Dodge · Known Issues

1996 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems: 4 Known Issues

1996 model year · 1,100+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 has 4 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel ($150-$5,000 repair), Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure ($400-$1,200 repair), Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP) ($15-$8,000 repair) and "Death Wobble" Front End Shimmy ($300-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel with 400 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $15 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel, Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure, Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

The 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 has 4 known issues documented across 1,100+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel and Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure and Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP) and "Death Wobble" Front End Shimmy. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Ram 2500 issues range from $15 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel, typically costs $150-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel?

The 47RE (1994-2003) and 48RE (2003-2007) 4-speed automatic transmissions are the weak link in Cummins-powered Ram 2500 trucks. The factory transmissions were not designed to handle the massive torque output of the Cummins diesel, especially when tuned or used for heavy towing. O… Repairs typically run $150-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure?

Ram 2500 4x4 trucks are notorious for premature front end ball joint failure due to the heavy weight of the Cummins diesel engine and the demands of off-road and towing use. Both upper and lower ball joints wear out significantly faster than expected, sometimes as early as 30,000… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP)?

The 5.9L Cummins diesel engine has a potentially catastrophic design flaw known as the 'Killer Dowel Pin' (KDP). A small steel dowel pin in the timing gear housing can vibrate loose and fall into the timing gears, causing catastrophic engine damage including destroyed timing gear… Repairs typically run $15-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 "Death Wobble" Front End Shimmy?

Violent front end oscillation triggered by hitting a bump at highway speed, commonly called "death wobble." Caused by worn track bar bushing, ball joints, or steering stabilizer working in combination with the solid front axle. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.

1996 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems: 4 Known Issues

All 4 Known Issues

1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500: 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500: Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500: Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500: "Death Wobble" Front End Shimmy#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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Other Dodge Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

Is the Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel?

What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure?

What is the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP)?

What is the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 "Death Wobble" Front End Shimmy?