Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1994 Dodge Ram, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Service brakes, hydraulic86
- Power train68
- Electrical system64
- Suspension47
- Steering39
- Fuel system, gasoline36
- Visibility33
- Vehicle speed control30
- Engine and engine cooling28
- Air bags27
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 38 injuries and 2 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 28 1994 Ram vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 10 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 1994 Dodge Ram failed the safety check 1.00% of the time — 25% less often than the average 1994 passenger car (1.33%). Median odometer at inspection: 157,380 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In New Zealand
5 1994 cars are on the New Zealand register; 100% arrived as used imports, 0% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
20 Transport Canada recalls for the 1994 Dodge Ram.
| 2001052 8 Mar 2001 | Engine On certain diesel pickup trucks, the throttle cable can unravel (fray) or break, which could result in loss of throttle control and loss of power. Correction:… |
| 2001055 8 Mar 2001 | Structure On certain pickup trucks located in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces, corrosion of the hood secondary latch return spring may cause the hood secondary… |
| 2000144 30 Jun 2000 | Electrical Certain pickup trucks were built with an ignition switch and wiring that may overheat under certain operating conditions. High electrical current loads pass th… |
| 1999158 27 Aug 1999 | Suspension On certain pickup trucks equipped with a diesel or V-10 engine, the front suspension spring/shock towers may crack and eventually separate from the vehicle fram… |
| 1999132 28 Jun 1999 | Structure On certain 4 x 4 pickups equipped with an 8.0 litre V10 engine, Under certain heavy duty applications, such as driving up a steep grade in four wheel drive with… |
| 1999027 23 Feb 1999 | Electrical On certain Ram 3500 vehicles, the headlamp switches used in this truck series operate under a high current load which results in switch internal temperatures ab… |
| 1998123 17 Jun 1998 | Emissions Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1105 - evaporative emissions. The evaporative canister may allow migration of its contents (charcoal) through the pur… |
| 1997206 20 Nov 1997 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the fuel tank mounted rollover valve may allow liquid fuel to leak onto the ground under certain conditions. In the presence of an ignition… |
| 1997178 16 Oct 1997 | Emissions Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1103 - exhaust emissions. The elbow containing the crankcase ventilation orifice was installed on the wrong valve cov… |
| 1997096 7 May 1997 | Powertrain On certain vehicles, the transmission fluid temperature could exceed the melting point of the connector which retains the fluid line to the transmission. Should… |
| 1996187 20 Nov 1996 | Steering On certain vehicles, the plastic pins and metal clip that retain the steering column lower shaft could break, causing the lower shaft to separate from the upper… |
| 1995108 19 Jun 1995 | Steering On certain vehicles, the operator's key ring keys may bind on the steering wheel back cover while turning and hamper steering wheel return. This could adversely… |
| 1995063 7 Apr 1995 | Structure On certain vehicles, the secondary hood latch rod may bind on the guide bracket and prevent secondary latch engagement. If this condition occurs simultaneously … |
| 1995009 31 Jan 1995 | Seats And Restraints Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 208 - Seatbelt installations. Under severe collision conditions, the passenger side seat belt may may release as the r… |
| 1994156 26 Oct 1994 | Suspension On certain Ram 3500 vehicles, the front suspension track bar bracket attachment may have inadequate fatigue strength which may result in long range durability f… |
| 1994133 24 Aug 1994 | Steering On certain vehicles, the extra keys operator's key ring may become temporarily lodged in the airbag screw access holes on the steering wheel back cover, hamperi… |
| 1994119 26 Jul 1994 | Fuel System THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 301 - FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY. A ROUTINE REAR IMPACT COMPLIANCE TEST RESULTED IN FUEL LEAKAGE DURING ROLLOVER STAGE … |
| 1994104 3 Jun 1994 | Suspension On certain vehicles, the front suspension track bar may have inadequate fatigue strength and may eventually fail. This could result in front axle vibration and … |
| 1994009 17 Jan 1994 | Seats And Restraints THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 207 - ANCHORAGE OF SEATS. SEAT BACK LATCH LEVER COULD BIND DUE TO DISTORTION OF THE RIVET FOR THE LATCH LEVER PIVO… |
| 1993149 5 Nov 1993 | Suspension ON RAM 4X4 VEHICLES, THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR ATTACHMENT TO THE AXLE MAY BECOME LOOSE. LOSS OF THE ATTACHMENT MAY RESULT IN FRONT AXLE VIBRATION WITH THE … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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."
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
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.
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; AND 3500 SERIES 4X2/4X4 CHASSIS CAB TRUCKS PRODUCED BEFORE JUNE 21, 1995). THE FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING/SHOCK TOWERS CAN CRACK AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME. THE SHOCK TOWER COULD DAMAGE THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE LINES RESULTING IN LOSS OF REAR BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD CAN BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.
THE RIGHT OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR CONTAINS CONVEX GLASS RATHER THAN FLAT. THEREFORE, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS."
THE CINCH BAR COMPONENT WITHIN THE PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY SHATTERS CAUSING THE BELT TO RELEASE.
THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR BRACKET ATTACHMENT HAS INADEQUATE FATIGUE STRENGTH AND CAN FAIL, CAUSING FRONT AXLE VIBRATION.
THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE.
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REAR IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR HAS INADEQUATE FATIGUE STRENGTH.
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."
FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR ATTACHMENT TO THE AXLE MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 1994 Dodge Ram: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 634272 | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC |
| 628237 | CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, GREY OIL SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST OR BREATHER TUBE, OR MECHANICAL KNOCKING. *TT |
| 621898 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ |
| 618392 | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SITS TOO HIGH TO ATTACH THEIR FIFTH WHEEL OR GOOSE NECK TRAILER TO THE TRAILER HITCH TURNABLE. *JB |
| 618049 | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB |
| 615688 | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT |
| 612607 | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO AIR FILTER SERVICE. *TT |
| 612606 | CONCERNS WITH A BUZZ NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR SPEAKER(S). *TT |
| 612160 | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS |
| 610616 | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A SQUEAKING / CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT |
| 610005 | EXPERIENCING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT |
| 609995 | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT |
| 609987 | INFORMATION REGARDING A REVISED POWER BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE. *TT |
| 6089735 | THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT |
| 6089139 | CONDITIONS ON FUEL DOO AND/OR FUEL DISCHARGING FROM THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CANISTER. *NLM |
| 6089112 | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES OIL CANNING NOISE COMING FROM BOX AREA. *NLM |
| 6089062 | CONCERN WITH WATER LEAKING THROUGH REAR WINDOW. *NLM |
| 6089056 | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER BLADE CONTRACTS A -PILLAR. *NLM |
| 6088972 | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES LOWER STEERING COLUMN NOISE AND/OR MINO LOWER STEERING COLUMN MOVEMENT. *NLM |
| 6088962 | CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF STEERING WANDER. *NLM |
| 6088882 | INFORMATION ON DIESEL FUEL INJECTION PUMP TAMPERING. *NLM |
| 6088863 | CONCERNS WITH WHINE OR WOWL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGNWAY SPEEDS. *NLM |
| 6088852 | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES MOANING NOISE COMING FROM THE ACCESSORY DRIVE. *NLM |
| 6088834 | INFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM |
| 6088803 | INFORMATION REGARDING NO START - ENGIN FAILED TO CRANK. *NLM |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
SEAT BACK FAILURE
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
HOOD LATCH
STEERING COLUMN FIRE
STEERING COLUMN FIRES
IGNITION SWITCH
TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS
STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN
TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES
EVAPORATIVE CANISTER LEAKAGE
AIR BAG INFLATOR FAILURE
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
SEAT BELT
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation