30/100
1996Standard Pickup TrucksRegular

1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD

EPA ID: 12985
15
City MPG
16
Combined MPG
16MPG· Below Avg
19
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.9L 6-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this standard pickup trucks features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1996 Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD produces approximately 555 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,750, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $8,000 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassStandard Pickup Trucks
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine3.9L 6-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions555 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,750
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $8,000

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
16.6
Impact vs EPA
$-113
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Standard Pickup Trucks has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$750/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,800
37.3%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$16,406
36.5%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$11,400
25.3%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.9%
Total 5-Year Cost$45,006

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #09E025000·2009-07-28
critical
Component: 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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Campaign #09E012000·2009-05-11
critical
Component: 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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Campaign #08E050000·2008-12-17
critical
Component: 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."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Campaign #06E060000·2006-08-01
critical
Component: 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."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Campaign #06E024000·2006-04-20
critical
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Campaign #06E026000·2006-04-03
critical
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Campaign #01V040000·2001-09-17
moderate
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Campaign #01V037000·2001-08-03
critical
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE AND UPPER BELL CRANK LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Campaign #00V135000·2000-06-26
advisory
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING THAT COULD OVERHEAT. HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOADS PASS THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED ON HIGH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING TO OVERHEAT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.

Campaign #99V115000·1999-12-27
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

Campaign #99V023000·1999-03-08
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VAN AND WAGON MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF WATER/ROAD SALT GETS ON THE INTERIOR FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), THE AECM CAN CORRODE. THE RESULTING CORROSION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WIL REPLACE THE AECM WITH AN AECM THAT IS SEALED FROM MOISTURE INTRUSION.

Campaign #97V199000·1998-04-06
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES. THE FUEL TANK MOUNTED ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW LIQUID FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH A FLOAT TYPE ROLLOVER VALVE.

Campaign #97V068000·1997-05-19
critical
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE ENGINE DRIVEN VACUUM PUMP CAN ALLOW ENGINE OIL INTO THE VACUUM HOSES DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF AN INTERNAL CHECK VALVE. THE OIL CAN CAUSE THE HOSE TO DETERIORATE AND PARTIALLY COLLAPSE, REDUCING THE VACUUM SUPPLY TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: REDUCED POWER BRAKE ASSIST CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A VACUUM PUMP CHECK VALVE TO THE VACUUM PUMP. IN ADDITION, THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTED TO THE VACUUM PUMP WILL BE REPLACED WITH A HOSE THAT IS ENGINE OIL RESISTANT.

Campaign #97V084000·1997-05-19
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: WHEN THESE TEMPERATURES OCCUR, THE FLUID LINE WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.

Campaign #96V027000·1996-03-22
advisory
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE TIRE/WHEEL SPECIFICATION INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL WHICH INDICATES A SMALLER SIZE TIRE THAN REQUIRED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE SMALLER TIRES WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT LOAD CAPACITY FOR THE VEHICLES SPECIFIED GROSS WEIGHT RATING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OVERLAY LABEL WITH THE CORRECT TIRE/WHEEL CERTIFICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THE LABEL ON THEIR VEHICLES. IF OWNERS PREFER, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Campaign #95V237000·1996-02-15
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

THE FASTENERS WHICH SECURE THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER CLAMP LOAD. IMPROPER CLAMPING CAN RESULT IN ARCING AT THE CONNECTION.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE GENERATOR CARTRIDGE FUSE FASTENERS PROPERLY.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1996 Standard Pickup Trucks Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,750
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $8,000

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City15 MPG
Highway19 MPG
Combined16 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

111.1 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 137 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 9.3 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.