MYRModel Year Report

1994 Dodge RAM 3500

▲ Better than typical
1994 Dodge RAM 3500
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:34:07.171Z

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 3500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 210 complaints 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2012: 365 complaints 2012
1994: 70 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19914
199210
199320
199470
1995108
1996124
1997125
1998105
1999104
200058
2001130
200244
2003286
2004214
2005196
2006257
2007210
2008173
2009105
2010150
2011225
2012365

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SERVICE BRAKES 30%

30% of complaints: service brakes — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20%

20% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR AND WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150415

DT: CONSUMER'S VAN HEATS UP EVERY NOW AND THEN. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR, INSIDE AND OUT. THE CONSUMER HAD FIRES AS WELL, HAD TO PUT THEM OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20051011

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V024000 HEADLAMP SWITCH; THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILED SHORTING OUT WHICH CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO GO OUT WHILE IN USE. THE SWITCH FAILED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH CAUGHT FIRE WHILE BEING DRIVEN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021119

Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SUSPENSION 16%

16% of complaints: suspension — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and stabilizer bar.

POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED .

NHTSA ODI report, 20140321

Also filed under STEERING

STEERING 10%

10% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and tie rod assembly.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19941003 — PE (closed 19950322)

TRANS HOSE SEPARATION

I 19980114 — PE (closed 19980508)

HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURE

I 19980508 — EA (closed 19991210)

HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT

I 19990416 — PE (closed 19990831)

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER

R 19990614 — exterior lighting

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OU

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.

Campaign 99V024000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20001211 — PE (closed 20010307)

LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL

I 20030507 — DP (closed 20030722)

STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION

I 20030923 — DP (closed 20040408)

SEAT BACK FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V024000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 2000 ● 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2003 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Dodge RAM 3500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Dodge RAM 3500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Dodge RAM 3500 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.