm. It tows a load about once a month, usually no heavier than a 18 foot boat (less than 3500 lbs). I always tow with overdrive off and had the tranmission serviced at 41000 miles. I was driving a completely empty truck when the transmission went out. My concern is it seems the comments about transmissions are very similar in symptoms and mileage. So now I wonder, what gives with Dodge trucks? No transmission should be dead after only 53,000 miles.

Faults:

The only thing that has happened so far is the heat shield on the exhaust came un welded. At first, I thought it was the transmission, but am relieved it is not.

General Comments:

Roomy inside and good sounding stereo, I would like a little bit more room behind the seats. I love the big flip down console.

I like the body style much better than chevy and ford.

Looks and runs great. The engine is very strong. I pull a trailer for mowing yards and it pulls it like a charm. Can't even tell its back there.

Faults:

Well, nothing at first. But in November of 2001, we were coming home from a long trip... and on the way home, we were having problems with the brakes pulling to the left. We were about 1 hour away from home when I saw smoke coming from underneath the dash. We pulled over and piled out of the truck. I opened the hood and a small fire was burning. We got the family out of the truck (extended cab) and pushed the horse trailer back. The truck was completely on fire after 8 minutes. We sold every thing, but the cab. (the motor and everything else was sold.)

General Comments:

Good truck, the insurance people said 500/yr 2500's will burn. Its something in the wiring harness.

Nothing inside was sparable, it all melted. Most of the stuff is plastic or vinyl...

Faults:

There has been a severe leak on the passenger side which leaves at least an inch or rainwater in the "well" after a rainstorm.

After my mechanic pulled the seat out and rug up, it was discovered the rear window (above the bed) seals are defective.

My local dealership has confirmed this is a common problem with the Ram Pickup however, there has been no recall.

General Comments:

I called the Dodge Customer Service toll-free number and was advised there was no recall for this problem.

I have never been satisfied with the service from my dealership in California (I live in NJ now), but I plan on pursuing this matter so I may be reimbursed for re-sealing the rear window.