1993 Dodge Ram: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 57 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving 45 mph the fuel injection pump failed. Vehicle revved at high speeds while in park, owner had to the vehicle towed. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2005
“Consumer was traveling 65mph on highway, and without prior warning steering column became very loose and was hard to steer, dealership was aware of problem.*ak consumer stated the steering bracket between the steering box and frame broke causing almost total loss of steering, also steering coupler between steering box and column were worn out, consumer stated the problem is not with the steering column, it was the bracket that broke that holds the steering gear box to the frame.*slc”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2002
“Vehicle was parked in front of my home. Selector was in park. Within 10-15 sec the truck traveled backward and after 30 ft. Impacted a parked car. Service report indicated shift lever at transmission was loose and improperly attached.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“I believe this van has many more miles than stated on the speedometer, or it could have been in an accident. It is falling apart, and a vehicle with only 61211 miles, shouldn't be in such bad mechanical condition. . Can you help?*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2001
“On two occasions vehicle lost control in steering while traveling at 6o mph and again at 45 mph which forced vehicle into a ditch. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and informed consumer that problem was caused by steering gear box failure. *ak the second occurrence happened after vehicle had repairs because of first failure. *slc”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2001
“Cruise control had been engaged for about 35 miles. Upon disengaging cruise, the speed of the vehicle would not slow down below 60mph without severe braking. Brakes and transmission became extremely hot as result. I later learned that the idle adgustment screw had lost its lock nut and the screw vibrated inward, causing the idle speed to stay at 60 mph while the tranmission was in gear. When I brought the vehicle to a complete stop, I was afraid to re-engage the transmission in gear for fear of severe damage to the transmission and personal injury to me, my wife, or possibly both.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2001
“Car was in park with em. Brake on, parked on an incline. Driver left car running for approx. 4 mins. When she returned, she decided not to leave again, so reached in and turned key to shut of ignition. Van rolled backwards down hill. Emer. Brake was still on. Driver fell out of car. Car went down embankement. Hit tree and came to a standstill in gully, still upright. There may be additional damage to undercarraige of car. Driver received abrasions and bruises, sprained wrist. When the car was examined we could see the emergency brake still engaged, but the gear was in drive, instead of park. *ak”Owner report · Parking Brake · Jun 2000
“Headlight switch overheated, causing smoke to fill the cab. Was able to disconnect the switch before a possible fire commenced. Dealer notified,and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's recall. Parts/ labor would be at consumer's cost. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2000
“Bracket supporting frame for the steering box broke while driving. Lost control of vehicle for a while. Had contacted dealer & informed mechanic did not do frame work of that kind. Will not be the first to break nor the last. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Sep 1999
“The getrag transmission is defective and has been since 1988 thru 1993 is widely known as being defective in most transmission shops c hrysler is or should be well aware of this problem, and they will not pay for this, I need a new transmission and this will cost me $ 3000 installed. Chrysler has developed a new trans. The nv 4500 to replace the present getrag trans. Im sure there are many more owners who have this problem. Letters to chrysler are written off leaving the owner with the cost of repair. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
SOME OF THE ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN UNDERSIZED BRAKE RETURN CHECK VALVE. IN INCIDENTS WHERE HARD BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT IS APPLIED ON LOW FRICTION ROAD SURFACES, LIKE RAIN COVERED STREETS, THE VALVES MAY FAIL, CAUSING THE ABS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CREATES EXCESS BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND MAY CAUSE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON.
Remedy: REPLACE THE RETURN CHECK VALVE WITH THE CORRECT VALVE.
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 1993 Dodge Ram reliable?
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Dodge Ram. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Dodge Ram problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 36,130 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Dodge Ram have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. 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.