RoadVitals

1995 Dodge Ram 3500

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.
108
Latest Oct 5, 2018
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 Feb 5, 1999
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.
6
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.
13
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 108 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 Dodge Ram 3500, most frequently naming the brakes, suspension and transmission categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 6 NHTSA investigations name it; and 6 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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

Feb 5, 1999
79,366 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.
The risk: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 819View 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
PE00048ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL

Opened Dec 11, 2000
Closed Mar 7, 2001

ALLEGED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN FRAY OR SEVER DURING NORMAL USE RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE OR AN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGESLed to recall 01V037000
PE99026ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER

Opened Apr 16, 1999
Closed Aug 31, 1999

ALLEGE FAILURE OF THE COIL SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET AT ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE VEHICLE FRAME MAY ALLOW COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, AND POTENTIALLY AFFECT STEERING OR BRAKING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 99V214000

Recent owner complaints

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

Suspension
Filed Oct 5, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SERVICING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED CRACKS AND CORROSION IN THE COIL SPRING TOWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

NHTSA ID
11133574
Incident
Sep 27, 2018
Mileage
196,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 28, 2011

WHILE DRIVING A 1995 DODGE 3500 TRUCK AROUND A SLIGHT LEFT TURN AND RUNNING OVER A POTHOLE, THE TRUCK'S FRONT END BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY UNTIL COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE SYMPTOMS MATCHED THAT OF THE "DEATH WOBBLE". *KB

NHTSA ID
10437545
Incident
Nov 16, 2011
Mileage
225 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 13, 2011
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE QUICK CONNECTS ON THE TRANSMISSION LINES WERE MELTED. AS A RESULT, TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V084000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

NHTSA ID
10425260
Incident
Jun 13, 2011
Mileage
139,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 19, 2011

1995 RAM 3500 DODGE DEATH WOBBLE, OR SHAKE! EVEN AFTER NEW SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPER, BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD ENDS. ETC DODGE DEALER JUST THREW UP THERE HANDS ! THIS HAS GONE ON AT MY EXPENSE SINCE 1999 - 2011. PLEASE DO SOMETHING !!! *KB

NHTSA ID
10413638
Incident
Jan 1, 1999
Mileage
65,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 26, 2010

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE HORN DOES NOT FUNCTION. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS SOME TYPE OF A CLOCK SPRING THAT IS MOUNTED UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. MY PARENTS HAD A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT AND IT WAS FIXED, BUT I CANNOT FIND A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH IS ALSO MADE BY CHRYSLER JUST ONE YEAR OLDER. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS UNIQUE TO CHRYSLER. I OWN A 1995 DODGE RAM3500. *TR

NHTSA ID
10302301
Incident
Jan 14, 2010
Fuel system
Filed Jul 26, 2007

FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING. IE FULL FUEL TANK, GAUGE READS EMPTY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10197618
Incident
Jul 24, 2007
Mileage
64,870 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 26, 2007

PLASTIC BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE THREE REAR RED LIGHTS ON THE TAILGATE, KEEPS BREAKING. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK

NHTSA ID
10194229
Incident
Oct 28, 2005
Mileage
64,120 mi
Electrical
Filed May 16, 2005

DT: FUEL PUMP, BLOWING FUSES, FAST AS FUSES ARE PUT IN THE ARE BLOWN AGAIN. AS SOON START THE VEHICLE THE FUSES BLOW. THE BOTTON FUSE BOX WHERE WIRE GO INTO ENGINE SHOUT OFF RELAY, BURNED RELAY. THIS WIRE STARTS OUT A 10- GAUGE WIRE, IT REDUSES DOWN WHEN IT GOES MAIN CONTROLL MODULE HALF THE SIZE. THIS ALSO RUNS BOTH COIL PACKS AND ALL THE FUEL INJECTORS. THE WIRING HARNESS NEED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACE, AND THE MODLE NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED BY A CETRFIED DODGE MECHINE TO MAKE SURE WIRING IS PROPER SIZE AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE NOT SHORTS IN THIS.

NHTSA ID
10121066
Incident
May 11, 2005
Mileage
227,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

DOR-S3Q5A-11

POWER TRAIN

This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at the crimp.

DOR-F7R3P-11

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.

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.~

0200101

SUSPENSION

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

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 Ram 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015000
2014000
20123659154.1
20112235156.0
20101509256.9
20091055361.7
200817311363.8
200721014465.3
200625711660.5
20051967767.7
20042147870.1
20032869657.7
2002441036.2
20011301250.2
2000581252.2
19991041149.2
19981051152.6
19971251150.4
19961241252.0
1995Viewing1081653.5
1994701754.8
1993200131.4
1992100130.5
1991402

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.