MYRModel Year Report

1988 Dodge RAM

○ Not enough data
1988 Dodge RAM
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:34:07.644Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1988 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
1988: 22 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 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.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

SHORTLY AFTER COLD START VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. WAS COMPLETELY CONSUMED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20010403

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 of 22 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, PUT INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION, SPEED UNKNOWN, IMPACT 11:00 POSITION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19961009

TIRES

3 of 22 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing temporary/emergency spare tire.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20000905

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.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (3 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.