CarBrief

NHTSA has 513 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup, and the largest group is about the structure of the truck[1][2]. Two recalls are on file, and EPA combined fuel economy depends on the engine and drive[3][4].

513owner complaints[1]
2recalls[3]
13–16MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 513 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of these, 37 mention a crash and 7 a fire, and 50 injuries are reported[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Structure[2] 248 78,000
Power train[5] 45 59,800
Unknown or other[6] 43 74,105
Air bags[7] 41 77,000
Suspension[8] 35 79,000
Electrical system[9] 35 90,283
Brakes[10] 31 84,700
Engine[11] 28 74,000

Structure. In the sample of complaints we read, 8 of 11 different texts describe a dashboard that cracks, crumbles or turns brittle. Some owners worry that broken pieces could affect the passenger air bag. One says the dealer called it cosmetic[2].

Air bags. The 41 air bag complaints include 27 crashes and 32 injuries[7]. In the sample we read, all 11 different texts describe a crash where the air bags did not deploy[7]. These are owner accounts. NHTSA data does not tell us why[7].

Power train. In the sample, 6 of 10 different texts describe transmission trouble such as slipping, jerking, lurching or losing drive[5]. Other texts mention vibration or a pull to one side[5].

Electrical. The 35 electrical complaints include 4 fires[9]. The sample has reports of fires that started near the battery and of wiring that overheated. It is a small sample, so treat it as a hint and not a pattern[9].

Recalls

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on engine, transmission and drive. The 3.9L 6-cylinder versions have the best combined ratings[4][14]. The 5.9L and 4WD versions are at 13 combined[15][16][17][18]. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from 2000[4].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2WD 3.9L, automatic 4-spd[4] 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
2WD 3.9L, manual 5-spd[14] 13 / 19 / 15 $4,450
2WD 5.2L, automatic 4-spd[19] 12 / 17 / 14 $4,800
2WD 5.2L, manual 5-spd[20] 12 / 18 / 14 $4,800
2WD 5.9L, automatic 4-spd[15] 11 / 17 / 13 $5,150
4WD 5.2L, automatic 4-spd[16] 11 / 15 / 13 $5,150
4WD 5.2L, manual 5-spd[17] 12 / 16 / 13 $5,150
4WD 5.9L, automatic 4-spd[18] 11 / 16 / 13 $5,150

Engine and size

Our data lists 3.9L 6-cylinder, 5.2L 8-cylinder and 5.9L 8-cylinder engines[4][19][15]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks[21].

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Reg cab long box 2WD[22] 220 in 79 in 72 in 135 in 4,513 lb
Club/Quad cab short box 2WD[21] 220 in 79 in 72 in 139 in 4,687 lb
Club/Quad cab short box 4WD[23] 220 in 79 in 75 in 139 in 5,106 lb
Quad cab long box 2WD[24] 240 in 79 in 73 in 155 in 5,190 lb
Quad cab long box 4WD[25] 240 in 79 in 77 in 155 in 5,366 lb

How 2000 compares with other years

1995: 213 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 298 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 361 complaints, 0 recalls19971998: 520 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 610 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 513 complaints, 2 recalls51320002001: 1,112 complaints, 2 recalls20012002: 815 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 1,171 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 1,099 complaints, 5 recalls2005: 1,172 complaints, 4 recalls20052006: 792 complaints, 9 recalls2007: 517 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 554 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 670 complaints, 2 recalls20092010: 488 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 689 complaints, 4 recalls20112012: 698 complaints, 6 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Ram 1500 Pickup model year. The 2000 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952130
19962980
19973610
19985200
19996100
20005132
20011,1122
20028153
20031,1711
20041,0995
20051,1724
20067929
20075174
20085545
20096702
20104884
20116894
20126986

With 513 complaints, 2000 sits fifth lowest among the 18 model years listed[3]. Only 1995 (213), 1996 (298), 1997 (361) and 2010 (488) have fewer[3]. It is slightly below 1998 (520) and 1999 (610), and far below 2001 (1,112)[3].

Recalls are a different story. The years 1995 to 1999 list none, while 2000 lists 2, the same as 2001 and 2009[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so read them as a rough guide[3].

Should you buy a used 2000 Ram 1500?

The complaint count for 2000 is on the lower side for this model (fifth lowest of 18 years), and no deaths are reported[1][3]. The most reported area is structure, and in the sample we read the theme is a cracking dashboard[2]. Air bag complaints are fewer, but 27 of the 41 mention a crash, so ask for proof that the clockspring recall was done[7][13]. If the truck is a 4x4 with a snow plow package, check the tire recall as well[12]. A pre-purchase inspection that looks at the transmission, dashboard and wiring is a sensible step for a truck this age.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500?
Structure has the most NHTSA complaints at 248, followed by power train at 45[2][5]. In a small sample we read, dashboard cracking showed up in the structure group[2].
Does the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls, 01V153 for the steering wheel clockspring and 03V504 for tires on certain 4x4 snow plow package trucks[13][12][3].
What gas mileage does a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 get?
EPA combined ratings run from 13 to 16 MPG depending on engine and drive[4][16]. The best is 16 MPG for the 2WD 3.9L automatic[4].
Did the 2000 Ram 1500 have more complaints than other years?
Fewer than most years. Its 513 complaints are fifth lowest of the 18 years listed[3]. 2001 has 1,112[3]. Only 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2010 have fewer[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 513 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (37 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 50 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 248 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 45 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 43 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,105). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 41 complaints name the air bags component group (27 crashes, 0 fires, 32 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 35 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 35 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,283). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 31 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,700). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 28 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 03V504, filed December 10, 2003: Tires. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 01V153, filed May 8, 2001: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 17 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 5.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 15 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 5.2L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 16 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 5.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, 5.2L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CLUB/QUAD CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 220 in, width 79 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 139 in, curb weight 4,687 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 REG CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 220 in, width 79 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 135 in, curb weight 4,513 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CLUB/QUAD CAB S/BOX 4WD: length 220 in, width 79 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 139 in, curb weight 5,106 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 QUAD CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 240 in, width 79 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 155 in, curb weight 5,190 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 QUAD CAB L/BOX 4WD: length 240 in, width 79 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 155 in, curb weight 5,366 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.