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1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab (2WD)

The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab (2WD) is a 175-hp 3.9-liter V6 pickup truck with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $15,106 MSRP.

It makes 175 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

The Ram 1500 measures 199.9 inches long on a 118.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,060 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypePickup
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$15,106 ($31,290 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.9L Magnum OHV V6
Displacement3.9 L
Horsepower175 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
ValvetrainOHV, 2 valves/cylinder
Injection TypeMulti-port fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
1st Gear4.01
2nd Gear2.32
3rd Gear1.4
4th Gear1
5th Gear0.73
Reverse3.55
Final Drive3.21
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway20 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity26 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionWide Track independent
Rear SuspensionLeaf spring, solid axle
Turning Diameter40.6 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc11.6 x 1.26"
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 x 7.0"
Wheels Rear16 x 7.0"
Tires FrontP225/75R16XL
Tires RearP225/75R16XL
Dimensions & Weight
Length199.9 in
Width79.4 in
Height71.9 in
Wheelbase118.7 in
Ground Clearance8.8 in
Cargo Volume55.5 ft³
Curb Weight4,060 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)58% / 42%
Interior
Headroom Front40.2 in
Legroom Front41 in
Shoulder Room Front66 in
Hip Room Front65.6 in
Hip Room Rear65.6 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Van/Wagon

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Dodge RAM 1500. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 15, 2006 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

NHTSA campaign 06E024000

948 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1996 Dodge RAM PICKUP (1500)

Owner Complaints

948 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Dodge RAM PICKUP (1500) (91 mention a crash, 40 a fire, 49 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Service Brakes206
Hydraulic205
Power Train183
Engine And Engine Cooling84
Electrical System69
Suspension65
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Nov 25, 2024 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control
“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000…”
Jan 18, 2024 · Latches/Locks/Linkages
“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the hood flew open and struck the windshield. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact…”
Jun 30, 2022 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, he noticed that fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it…”
Feb 11, 2021 · Structure
“HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATS AND THE PLASTIC START TO MELTING”
May 10, 2019 · Steering, Power Train, Wheels
“MY BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING BOX, ALL THAT HAS TO DO WITH THOSE AREAS HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND DODGE NEEDS TO FOX THEM FOR FREE PUT THEM UNDER THE RECALL DEPT SO THEY CAN BE. STEERING WHEEL VERY…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1996 DODGE RAM Pickup (1500). US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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