MYRModel Year Report

1985 Dodge RAM

○ Not enough data
1985 Dodge RAM
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:18:02.674Z

Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1990 1991: 52 complaints 1992: 63 complaints 1993: 56 complaints 1994: 481 complaints 1994 1995: 612 complaints 1996: 625 complaints 1997: 398 complaints 1998: 483 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 147 complaints 2001: 318 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 53 complaints 2004: 58 complaints 2005: 40 complaints 2006: 25 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 25 complaints 2009: 9 complaints 2010: 27 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011
1985: 10 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19831
19842
198510
198618
198718
198822
198928
199023
199152
199263
199356
1994481
1995612
1996625
1997398
1998483
1999366
2000147
2001318
2002116
200353
200458
200540
200625
200717
200825
20099
201027
20110

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and hoses/lines/piping/fittings.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

OIL HOSE FAILED, CAUSING LEAKAGE/ENGINE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970717

STEERING

2 of 10 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing linkages and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

1985 DODGE RAM 3500 PICKUP, STEERING LINKAGE BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STRIKE A CONCRETE WALL. *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0190-91. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20100602

SERVICE BRAKES

2 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

STRUCTURE

1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments.

Show complaint excerpts

FRONT DOORS ARE ALMOST FALLING OFF DUE TO WEAK WELDING OR LACK OF RESTRAINT ON FRONT DOOR HINGES (OTHER VEHICLE FROM 486925). *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19951026

SEAT BELTS

1 of 10 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2005 ▲ 1991 ▲ 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 1996 ■ 1995 ■ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1985 Dodge RAM 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 1985 Dodge RAM?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Dodge RAM have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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