Four problems related to carrier/rack have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Ram 3500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Heat caused the dash to dry out and crack into large jagged pieces, that could have fatal consequences if in any type of accident.
Spare tire is supported by a steel cable connected to a hand winch. Upon raising spare tire, it will not lift up directly to the stowed position, but will hang against tail pipe. Operator layed under vehicle to align the tire and clear tail pipe. Cable became slack and cable retainer plate became detached, allowing the spare wheel to fall free, striking the operatoe in the face. Hitting with enough force to cause the eye glasses to cut the skin below left eye, requiring stiches at local emergency room.
"takata recall" the dash on my truck is all cracked up and I take very good care of my truck. Io came across an article about the Dodge dash's I went right out side and pulled my dash cover back and took a look and to my surprise my dash is all cracked up in many piece's . And I have had it covered since new. . . I do feel that Dodge should be held reasonable for this , looks like they used cheap plastic on these, I can see it now if I was to have a wreak plastics pieces flying all over the place.
Dot inspection found cracks on the hitch platform, which was a factory installed component.