MYRModel Year Report

1994 Dodge RAM 1500

▲ Better than typical
1994 Dodge RAM 1500
RENDERED 2026-09-16T18:35:51.585Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM 1500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1994: 116 complaints 1994 1995: 213 complaints 1996: 298 complaints 1997: 361 complaints 1997 1998: 520 complaints 1999: 610 complaints 2000: 513 complaints 2000 2001: 1112 complaints 2002: 815 complaints 2003: 1170 complaints 2003 2004: 1097 complaints 2005: 1168 complaints 2006: 792 complaints 2006 2007: 517 complaints 2008: 554 complaints 2009: 670 complaints 2009 2010: 485 complaints 2011: 688 complaints 2012: 697 complaints 2012 2014: 1 complaints 2014
1994: 116 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19917
19920
19936
1994116
1995213
1996298
1997361
1998520
1999610
2000513
20011112
2002815
20031170
20041097
20051168
2006792
2007517
2008554
2009670
2010485
2011688
2012697
20141

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19%

19% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE HAS ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL ONY DODGE TRUCK, THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR HEADLIGHTS BURNING WIRES FROM NOWHERE WHEN DRIVING FROM LIGHT SWITCH.ARIL OF 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF MY AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL WENT OFF BY...

NHTSA ODI report, 20201021

Also filed under AIR BAGS

LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON JIGGLED KNOB THEY CAME ON WE DROVE ABOUT 4 MILES TURNED ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FLICKERED AND TOP OF DASH AND VENT ON DRIVER SIDE WAS SMOKING SMELT LIKE RUBBER BURNING TOUCHED TOP OF DASH IT BURNED MY HAND PULLED OVER...

NHTSA ODI report, 20120415

Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SUSPENSION 16%

16% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and rear.

STEERING 16%

16% of complaints: steering — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH ON A WET ROAD VEHICLE SUDDENLY DID A COMPLETE 90-DEGREE SPIN , AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE STOPPING. CONSUMER SUSTAINED 10 BROKEN RIBS, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AN AMBULANCE TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040625

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY STEERING COLUMN BROKE CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950925

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and hood.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 35 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE FLEW BACK INTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH AREA.

NHTSA ODI report, 20081119

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19960322 — PE (closed 19960731)

ALLEGED FAILURE OF STEERING PITMAN SHAFT

I 19980508 — EA (closed 19991210)

HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT

I 20030507 — DP (closed 20030722)

STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION

I 20030923 — DP (closed 20040408)

SEAT BACK FAILURE

R 20060420 — 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 PERFORMAN

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

Campaign 06E024000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Dodge RAM 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1995 ▲ 1996 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2003 ◆ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.