What are the most common Dodge Ram problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2000-2000 Dodge Ram has 1 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Bosch VP44 Injection Pump Failure on 1998.5-2002 Dodge Ram 5.9 Cummins 24V. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Ram reliable?

The 2000-2000 Dodge Ram has 1 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Bosch VP44 Injection Pump Failure on 1998.5-2002 Dodge Ram 5.9 Cummins 24V. 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 problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Ram issues range from $600 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Bosch VP44 Injection Pump Failure on 1998.5-2002 Dodge Ram 5.9 Cummins 24V, typically costs $600-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2000 Dodge Ram Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2000 Dodge Ram Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 1 Known Issues

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On the 1998-2002 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins 24V ISB, the Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump on the 1998.5-2002 24-valve ISB Cummins is one of the most failure-prone components on the entire 2nd-gen Ram platform. The root cause is the inadequate factory in-tank lift pump (later moved to the engine block), which delivers below the 5 psi minimum the VP44 needs for cooling and lubrication. Without sufficient supply pressure the pump cavitates and the PSG (Pump Solenoid Group)—a small computer epoxy-potted on top of the pump—overheats and the lead-free solder joints crack from thousands of heat cycles. Failures are sudden: dead pedal at highway speed, no-start at the gas station, or progressive bucking/surging. Replacement pumps are $1,500-$2,500 and often fail again within months if the lift pump is not upgraded first. Sets diagnostic code P0216 (injection timing failure) which is essentially VP44-specific.

Common Symptoms

P0216 injection timing fault code
Sudden dead-pedal / no throttle response at highway speed
Hard start or extended cranking when hot
Crank-no-start
Bucking, surging, or rough idle
Loss of power above 2,000 RPM
Whining noise from pump

How to Fix

PREVENTION (do this on every 24V Cummins): replace the failure-prone factory lift pump with an aftermarket frame-mounted unit—FASS DDRP, AirDog II 4G 165, or Fuelab—that delivers a steady 12-15 psi to the VP44. Add an isolated fuel-pressure gauge to monitor supply pressure. REPAIR: confirm diagnosis with P0216 + a $40 fuel-pressure test kit on the VP44 inlet (must show >5 psi at WOT). Replace VP44 with a remanufactured Bosch unit from Industrial Injection, Dynomite Diesel, or Blue Chip Diesel ($1,500-$2,500 part + 4 hours labor); some shops offer PSG-only repair if the hydraulic head is healthy ($700-$1,000). Install lift pump upgrade at the same time or the new pump will fail again.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $3,500

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High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls34 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Campaign #08E05000011/08/2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Campaign #06E06000029/06/2006

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Campaign #07E06600028/08/2007

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2000 Dodge Ram Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 1 Known Issues

1998-2002 Dodge Ram: Bosch VP44 Injection Pump Failure on 1998.5-2002 Dodge Ram 5.9 Cummins 24V#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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