Five problems related to tank assembly have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact smelled a gasoline odor and was unaware of where the odor was coming from. This continued for a couple of weeks. The contact inspected underneath the vehicle and discovered that gasoline was dripping from the gas tank onto the pavement. The vehicle was taken to an independent service shop. The mechanic confirmed a crack in the gas tank. The crack was actually on top of the gas tank at the fasteners and mounts that attached to the tank to the truck. The mechanic had no idea why this failure occurred. The mechanic contacted Chrysler in order to find a replacement, and they stated they did not have the tanks available for that model year. The mechanic also searched for aftermarket replacements and was unsuccessful. At this point there have been no repairs due to the lack of parts. The consumer was waiting in limbo for a replacement tank that could not be found at this time.
1 off the mounts that holds gas tank broke. Tank fell about 10 inches under vehicle,which could cause a major fire if it had fallen to the ground.
Fuel tank assembly leaked fuel.
I was parked next to a curb in a lot at work care was behind me. Had to go over curb at 1-2mph heard bang tire blew out. Drove across street, pulled into lot, got out, gas tank dragging ground and sloshed gas all over road. Driveshaft had been turning against metal plate on side of tank-straps broke-had no warning of anything wrong-had to have truck towed-sloshed gas all over trailer-drivers' parting words "pray for me". I called Dodge told them I wasn't paying for a safety defect, and that I wasn't happy. They called dealer dealer took care of it no charge. Very upsetting having gas tank fall off of what is supposed to be a heavy duty truck. Appears only one strap holding tank up -no secondary supports. Anybody else have this type of thing happened to them? I can't imagine being in a wreck if it is that fragile.
Talked w/ several other ram owners with same problem. Dealer also confirmed that there has been several complaints about the malfunction with the diesel . I feel that because there is no way to know the amount of fuel in the vehicle when fueling this is a safety as well as an envirmental hazard.