Dodge Ram recall history
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Dodge Ram, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Dodge Ram. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Dodge Ram, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1976–2011 with 109 recall campaigns and 5489 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1994 (18), 1998 (13), and 1995 (12).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1996 (905), 1995 (852), and 1998 (644).
- Top recall themes: Steering and suspension, Seats and restraints, and Brakes.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Steering and suspension
13 campaigns · Years: 1991, 1994–1995, 2000–2001, 2008–2011These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Seats and restraints
7 campaigns · Years: 1994–1999, 2001These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Brakes
6 campaigns · Years: 1995–1996, 1998–2003, 2009–2010These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
Electrical
6 campaigns · Years: 1994–1996, 2000–2001, 2004, 2010These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
Other
6 campaigns · Years: 1994–2001, 2003These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
Powertrain
6 campaigns · Years: 1994–1999, 2002, 2007, 2009These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.
Equipment and labeling
5 campaigns · Years: 1991–1992, 1996, 2001, 2009, 2011These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.
Fuel and emissions
5 campaigns · Years: 1994–1996, 1998–1999These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Dodge Ram in NHTSA complaint data are Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 2010 | 5 | 33 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Air bags, Electrical system. |
| 2009 | 5 | 13 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Power train, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. |
| 2008 | 2 | 33 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Steering:linkages, Engine. |
| 2007 | 1 | 20 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure, Engine, Power train:driveline:driveshaft. |
| 2006 | 0 | 36 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Air bags, Suspension:front:wheel bearing. |
| 2005 | 0 | 47 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 2004 | 1 | 71 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 2003 | 2 | 65 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Structure. |
| 2002 | 2 | 152 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Structure, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 2001 | 9 | 417 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission, Suspension. |
| 2000 | 6 | 212 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. |
| 1999 | 9 | 496 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1998 | 13 | 644 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1997 | 7 | 513 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal. |
| 1996 | 10 | 905 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. |
| 1995 | 12 | 852 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission, Vehicle speed control. |
| 1994 | 18 | 623 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission, Electrical system:ignition:switch. |
| 1993 | 0 | 66 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission, Structure:frame and members. |
| 1992 | 1 | 75 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. |
| 1991 | 2 | 63 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering: steering wheel/handle bar, Tires:tread/belt, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. |
| 1990 | 0 | 23 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Steering: steering wheel/handle bar. |
| 1989 | 0 | 35 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Tires, Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system. |
| 1988 | 0 | 27 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Vehicle speed control, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1987 | 0 | 21 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Seat belts:front:anchorage, Seats. |
| 1986 | 0 | 20 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Electrical system:wiring, Tires. |
| 1985 | 0 | 14 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Electrical system:ignition, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. |
| 1984 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring, Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch. |
| 1983 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:frame and members. |
| 1981 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system, Tires. |
| 1979 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Structure:frame and members. |
| 1977 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1976 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires:sidewall, Tires:tread/belt. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Power train , Service brakes and Steering
Other Dodge Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Dodge models.
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- 600 1981–1988
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- Avenger 1995–2014
- Caliber 2006–2012
- Caravan 1984–2004
- Challenger 1981–2027
- Charger 1983–2027
- Colt 1981–1995
- Conquest 1981–1988
- D-Series 1981–1993
- D50 1981–1986
- Dakota 1987–2012
- Dart 2013–2016
- Daytona 1984–1993
- DIPLOMAT 1981–1989
- Durango 1995–2027
- Dynasty 1981–1993
- Grand Caravan 1988–2023
- Hornet 2023–2027
- Intrepid 1993–2004
- Journey 2009–2023
- LANCER 1981–1989
- Magnum 2005–2008
- Mini Ram 1984–1988
- Mirada 1981–1983
- Monaco 1981–1992
- Neon 1994–2005
- Nitro 2007–2012
- OMNI 1981–1990
- Raider 1985–1989
- RAM 50 1987–1993
- Ram Van 1980–2003
- Ram Wagon 1980–2003
- Ramcharger 1981–1997
- Rampage 1982–1984
- Shadow 1987–1994
- Spirit 1989–1995
- Sprinter 2005–2009
- ST.REGIS 1981–1981
- Stealth 1991–1996
- Stratus 1995–2006
- Viper 1992–2017
- W-Series 1981–1993
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.