1988 Dodge RAM 50
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 9 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 9 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS WOULDN'T LOCK LIKE SOMETHING THAT IS JAMMED INSIDE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950228
MODEL #524 SEATBELT BUCKLE JAMS AND IS DIFFICULT TO RELEASE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19950222
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS IN A 4 CAR PILE-UP CRASH, HER VEHICLE WAS THE FOURTH CAR. WAS DRIVING APPROX. 20-32 MPH. WEARING SEAT BELT WHEN THE THE CRASH OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970904
1 of 9 total reports mentions: seat belts.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
REAR GAS TANK BRACKET FAILED (RUSTED TRHOUGH) ALLOWING TANK TO SWING DOWN AND SKID ALONG PAVEMENT. ACCIDENT AVOIDED DUE TO LOW SPEED AND RAPID STOP. *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20020912
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES A
Campaign 95V103003 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Dodge RAM 50 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103003 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Dodge RAM 50?
The most-reported component is seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.