1991 Dodge RAM

▲ Better than typical
1991 Dodge RAM
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:56:39.641Z

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.

Complaints
52
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1991: 52 complaints 1991 52 1992: 63 complaints 1993: 56 complaints 1994: 481 complaints 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
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1988 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1991: 52 complaints 1991 52 1992: 63 complaints 1993: 56 complaints 1994: 481 complaints 1994 1995: 612 complaints 1996: 625 complaints 1996 1997: 398 complaints 1998: 483 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 147 complaints 2000 2001: 318 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 53 complaints 2004: 58 complaints 2004 2005: 40 complaints 2006: 25 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 25 complaints 2008 2009: 9 complaints 2010: 27 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1988 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1991: 52 complaints 1991 52 1992: 63 complaints 1993: 56 complaints 1994: 481 complaints 1994 1995: 612 complaints 1996: 625 complaints 1996 1997: 398 complaints 1998: 483 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 147 complaints 2000 2001: 318 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 53 complaints 2004: 58 complaints 2004 2005: 40 complaints 2006: 25 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 25 complaints 2008 2009: 9 complaints 2010: 27 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints

1991: 52 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

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

Service brakes

25% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Steering

21% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and gear box (other than rack and pinion).

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The steering rod on the front of the vehicle broke in half, causing an accident. Recall notice was mailed, but vehicle had an accident before letter was recieved.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-02

While making a right turn consumer noticed that the steering wheel was loose while turning. Consumer was able to maintain control, and drove vehicle to the dealer. Mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not duplicated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-12-14

Fuel system, gasoline

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

Power train

12% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing floor shift assembly and manual transmission.

Electrical system

12% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and rear compartment/trunk.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Wiring harness caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-01

Ignition replaced twice.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-10-19

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1992-03-06Equipment92V005000 The tire selection and rims ceritification label may have incorrect information.

    Remedy: An overlay of the correct tire and rim selection information certificate will be provided.

  2. I
    1993-04-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-08-31 Roll-over/vent valve leak
  3. R
    1994-06-10Fuel system, gasoline93E034001 Bosch distributor-type fuel pumps have a manufacturing defect that can cause the ball pin, which is part of the pump's control lever assembly, to break causing the link between the control sleeve…

    Remedy: The fuel pumps will be inspected, and if necessary, repaired or replaced.

  4. I
    1995-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-05-11 Steering wheel separation
  5. R
    1995-12-20Steering95V089000 The steering wheel armature stamping can crack due to fatigue and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks and replace any wheels exhibiting cracks. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel…

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 92V005000 · Equipment
  • Recall 93E034001 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 95V089000 · Steering

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1991 Dodge RAM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Dodge RAM is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Dodge RAM?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Dodge RAM have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.