1991 Dodge Ram: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 55 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (20% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while applying air to the left rear tire the contact noticed a bubble in the sidewall, at that time the tire blew up. There were injuries and the contact went to the hospital. The tire is cooper master craft as iv. The size is 23575r15. The dealership has been informed. There is a recall regarding cooper tires, recall # 06t002000; tires: sidewall, but did not include the tire size: 23575r15.”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2006
“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. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2004
“Vehicle keeps overheating. There is a recall for air conditioner blower motor over heating when on high. Consumer is having same problem. *ak the consumer says that certain vehicles were built with ignition switch and wiring that could over heat and that was what he experienced. *yh”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Gear shift broke off. Gear shift has been repaired. Manufacturer has been notified.*ak the consumer believes the repaired part was defective. *yh”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2001
“Steering wheel broke through spot-welds holding stamped sheet-metal part of wheel to machine nut, which is bolted to steeering column shaft, owner would like a recall and reimbursment for repairs. Cj”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2001
“Anti lock brake light on for last 8 months. Brkes failed intermittently, and pedal felt hard. Taken vehicle to dealer 6 times, bled brakes and replaced master cylinder; but, did not remedy problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2000
“While the truck was parked, not running, there was a fire in the engine compartment. This happened about 30 minutes after parking the truck. Dealer was called about the problem. Claimed being handled by insurance company. Please provide any further information. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2000
“The roof has caved in on the van. The roof sometimes pops up and back down again and has hit a passenger on the head.the van doesn't appear to be designed strong enough to withstand a roll over. The paint is pealing off of the entire vehicle. I noticed this back in 1995 but wasn't appointed to this church until 1999 so I've never reported it before. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Oct 1998
“Received recall notice (#97v199000). Called dealer for appointment. Took vehicle in. Waited awhile until mechanic refused to do recall repairs. Was told would take at least 8 hours or more before fuel tank is repaired. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 1998
“While driving the front brake lines broke. Owner has had brake lines reconnected . The manufacturer has not been notified. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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 SEPARATION IF CRACKING OCCURS.
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.
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.
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 AND THE CONTROL LEVER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: THE FUEL PUMPS WILL BE INSPECTED, AND IF NECESSARY, REPAIRED OR REPLACED.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Dodge Ram reliable?
NHTSA has 55 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Dodge Ram. The most complained-about area is steering (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Dodge Ram problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 13,518 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Dodge Ram have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering: steering wheel/handle bar. 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.