2001 Dodge Ram 3500

Here’s a comprehensive list of common issues and complaints for the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500, categorized and formatted as requested. The 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capability and ruggedness. Engine options for this year included the 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six, a 5.9L Magnum V8, and an 8.0L Magnum V10. The 5.9L Cummins produced around 235 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Owners often praise the Ram 3500 for its robust diesel engine, workhorse capabilities, and relatively simple design, making it easier to maintain. Common complaints revolve around rust, aging components, and the typical wear and tear associated with a heavy-duty vehicle of this age.

Body

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust is common, especially on the lower body panels, wheel wells, and around the edges of the bed. This is especially prevalent in areas with road salt usage.
  • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of affected panels, followed by rustproofing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on severity.

Engine

5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel

• Lift Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The lift pump, responsible for supplying fuel to the injection pump, is prone to failure. Symptoms include hard starting, low power, and stalling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the lift pump. Upgrading to an aftermarket, higher-quality pump is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
• VP44 Injection Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The VP44 injection pump, which is specific to the 24-valve Cummins, is a common failure point. Symptoms include hard starting, lack of power, stalling, and diagnostic trouble codes.
  • Solution: Replacement of the VP44 injection pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
• Cracked Exhaust Manifold
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leaks, loss of power, louder exhaust noise, soot deposits around the manifold.
  • Solution: Replacement of the exhaust manifold with an upgraded cast manifold to help prevent future cracking.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$1000

5.9L Magnum V8

• Intake Manifold Plenum Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil consumption, rough idle, lean running condition.
  • Solution: Replacement of the plenum gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

8.0L Magnum V10

• No Issues Found

Transmission

47RE Automatic Transmission (Used with Cummins)

• Overdrive Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overdrive disengages, slipping in overdrive, or complete loss of overdrive function.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement, focusing on the overdrive unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, transmission slipping, overheating.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement, often recommended as part of a transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

46RE Automatic Transmission (Used with 5.9L V8)

• Soft Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, loss of power.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement, addressing worn clutches and valve body issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
• Governor Pressure Solenoid/Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, failure to shift, getting stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the governor pressure solenoid and sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

NV4500 Manual Transmission (Available with Cummins and V10)

• 5th Gear Nut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of 5th gear, excessive noise in 5th gear, complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement, addressing the loose 5th gear nut issue. Upgrading to a fully splined mainshaft to prevent future failures is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, clunking noises from the front end, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn ball joints and/or tie rod ends.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
• Leaf Spring Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced load-carrying capacity, sagging rear end, poor ride quality.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs or adding helper springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+

Electrical

• Dashboard Cracks and Bulging
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks form on the dashboard. The plastic becomes brittle and may start to bulge.
  • Solution: Replacement or installation of a dash cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1000
• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Only one or a few blower motor speeds working, or no blower motor function at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaches from the backing and sags down.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headliner or re-gluing the existing fabric.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600

Recalls

• None Found

Summary

The 2001 Dodge Ram 3500, while a capable and durable truck, is prone to several age-related issues. The most serious and costly problems tend to revolve around the Cummins diesel engine’s fuel delivery system (lift pump and VP44 injection pump) and the automatic transmissions, particularly the overdrive unit on the 47RE and general wear in the 46RE. Rust is a significant concern in certain climates. Suspension components like ball joints and leaf springs also require attention due to wear. While maintenance can be costly, particularly on the diesel models, addressing these issues proactively can keep these workhorses on the road.