2000 Dodge Ram 1500

The 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that was available with several engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 3.9-liter V6 with 175 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engines included a 5.2-liter V8 with 230 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.9-liter V8 with 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual transmission.

People like the 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 for its powerful engines, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system.

Engine

• 3.9L V6
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include a decrease in coolant levels, an increase in oil consumption, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and damage the engine. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
• 5.2L V8
  • Broken valve springs: The valve springs can break, causing the valves to not close properly. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough idle, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the valve springs. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• 5.9L V8
  • Intake manifold failure: The intake manifold can crack or warp, causing a loss of coolant and/or vacuum. Symptoms include a decrease in coolant levels, an increase in engine temperature, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic transmission
  • Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough shift, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Transmission control module (TCM) failure: The TCM can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough shift, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the TCM. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• 5-speed manual transmission
  • Clutch failure: The clutch can wear out or fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough shift, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Suspension

• Front suspension:
  • Ball joint failure: The ball joints can wear out or fail, causing the front suspension to become loose and unstable. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, a decrease in handling, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the ball joints. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Tie rod failure: The tie rods can wear out or fail, causing the front suspension to become loose and unstable. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, a decrease in handling, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the tie rods. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Rear suspension:
  • Leaf spring failure: The leaf springs can break or sag, causing the rear suspension to become loose and unstable. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the rear of the vehicle, a decrease in handling, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the leaf springs. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Shock absorber failure: The shock absorbers can wear out or fail, causing the rear suspension to become bouncy and unstable. Symptoms include a decrease in handling, a rough ride, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the shock absorbers. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Electrical

• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to not start or run. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle, a decrease in electrical power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the vehicle to not charge the battery or electrical system. Symptoms include a decrease in electrical power, a check engine light, and a battery warning light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, causing the vehicle to not start. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle, a decrease in electrical power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Headlight failure: The headlights can fail, causing a decrease in visibility at night. Symptoms include a dim or flickering headlight, a check engine light, and a headlight warning light. The solution is to replace the headlight bulbs or assembly. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500+
• Taillight failure: The taillights can fail, causing a decrease in visibility at night for other drivers. Symptoms include a dim or flickering taillight, a check engine light, and a taillight warning light. The solution is to replace the taillight bulbs or assembly. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500+
• Rear differential leak: The rear differential can develop a leak, causing a loss of fluid and a decrease in performance. Symptoms include a whining noise from the rear of the vehicle, a decrease in power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the rear differential seal or gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Interior

• Heater core failure: The heater core can fail, causing a loss of heat in the cabin. Symptoms include a cold cabin, a decrease in airflow, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the heater core. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Air conditioning failure: The air conditioning can fail, causing a loss of cool air in the cabin. Symptoms include a warm cabin, a decrease in airflow, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the air conditioning compressor or other components. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Cruise control failure: The cruise control can fail, causing the vehicle to not be able to maintain a set speed. Symptoms include a decrease in speed, a check engine light, and a cruise control warning light. The solution is to replace the cruise control switch or other components. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500+

Summary The 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 is a reliable truck, but it is not without its problems. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, torque converter failure, transmission control module (TCM) failure, and ball joint failure. These issues can be expensive to fix, so it is important to do your research before buying a used 2000 Ram 1500.