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2000 Dodge Ram Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2000 Dodge Ram has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Dashboard cracking and collapse.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2000 Dodge Ram.

Reported to NHTSA

Dashboard cracking and collapse

STRUCTURE

132 NHTSA complaints · 2008-09 → 2017-03

“THE DASH BOARD HAS SHATTERED AND FALLEN INTO THE VEHICLE. PIECES OF THE DASH FLY OUT AT YOU WHEN YOU TURN THE FAN ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10504555
“FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS I HAVE WATCHED MY DASHBOARD SLOWLY DETERIORATE. IT STARTED WITH SMALL HAIRLINE CRACKS THAT HAVE EVOLVED INTO HUGE CRACKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10477348
“I HEARD CRACKING AND POPPING. WHEN I TURNED THE DEFROST FAN OFF I NOTICED THE DASH HAD CRACKED INTO APPROX 24 PIECES CAUSING THE DASH TO FALL ONTO THE WIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10564566

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood latch failure with hood opening while driving

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

9 NHTSA complaints · 2008-11 → 2020-06

“WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE HOOD UN LATCHED AND SLAMMED AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION SHE NOTICED THAT THE HOOD LATCH HAD FRACTURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10292815
“I HAVE A 2000 DODGE RAM 1500 EXTENDED CAB AND THE HOOD UNEXPECTEDLY FLEW UP GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND SMASHED MY WINDOW AND THE HOOD IS DESTROYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10325772
“AS THE TRUCK WAS BEING DRIVEN DOWN THE ROAD, APPROX. 40 MPH THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK FLIPPED UP AND OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10247953

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line and hose leaks

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2008-11 → 2015-05

“BRAKE LINE BEHIND THE GAS TANK ON DRIVERS SIDE BURST DUE TO CORROSION ON MY 2000 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10280396
“WENT TO SLOW DOWN TO PULL INTO A SPACE AND PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10504490
“THE BRAKE LINE ON DRIVERS SIDE BEHIND THE GAS TANK BURST DUE TO CORROSION I LOST BRAKES WHILE DRIVING NOT ABLE TO STOP WELL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10280793

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frame and door rust

STRUCTURE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2009-03 → 2019-05

“THE FRAME IS RUSTING AND HAS A BREAK IN THE FRONT END!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745202
“DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS RUSTING OUT AT THE BOTTOM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10263007
“CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED FRAME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11205637

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stalling with NO BUS message

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2010-06 → 2022-06

“WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD, THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT OFF. ALMOST LIKE I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100280
“I WENT TO START UP MY 2000 DODGE RAM 1500 AND THE WHOLE DASH WAS DEAD. NO INSTRUMENT GAUGES AND "NO BUS" APPEARED ON THE ODOMETER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10465907
“When this happens it also affects the power steering and the power brakes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11469787

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Throttle sticking or unintended acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2008-09 → 2012-10

“WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL, BUT THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO SPEED UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10479706
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10243895
“WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES MY TRUCK WENT INTO ACCELERATION. NO CRUISE WAS ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10348618

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front-end shake and steering wobble

STEERING, SUSPENSION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2016-09

“UNCONTROLLABLE WHEEL SHAKE (DEATH WOBBLE), UNTIL YOU COME TO COMPLETE STOP WHICH THE VIOLENT SHAKING IN TURN AFFECTS HOW I BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10587518
“VIOLENT CONVULSIVE BOUNCING SHAKING WOBBLING MOVEMENT IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10386354

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags not deploying in frontal crashes

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2009-03 → 2012-07

“HE WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL WHERE HE LATER BECAME CONSCIOUS AND WAS ADVISED BY A STATE TROOPER THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10321568
“SERIOUS FRONT END CRASH, OCCURRED WHEN 3 VEHICLES SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO AVOID A CHILD AND 2 DOGS DARTING INTO THE STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10262065

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

399 crashes 1990–2024

How the 399 occupant deaths break down

318

driver deaths

81

passenger deaths

399

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1999 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

68

complaints mentioning a crash

22

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2000 Dodge Ram reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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