1999 Dodge Ram Pickup from North America - Comments

Just 1 month after warranty expired, check engine light turned on. Had to take car to dealer 3 times for them to figure out it was vacuum seal that broke.

One month later, when car reached 38,000 miles, transmission started slipping. Turns out that torque converter went bad. I've never heard of this happening at 2k miles over warranty expiration. Dealer is overhauling transmission for $1600. They said it would take 2 days and I'm just getting truck back after 5 days. They also wanted to charge $1800 even though they didn't call me to say it would cost $200 more than estimate. I don't 4x4, tow or drive in snow. Since I only drive 12k miles a year (mostly freeway miles), this is definitely a Dodge defect. After doing some research, my problem is consistent with what a lot of other Dodge Ram drivers have encountered. I wish I would have known this before buying the truck.

Paint on sides of tailgate has started rusting and chipping away. I don't live near the coast and truck is garaged every day. No reason for this to happen except faulty paint job from factory.

Although comfortable to drive, this truck is poorly designed. Either that, or Dodge has a shady way of doing business. Funny that the transmission giving out is a common problem on the 1997-1999 trucks, but Dodge hasn't offered any restitution for their truck owners. Dealer won't even discount price!

Chrysler has a toll free number to register a complaint. They would cover a transmission problem being that close out of warranty.Don't trust a dealer because they don't get as much money under warranty. Always call a factory rep if you want results.

I've got a 99 ram 1500 5.9L and I've never had any problems with the transmission or anything else for that matter. Bought it brand new and now its got 206,700 miles on it with the original engine and transmission. Paint hasn't peeled at all other than a few scratches that I've put there on accident. The only thing I've ever had replaced in the engine compartment is the water pump. I don't know why some people have so many problems with their trucks. I tow a horse trailer with 2 1200 pound horses 90% of the time. Maybe some people just get lucky with the ones they bought at the time, who know.