1996 Dodge Ramcharger

The 1996 Dodge Ramcharger was a mid-size SUV that was available with two engine options: a 5.2L V8 and a 5.9L V8. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Ramcharger was praised for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and rugged off-road capabilities. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy, lack of modern features, and unreliable build quality.

Engine

• 5.2L V8
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, rough idle, decreased power output
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Valve cover gasket leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve covers, burning smell from engine bay
    • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• 5.9L V8
  • Timing chain failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or grinding noise from engine, loss of power, Check Engine Light
    • Solution: Replace timing chain and related components
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: 99V118000
  • Water pump failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from water pump, overheating engine, Check Engine Light
    • Solution: Replace water pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Transmission
    • 4-speed automatic transmission
      • Slipping gears
        • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips out of gear, difficulty shifting, loss of power
        • Solution: Overhaul or replace transmission
        • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+
      • Torque converter failure
        • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, loss of power, Check Engine Light
        • Solution: Replace torque converter
        • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

Suspension

• Front suspension
  • Ball joint failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or clunking noise from front suspension, loose or worn ball joints
    • Solution: Replace ball joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Rear suspension
  • Leaf spring breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, rough ride, broken or cracked leaf springs
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+

Electrical

• Battery issues
  • Premature battery failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, difficulty starting vehicle
    • Solution: Replace battery
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Alternator failure
  • No charging
    • Description/Symptoms: Electrical components not functioning properly, battery not charging
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Starter failure
  • No starting
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle does not start, clicking noise from starter
    • Solution: Replace starter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Rust issues
  • Frame rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust on frame, especially in areas exposed to salt and moisture
    • Solution: Rust repair or frame replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $5000+

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits in dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or repair cracks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

Summary

The 1996 Dodge Ramcharger had a number of potential issues, with the most severe and costly being related to the engine and transmission. The vehicle’s build quality and reliability were also concerns for many owners. However, the Ramcharger’s spacious interior, powerful engines, and rugged off-road capabilities made it a popular choice for those who needed a capable and versatile SUV.