1988 Dodge RAM
Only 22 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 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 22 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 63 |
| 1993 | 56 |
| 1994 | 481 |
| 1995 | 612 |
| 1996 | 625 |
| 1997 | 398 |
| 1998 | 483 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 147 |
| 2001 | 318 |
| 2002 | 116 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 58 |
| 2005 | 40 |
| 2006 | 25 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 25 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2011 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.
Show complaint excerpts
Shortly after cold start vehicle caught fire. Was completely consumed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-04-03
Vehicle speed control
3 of 22 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was in park, put into drive, vehicle went into open throttle position, speed unknown, impact 11:00 position.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-09
Tires
3 of 22 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing temporary/emergency spare tire.
Show complaint excerpts
On August 6, 2000, traveling north on i-75 near bellview forida I experienced a complete tread separation on the right rear tire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-05
Seat belts
3 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
Power train
3 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1988 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 1988 Dodge RAM?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Dodge RAM have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.