1990 Dodge Ram: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Ram years (#20 of 22 by complaints, age-adjusted)5 fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 27 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)3 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)3 complaints

Tires2 complaints

Seat Belts2 complaints

Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints

“Dt: the consumer stated that there was NHTSA recall campaign 95v1030000 concerning the front seat belt assembly. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The seat belt would not secure the occupant on the driver's side. The shoulder belt strap would not lock and the buckle would not stay latched. This happened every time he used the seat belt. The vehicle had not been repaired. *ak (11/21/05) *sc”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2005

“Driver's side wheel locked up while driving 70 mph. This caused the vehicle to spin around to the left on the highway. No injury or crash was reported. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop. Vehicle's front wheels bearing and front rotors needed to be replaced. Dealer was not contacted.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2004

“The engine ground wire was installed incorrectly, causing the sensors to burn out. The ground wire should have have been mounted on the engine block. Instead, it was mounted on the exhaust manifold. *ak (parts affected: throttle position sensor/idle speed control motor position sensor/engine coolant temperature senser) *sc *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004

Show 6 more owner reports

“Vehicle was parked outside and in front of house. Consumer was awakened by neighbors and told that vehicle was on fire. Fire department was notified. Fireman told the consumer that fire started in the engine area the wiring.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2000

“The consumer has been experiencing problems with automatic transmission. Vehicle doesn't shift correctly. The manufacturer has been contacted. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 1997

“The defective a/c wiring gets extremely hot which causes smoke and fire. Replaced the switch twice. Problem occurring again. Dealer cannot determine problem. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 1997

“The vehicle was in the park position and the vehicle accelerated, causing the occupant to be pinned between the vehicle. The vehicle was placed from park to reverse to get occupant from between the vehicle. The vehicle has not been in for service. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 1996

“As steering coupler wears ou, more play shows up in steering wheel, on several occasions, steering wheel locked up while in a turn. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Jan 1995

“While jumping another vehicle engine sensor failed completely. Took to dealer problem has not been remedied as of yet. Please provide any further information, and vehcile identification number.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY95V103003 · May 1995

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

How other years compare

1990 (this page)27 complaints · 1 recalls 199155 complaints · 4 recalls 199260 complaints · 2 recalls

Check your exact Ram by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1990 Dodge Ram reliable?

NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Dodge Ram. The most complained-about area is electrical system.

Does the 1990 Dodge Ram have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.