RoadVitals

1992 Dodge Ram Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
58
Latest Jul 11, 2007
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
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.
6

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1992 Dodge Ram, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes811.6%
  • Driver assistance710.1%
  • Steering710.1%
  • Engine710.1%
  • Transmission57.2%
  • Electrical45.8%
  • Suspension34.3%
  • Body & structure34.3%
  • Interior & seats34.3%
  • Powertrain (other)34.3%
  • Tires & wheels34.3%
  • Other / unspecified22.9%
  • Seat belts22.9%
  • Visibility11.4%
  • Heating & air conditioning11.4%
  • Exterior lighting11.4%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1992 DODGE RAM THAT HE PURCHASED ON 02/01/06 AND STATED THAT IN COLD WEATHER ONE CAN SMELL DIESEL FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP, BUT THEY COULDN'T REPAIR IT BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURE WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE DEALER WITH THE PARTS. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 93E034001 . *NM

NHTSA ID 10178855 · filed Jan 16, 2007

PAINT BLISTERING AND FLAKING, VIBRATION, TRANSMISSON BURNED OFF NOT VERY GOOD TRANSMISION COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP FAIL TWICE, STEERING SEAL LEAK, RADIO AND TAPE HAVE BEEN REPLACED, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, VERY NOISY AND LOUD IN THE TRUCK CAB, VERY HARD TO ENGAGE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRUCK NOW HAS ONLY 106.000 KM. (66,000 MILES)

NHTSA ID 10071390 · filed Jan 15, 2004
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TIRE WAS OUT OF SHAPE DOT # REMOVED ON ALL TIRES. BRAKE DRUM ALMOST WORE THROUGH BY BRAKE SHOE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: REMOVED TIRESIZE: 235/85R16)

NHTSA ID 755500 · filed Dec 10, 2001

TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE ON TWO OCCASIONS. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER ON BOTH OCCASIONS. HOWEVER, PROBLEM REOCCURRED, AND DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE THIRD TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID 863249 · filed Jun 8, 2000
All 8 reports naming brakes

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. DID NOT CHANGE OUT OF LOW GEAR. RPMS WERE REVVING HIGH. TOOK TO MECHANIC & WAS INFORMED THE THROTTLE ROD WAS WORN OUT & IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ID 854488 · filed Dec 28, 1999

TRUCK RUNS AWAY , FULE PUMP MAKES SPEED UNCONTROLLABLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 713587 · filed Oct 20, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PAINT BLISTERING AND FLAKING, VIBRATION, TRANSMISSON BURNED OFF NOT VERY GOOD TRANSMISION COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP FAIL TWICE, STEERING SEAL LEAK, RADIO AND TAPE HAVE BEEN REPLACED, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, VERY NOISY AND LOUD IN THE TRUCK CAB, VERY HARD TO ENGAGE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRUCK NOW HAS ONLY 106.000 KM. (66,000 MILES)

NHTSA ID 10071390 · filed Jan 15, 2004

THE STEERING COLUMN IS NOT MOBILE WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER HAS TO MOVE IT BACK AND FORTH INTERMITTENTLY IN ORDER TO SEE THE DASHBOARD. STEERING COLUMN FLOPS UP AND DOWN. *AK

NHTSA ID 10042784 · filed Oct 10, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED OF 20-55 MPH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. STALLING HAS ALMOST CAUSED A VEHICLE COLLISION. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 855172 · filed Jan 20, 2000

WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH ENGINE STARTED TO STALL. COMSUMER STARTED TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN FINE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ID 817000 · filed Oct 8, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. DID NOT CHANGE OUT OF LOW GEAR. RPMS WERE REVVING HIGH. TOOK TO MECHANIC & WAS INFORMED THE THROTTLE ROD WAS WORN OUT & IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ID 854488 · filed Dec 28, 1999

WHILE DRIVING IN THE DRIVE GEAR, VEHICLE SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL, AND AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE INTO THE PARK GEAR VEHICLE SHIFTS INTO REVERSE DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE TRANSMISSION. *AK

NHTSA ID 813677 · filed Jul 1, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN SHORTED OUT, AND THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE STEERING AREA, AND SPEAD WITHIN VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT 1992 RAMS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS, AND SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL ITEMS WERE NOT WORKING. *AK

NHTSA ID 8016410 · filed Aug 15, 2002

WHEN DIRIVING AT NIGHT EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT HEAD LAMP FAILURE, WHEN LIGHTS SUDDENLY GO OUT, DUE TO WIRING HARNESS OVER HEATING RESULTING FROM OVERLOAD OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 800427 · filed Aug 2, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE MAIN FRONT SUPPORT AXLE BEAM IN SUSPENSION WERE CRACKED. YH

NHTSA ID 550172 · filed Jan 3, 1999

WHILE ON STRAIGHT NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS VEHICLE WANDERED OFF ROAD WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, RESULTING IN A CRASH. *AK

NHTSA ID 812750 · filed Jun 4, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE LEFT SIDE TRUCK BODY IS LOWER THAN THE RIGHT SIDE. CONSUMER PLANS TO PLACE A CAMPER ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AND IS AFRAID THE VEHICLE WILL LEAN OVER. *AK

NHTSA ID 10109155 · filed Jan 28, 2005

WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN SHORTED OUT, AND THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE STEERING AREA, AND SPEAD WITHIN VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT 1992 RAMS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS, AND SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL ITEMS WERE NOT WORKING. *AK

NHTSA ID 8016410 · filed Aug 15, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER CONTROL LEVER GETS SO HOT IT CAN BURN YOUR FINGER AND COULD CAUSE FIRE. SEE ODI ID: 950669, 955053, 447333, 944319, 965951 DEALER CURE IS TO REPLACE UNDER DASH WIRING HARNESS?

NHTSA ID 707586 · filed Jun 15, 1999

HINGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT IS BROKEN, ALLOWS THE SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD. TT

NHTSA ID 972464 · filed Sep 26, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PAINT BLISTERING AND FLAKING, VIBRATION, TRANSMISSON BURNED OFF NOT VERY GOOD TRANSMISION COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP FAIL TWICE, STEERING SEAL LEAK, RADIO AND TAPE HAVE BEEN REPLACED, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, VERY NOISY AND LOUD IN THE TRUCK CAB, VERY HARD TO ENGAGE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRUCK NOW HAS ONLY 106.000 KM. (66,000 MILES)

NHTSA ID 10071390 · filed Jan 15, 2004

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 714865 · filed Nov 16, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 DODGE RAM. THE VEHICLE HAS SIGMA REGENT TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE RUBBER SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE CORD AND WIRE WERE BOTH VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND FISHTAILED ACROSS THE ROAD. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,000.

NHTSA ID 10196106 · filed Jul 11, 2007

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEWOUT WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

NHTSA ID 10034304 · filed Aug 22, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PAINT BLISTERING AND FLAKING, VIBRATION, TRANSMISSON BURNED OFF NOT VERY GOOD TRANSMISION COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP FAIL TWICE, STEERING SEAL LEAK, RADIO AND TAPE HAVE BEEN REPLACED, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, VERY NOISY AND LOUD IN THE TRUCK CAB, VERY HARD TO ENGAGE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRUCK NOW HAS ONLY 106.000 KM. (66,000 MILES)

NHTSA ID 10071390 · filed Jan 15, 2004

THIS VAN HAS A FACTORY INSTALLED FLOOR MOUNTED SPARE TIRE UNDER THE REAR MOST SEAT. DURING A HEAD-ON COLLISION, THE SPARE TIRE SLID FORWARD AND BECAME A DEADLY PROJECTILE. THE TIRE ROCKETED FORWARD AND CRUSHED A PASSENGER'S LOWER LEFT LEG, INSTANTLY SNAPPING THE BONES INTO SPLINTERS AGAINST THE SET IN FRONT OF HIM. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER WAS PINNED INSIDE THE VAN BY THE SPARE TIRE.

NHTSA ID 701038 · filed Dec 1, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BOTH SEAT BELTS WILL NOT PULL FROM THE RETRACTORS PROPERLY. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFED. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE VEHILCE IS RAM 250 CARGO VAN 1992. *YH

NHTSA ID 8007494 · filed Apr 12, 2002

DRIVER SEATBELT RETRACTOR DID NOT HOLD IN THE ACCIDENT, ALLOWING THE DRIVER TO MOVE FORWARD. *AK

NHTSA ID 985266 · filed Jul 27, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN SHORTED OUT, AND THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE STEERING AREA, AND SPEAD WITHIN VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT 1992 RAMS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS, AND SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL ITEMS WERE NOT WORKING. *AK

NHTSA ID 8016410 · filed Aug 15, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER CONTROL LEVER GETS SO HOT IT CAN BURN YOUR FINGER AND COULD CAUSE FIRE. SEE ODI ID: 950669, 955053, 447333, 944319, 965951 DEALER CURE IS TO REPLACE UNDER DASH WIRING HARNESS?

NHTSA ID 707586 · filed Jun 15, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN DIRIVING AT NIGHT EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT HEAD LAMP FAILURE, WHEN LIGHTS SUDDENLY GO OUT, DUE TO WIRING HARNESS OVER HEATING RESULTING FROM OVERLOAD OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 800427 · filed Aug 2, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .