RoadVitals

1995 Dodge 1500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
213
Latest Jan 24, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Mar 15, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
4
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
27
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 213 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 Dodge 1500, most frequently naming the body & structure, brakes and transmission categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E024000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Mar 15, 2006
44,386 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
The risk: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
The remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
K&N ENGINEERING, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP03006ClosedDefect Petition

SEAT BACK FAILURE

Opened Sep 23, 2003
Closed Apr 8, 2004

ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 30 INCIDENTS WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED IN A REAR IMPACT CRASH.THESE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO 23 INJURIES AND TWO DEATHS.THE DATA PRESENTED TO ODI SHOW THAT THE SEAT BACK STRENGTH OF THE FRONT SEATS COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207. SEATING SYSTEM.ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYLSER THE FRONT SEATS WERE DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE REARWARD IN REAR IMPACT CRASHES AS PART OF THE ENERGY ABSORPTIONCAPABILITIES OF THE SEATING SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.RATES OF OCCURANCE WERE COMPARED TO PEER VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THERFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE THE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR FURTHER DETAILS, REFER TO ODI'S RESPONSE TO THE PETITION PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER VOL.69, NO. 60 , DATED MARCH 29, 2004.

SEATS
DP03002ClosedDefect Petition

STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION

Opened May 7, 2003
Closed Jul 22, 2003

MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.

STEERING:COLUMN
EA98010ClosedEngineering Analysis

HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT

Opened May 8, 1998
Closed Dec 10, 1999

THE HEADLAMP SWITCH IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN OVER-HEAT AND FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND POSSIBLY OTHER LIGHTS.DAIMLERCHRYSLER CONDUCTED A SERIES OF TESTS AND DETERMINED THAT THE 3500 SERIES IS PRONE TO GENERATING HEAD LAMP SWITCH TEMPERATURES IN EXCESS OF THE SWITCH LUBRICANT THRESHOLD OF 100 DEGREES CENTIGRADE.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE LUBRICANT SOLIDIFIES AND ADHERES TO THE SWITCH CONTACH SURFACES INCREASING INTERNAL RESISTANCE AND THERFORE, TEMPERATURE.DAIMLERCHRYSLER INFORMED THE NHTSA THAT IT WOULD INITIATE A RECALL OF 79,3665 MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE 3500 SERIES RAM TRUCKS ONLY BASED ON ADDITIONAL TESTING FROM WHICH IT DETERMINED THAT THE 1500/2500 SERIES VEHICLES NOMINALLY OPERATE SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW THE TEMPERATURE THRESHOLD OF THE SWITCH LUBRICANT.OWNERS OF 1500/2500 SERIES TRUCKS WERE SENT A NOTIFICATION LETTER ADVISING OF THE PROPER METHODS FOR ADDING AFTERMARKET LIGHTING ACCESSORIES.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLed to recall 99V024000
PE96022ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ALLEGED FAILURE OF STEERING PITMAN SHAFT

Opened Mar 22, 1996
Closed Jul 31, 1996

STEERING BOX OUTPUT (PITMAN) SHAFT BREAKAGE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 213
Body & structure
Filed Jan 24, 2021

WHEN I STARTED DRIVING THE TRUCK THE DASH WAS JUST CRACKED UP THEN I HAD TO CHANGE THE HEATER CORE AND WHILE PUTTING THE DASH BACK IN IT BROKE ALL UP AND NOW THERE ARE SHARP EDGES ALL ACROSS THE TOP AT THIS TIME THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AND THE YARD BUT NOW HOW IT IS WHILE DRIVING I HAVE TO HOLD THE RADIO AND THE GAUGES BACK

NHTSA ID
11389660
Incident
Jan 17, 2019
Mileage
243,674 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 10, 2020
Fire reported

VEHICLE WAS OFF AND PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, UPON ENTRY THE NEXT MORNING FOUND A SMOLDERING FIRE AND A BURNED IGNITION/STEERING COLUMN W/ EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE. *TR

NHTSA ID
11328129
Incident
Jun 9, 2020
Mileage
194,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKING. HE THEN NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP ROLLOVER VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,000.

NHTSA ID
11234101
Incident
Jul 9, 2019
Mileage
205,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 27, 2018

THE DASH STARTED CRACKING ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO, AND THEN STARTED BREAKING INTO SHARP, JAGGED PIECES THAT JUMP OUT AT ME WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE TRUCK HAS HIT ANY KIND OF UNEVEN ROAD OR BUMP. NOT ONLY IS IT VERY DISTRACTING, BUT THE PIECES ARE VERY SHARP.

NHTSA ID
11131922
Incident
May 5, 2018
Mileage
154,000 mi
Filed May 31, 2018

DASH IS CRACKING EVERYWHERE. ALSO THE VIN PLATE HAS ALSO FALLEN AND CANNOT BE READ BY POLICE AND OR STATE PATROL. THIS IS NOW AN ISSUE BECAUSE OF THAT AND THE SHARP PIECES THAT KEEP FALLING OFF.

NHTSA ID
11099045
Incident
May 11, 2016
Mileage
60,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (BERT OGDEN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 8421 W EXPY 83, HARLINGEN, TX 78552, (956) 734-2462) INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INDICATED THAT THE VAPOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE MANUFACTURER WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE PART FOR THE DEALER TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V135000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11048885
Incident
Nov 17, 2017
Body & structure
Filed Sep 28, 2017

DASH BOARD CRUMBLES, WE HAVE LOOKED TO FIND ANOTHER DASH BOARD AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A PROBLEM, ALMOST A JOKE, WE HAVE BEEN TOLD IT'S A DODGE DASH BOARD.. THEY ALL DO THIS. I BELIEVE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE TRUCK WERE INVOLVED IN A MVC THEN THE PIECES OF THE DASH WOULD BECOME FLYING OBJECTS.. AND INJURY ANY ONE SITTING IN THE TRUCK. WE HAVE OWNED SEVERAL DODGE CARAVANS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS OR SEEM SUCH AN ACROSS THE BOARD PROBLEM WITH SO MANY VECHLIES. DODGE NEEDS TO OFFER A REPLACEMENT A FIX.. BEFORE THE WORST HAPPENS.

NHTSA ID
11030338
Incident
Sep 1, 2017
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Mar 23, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH BURNED OUT AND CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 264,000.

NHTSA ID
10968025
Incident
Mar 12, 2017
Mileage
264,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

R2118796A

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

9002849

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.

9002688

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT

68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge 1500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015000—
2014100—
20126957158.0
20116884153.7
20104854154.7
20096702252.5
20085538259.9
20075177459.8
200679212460.5
20051,1667565.1
20041,0968565.4
20031,1705360.9
20028156158.1
20011,1123260.4
20005133157.3
19996101046.8
19985201047.3
19973611150.6
19962981150.8
1995Viewing2131454.3
19941161455.2
1993602—
1992013—
1991704—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.