1994 Dodge Ram: problems, recalls and reliability
22 recalls and 475 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (16% of complaints); the 1992 and 1993 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 475 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While the vehicle was parked and running and consumer was standing in the rear of vehicle white smoke came from the rear of the vehicle. This caused health problems to the consumer. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2004
“Transmission failed after 30000 mile warranty period. Consumer stated he owned four of the same vehicles, and the same thing happened with the transmission. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2004
“While driving 45 mph vehicle shimmied violently. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving 45 mph hood latch snapped. This caused the hood to fly back onto the windshield. Consumer managed to pull over. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The consumer had the problem resolved by an independent mechanic. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 2004
“Recall no. 97v084000: consumer noticed that on several occasions transmission fluid was leaking on the ground under the vehicle. Upon looking under the vehicle it was discovered that the cooling unit line retainer was missing, causing the fluid to leak. Dealer inspected the vehicle, and informed the consumer that the automatic cooling unit line was leaking. A recall for this problem was issued, but consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2003
“Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problems as mentioned in recall 97v084000 concerning transmission cooling lines. Dealership would not repair vehicle free of charge because the VIN was not included. *ak the truck's transmission locked up while driving which caused the it to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the cooling line connection came apart from the transmission which cause all the transmission fluid to leak from the vehicle. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2003
“The ABS light illuminated on the dash. Then vehicle suddenly accelerated towards traffic which resultedc in an a collision with another vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2003
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2003
“While driving vehicle, if vehicle hits a bump in the road. Consumer states' the vehicle will shimmey really bad vehicles all other the road. Consumer has to pull over and stop to get vehicle to stop the shimmering. Cause is unknonw. Please provide any further information. Ts”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2002
“Consumer stated that while driving and without warning the brake line had rusted causing fluid to leak out and extend stopping distance. Ts dealership installed new brake line. Dealership stated started needed to be replaced, however consumer declined. *tt”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 46 of these complaints and injuries in 37 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 22 campaigns
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.
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.
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 CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH A FLOAT TYPE ROLLOVER VALVE.
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.
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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
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 THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED ON HIGH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.
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 FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
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.
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.
THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR HAS INADEQUATE FATIGUE STRENGTH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR.
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.
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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."
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 THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
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 WITH FMVSS NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT SEAT BACK LATCH ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED ASSEMBLY.
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 THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
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.
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 1994 Dodge Ram reliable?
NHTSA has 475 owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Dodge Ram. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Dodge Ram problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 125,254 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Dodge Ram have open recalls?
22 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front. 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.