1994 Dodge RAM

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1994 Dodge RAM
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1990 1991: 51 complaints 1992: 58 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1994: 469 complaints 1994 1995: 611 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
1994: 469 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19831
19842
198510
198618
198718
198822
198928
199023
199151
199258
199354
1994469
1995611
1996625
1997398
1998483
1999366
2000147
2001318
2002116
200353
200458
200540
200625
200717
200825
20099
201027
20110

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 48 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

ABS BRAKES; BRAKES LOCKED UP RESULTING IN A PANIC SKID. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950120

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 36 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE KEY BECAME HARD TO TURN, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A BURNT WIRE SMELL COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, AND A BURN HOLE WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, THE...

NHTSA ODI report, 20030326

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 24 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TRUCK WAS IN PARK AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING IT SUDDENLY JUMPED OUT GEAR, ACCELERATING UP TO 50 MPH. UPON UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION THE TRUCK HIT A TREE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030814

The contact owns a 1994 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control) and 99V214000 (Suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241031

SUSPENSION 5%

5% of complaints: suspension — 24 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19931101 — suspension

FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR ATTACHMENT TO THE AXLE MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.

Remedy: TIGHTEN FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR AXLE ATTACHMENT TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.

Campaign 93V173000 — check if this car was fixed

1994 — complaint volume: 469
R 19940103 — seats

THE SEAT BACK LATCH LEVER PIVOT RIVETS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DISTORTION. THE DISTORTED ASSEMBLIES ALLOW THE SEAT BACK RELEASE LATCH LEVER TO REMAIN IN THE RELEASED POSITION WHICH IS IN NON-COMPLIANCE WIT

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT SEAT BACK LATCH ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 93V213000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19940128 — PE (closed 19940629)

SEAT BELT

I 19940629 — EA (closed 19950130)

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19940708 — interior lighting

THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE.

Remedy: MARK III DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ASSEMBLIES TO ELIMINATE THE NEON LIGHTING FIXTURE IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE IT WITH INCANDESCENT LIGHTS OPERATING DIRECTLY FROM THE VEHICLE 12-VOLT BATTERY.

Campaign 94V128000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19940727 — suspension

THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR HAS INADEQUATE FATIGUE STRENGTH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR.

Campaign 94V097000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19940926 — fuel system, gasoline

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REAR IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."

Remedy: DEALERS WILL STRENGTHEN THE LEFT FRAME RAIL BY INSTALLING A FRAME RAIL REINFORCEMENT BRACKET.

Campaign 94V113000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19941130 — suspension

THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR BRACKET ATTACHMENT HAS INADEQUATE FATIGUE STRENGTH AND CAN FAIL, CAUSING FRONT AXLE VIBRATION.

Remedy: A FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR BRACKET REINFORCEMENT STRUT WILL BE INSTALLED.

Campaign 94V202000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19950217 — visibility

THE RIGHT OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR CONTAINS CONVEX GLASS RATHER THAN FLAT. THEREFORE, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS."

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR WITH A MIRROR HAVING A FLAT SURFACE.

Campaign 94V025002 — check if this car was fixed

R 19950323 — seat belts

THE CINCH BAR COMPONENT WITHIN THE PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY SHATTERS CAUSING THE BELT TO RELEASE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CINCH BAR WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PART.

Campaign 95V005000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19950717 — steering

WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE EXTRA KEYS ON A VEHICLE OPERATOR'S KEY RING CAN BECOME TEMPORARILY LODGED IN THE SCREW ACCESS HOLES IN THE BACK COVER OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK COVER WITH A REDESIGNED COVER.

Campaign 95V088000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19950803 — latches/locks/linkages

THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD CAN BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH BRACKET.

Campaign 95V056000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19960308 — PE (closed 19961029)

AIR BAG INFLATOR FAILURE

I 19960729 — EA (closed 19971110)

EVAPORATIVE CANISTER LEAKAGE

I 19961126 — PE (closed 19970515)

TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES

R 19970207 — steering

IF THE PLASTIC PINS AND METAL CLIP THAT RETAIN THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT IN THE UPPER SHAFT BREAK, THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER SHAFT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A RESTRAINING SLEEVE TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF AXIAL STEERING COLUMN SHAFT MOVING IN THE EVENT THE PLASTIC PINS AND METAL CLIP ARE BROKEN.

Campaign 96V230000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19970519 — power train

UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.

Campaign 97V084000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19970925 — RQ (open)

STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN

I 19980310 — RQ (open)

TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS

R 19980406 — fuel system, gasoline

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES. THE FUEL TANK MOUNTED ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW LIQUID FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDI

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH A FLOAT TYPE ROLLOVER VALVE.

Campaign 97V199000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19990505 — PE (closed 19990910)

IGNITION SWITCH

I 19990910 — EA (closed 20000530)

STEERING COLUMN FIRES

R 19991227 — power train

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 99V115000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20000120 — DP (closed 20000424)

STEERING COLUMN FIRE

R 20000320 — suspension

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. (2500 AND 3500 SERIES 4X4 REGULAR CAB PICKUP PRODUCED BEFORE MARCH 21, 1995; 2500 AND 3500 SERIES 4X4 CLUB CAB PICKUP PRODUCED BEFORE JUNE 8, 1995; AN

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPRING/SHOCK TOWER AND ANY VEHICLES EXHIBITING CRACKING WILL HAVE THE TOWER REPLACED. VEHICLES THAT ARE DO NOT SHOW ANY CRACKING WILL HAVE A WELD-ON REINFORCEMENT ADDED.

Campaign 99V214000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20000503 — RQ (closed 20010420)

HOOD LATCH

R 20000626 — electrical system

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING THAT COULD OVERHEAT. HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOADS PASS THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN T

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.

Campaign 00V135000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010803 — vehicle speed control

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE AND UPPER BELL CRANK LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SER

Campaign 01V037000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010917 — latches/locks/linkages

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY,

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE

Campaign 01V040000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20030507 — DP (closed 20030722)

STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION

I 20030923 — DP (closed 20040408)

SEAT BACK FAILURE

R 20060801 — exterior lighting

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE

Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Campaign 06E060000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20081217 — exterior lighting

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH

Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090728 — exterior lighting

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (48 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (36 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 93V173000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 93V213000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 94V128000 (interior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 94V097000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 94V113000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 94V202000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 94V025002 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V005000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V088000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V056000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V230000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 97V084000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 97V199000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V115000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V214000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 00V135000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V037000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V040000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E060000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2005 ▲ 1991 ▲ 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 1996 ■ 1995 ■ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Dodge RAM reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Dodge RAM is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Dodge RAM?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Dodge RAM have?

22 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.