RoadVitals

1993 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.
54
Latest Mar 23, 2005
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 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

  • Brakes1625.8%
  • Transmission711.3%
  • Body & structure69.7%
  • Steering69.7%
  • Engine46.5%
  • Powertrain (other)46.5%
  • Visibility34.8%
  • Driver assistance34.8%
  • Electrical34.8%
  • Fuel system34.8%
  • Interior & seats34.8%
  • Exterior lighting34.8%
  • Seat belts11.6%

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

Brakes

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

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHITE PAINT PEELED FROM BODY OF TRUCK. MASTER CYLINDER SEALS FAILED.

NHTSA ID 10069495 · filed Jan 15, 2004

CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT BREAK PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE AND REAR BREAK SHOES HAD TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER STATES BREAKS ARE FAILING PREMATURELY. *TT

NHTSA ID 565495 · filed Apr 30, 2002
All 16 reports naming brakes

Transmission

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME. SELECTOR WAS IN PARK. WITHIN 10-15 SEC THE TRUCK TRAVELED BACKWARD AND AFTER 30 FT. IMPACTED A PARKED CAR. SERVICE REPORT INDICATED SHIFT LEVER AT TRANSMISSION WAS LOOSE AND IMPROPERLY ATTACHED.*AK

NHTSA ID 750098 · filed Aug 8, 2001

WHILE GOING TO MY HUSBANDS GRANDMOTHERS FUNERAL WE HEARD AN ODD NOISE-LIKE SOMETHING MIGHT BE LOSE -MY HUSBAND PULLED OVER AND GOT UNDER VEHICLE TO CHECK IT OUT-FOUND NOTHING-THOUGHT PERHAPS IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION OR EXHAUST LEAK .WE PULLED INTO THE FIRST CAMPING SPOT AND LEFT VEHICLE-TRIED TO DRIVE HOME 2 DAYS LATER-WE GOT ABOUT 10 MILES AND THERE WAS A HUGE BANG IN TRUCK-ENGINE FAILED AND TRUCK TIRES COMPLETELY LOCKED-VEHICLE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND THE WEIGHT OF SUCH A SUDDEN STOP (WE HAD A CAMPER ON) PULLED THE REAR-END OUT.LUCKILY MY HUSBAND HAD THE PRESCENCE OF MIND TO PUSH IN THE CLUTCH AND ROLL TO THE ROAD SIDE-HAD HE NOT OR IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN BEHIND US IN THE CANYON IT WOULD OF BEEN VERY BAD. AFTER TALKING TO TWO INDEPENDENTT DRIVELINE PLACES I WAS TOLD THAT THIDS IS AN EXTREMELLY COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS OFTEN FIXED SEVERAL TIMES WITH ONE VEHICLE. ALL (NOT AN EXXAGERATION) THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE TALKED TO WITH THE SAME MODEL YEAR HAVE HAD PROBLEMS-MOST REPLACING OR HAVING TRANSMISSIONFIXED BEFORE IT BLEW BECAUSE THEY KNEW THAT IT WOULD-ONE EVEN REPLACED HIS AT 70,000 -- I CALLED A CHRYSLER DEALER IN MY AREA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.I CALLED CHRYSLER AND WAS TOLD OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THAT IT ONLY EXTENDED TO 7 YEARS AND I WAS 1 YEAR OVER SO TOO BAD FOR ME. *AK

NHTSA ID 746112 · filed May 30, 2001

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FLOOR PAN THAT HOLDS SEAT HAS 5 DIFFERENT RIPS IN IT . IF TRUCK WHERE IN WRECK , WITH NO ONE IN SEAT ,SEAT WOULD BE PULLED UP FROM FLOOR

NHTSA ID 707041 · filed May 31, 1999

THE BOLTS ARE PULLING FROM THE FRAME, CAUSING THE FRAME TO CRACK, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING BOX. CONSUMER HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID 816308 · filed Sep 12, 1997

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 65MPH ON HIGHWAY, AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING STEERING COLUMN BECAME VERY LOOSE AND WAS HARD TO STEER, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING BRACKET BETWEEN THE STEERING BOX AND FRAME BROKE CAUSING ALMOST TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING, ALSO STEERING COUPLER BETWEEN STEERING BOX AND COLUMN WERE WORN OUT, CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE STEERING COLUMN, IT WAS THE BRACKET THAT BROKE THAT HOLDS THE STEERING GEAR BOX TO THE FRAME.*SLC

NHTSA ID 8003612 · filed Feb 5, 2002

ON TWO OCCASIONS VEHICLE LOST CONTROL IN STEERING WHILE TRAVELING AT 6O MPH AND AGAIN AT 45 MPH WHICH FORCED VEHICLE INTO A DITCH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY STEERING GEAR BOX FAILURE. *AK THE SECOND OCCURRENCE HAPPENED AFTER VEHICLE HAD REPAIRS BECAUSE OF FIRST FAILURE. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892264 · filed Jul 9, 2001

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHENEVER THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED TO SLOW DOWN OR TO STOP FOR A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL . THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON & WOULD NEED TO STAND ON THE BRAKES TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP. WOULD HAVE NO OTHER WARNING. *AK

NHTSA ID 851276 · filed Oct 20, 1999

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH HEARD LOUD NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. NOTICED THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE BLADE SHIFTING FORWARD AND HITTING THE WATER PUMP, AND BREAKING OTHER PARTS OFF FROM THE ENGINE. *AK

NHTSA ID 833274 · filed Jan 11, 1999

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I BELIEVE THIS VAN HAS MANY MORE MILES THAN STATED ON THE SPEEDOMETER, OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS FALLING APART, AND A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 61211 MILES, SHOULDN'T BE IN SUCH BAD MECHANICAL CONDITION. . CAN YOU HELP?*AK

NHTSA ID 750239 · filed Aug 11, 2001

WHILE GOING TO MY HUSBANDS GRANDMOTHERS FUNERAL WE HEARD AN ODD NOISE-LIKE SOMETHING MIGHT BE LOSE -MY HUSBAND PULLED OVER AND GOT UNDER VEHICLE TO CHECK IT OUT-FOUND NOTHING-THOUGHT PERHAPS IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION OR EXHAUST LEAK .WE PULLED INTO THE FIRST CAMPING SPOT AND LEFT VEHICLE-TRIED TO DRIVE HOME 2 DAYS LATER-WE GOT ABOUT 10 MILES AND THERE WAS A HUGE BANG IN TRUCK-ENGINE FAILED AND TRUCK TIRES COMPLETELY LOCKED-VEHICLE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND THE WEIGHT OF SUCH A SUDDEN STOP (WE HAD A CAMPER ON) PULLED THE REAR-END OUT.LUCKILY MY HUSBAND HAD THE PRESCENCE OF MIND TO PUSH IN THE CLUTCH AND ROLL TO THE ROAD SIDE-HAD HE NOT OR IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN BEHIND US IN THE CANYON IT WOULD OF BEEN VERY BAD. AFTER TALKING TO TWO INDEPENDENTT DRIVELINE PLACES I WAS TOLD THAT THIDS IS AN EXTREMELLY COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS OFTEN FIXED SEVERAL TIMES WITH ONE VEHICLE. ALL (NOT AN EXXAGERATION) THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE TALKED TO WITH THE SAME MODEL YEAR HAVE HAD PROBLEMS-MOST REPLACING OR HAVING TRANSMISSIONFIXED BEFORE IT BLEW BECAUSE THEY KNEW THAT IT WOULD-ONE EVEN REPLACED HIS AT 70,000 -- I CALLED A CHRYSLER DEALER IN MY AREA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.I CALLED CHRYSLER AND WAS TOLD OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THAT IT ONLY EXTENDED TO 7 YEARS AND I WAS 1 YEAR OVER SO TOO BAD FOR ME. *AK

NHTSA ID 746112 · filed May 30, 2001

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PAINT DELAMINATION POTENTIALLY LEADING TO UNSTABLE WINDSHIELD. *AK

NHTSA ID 766792 · filed Sep 6, 2002

ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING WINDSHIELD WIPER DELAY SWITCH TO FAIL/INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TO FAIL WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON.

NHTSA ID 535950 · filed May 27, 1998

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

Driver assistance

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CRUISE CONTROL HAD BEEN ENGAGED FOR ABOUT 35 MILES. UPON DISENGAGING CRUISE, THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN BELOW 60MPH WITHOUT SEVERE BRAKING. BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION BECAME EXTREMELY HOT AS RESULT. I LATER LEARNED THAT THE IDLE ADGUSTMENT SCREW HAD LOST ITS LOCK NUT AND THE SCREW VIBRATED INWARD, CAUSING THE IDLE SPEED TO STAY AT 60 MPH WHILE THE TRANMISSION WAS IN GEAR. WHEN I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP, I WAS AFRAID TO RE-ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR FOR FEAR OF SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND PERSONAL INJURY TO ME, MY WIFE, OR POSSIBLY BOTH.*AK

NHTSA ID 745780 · filed May 23, 2001

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP IN AND OUT OVER DRIVE AND INCREASING THE RPMS. YH

NHTSA ID 552041 · filed May 2, 2000

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IGNITON SWITCH AND POSSIBLE WIRING KEEPS FAILING. CONSUMER HAD REPLACED IGNITON AND PART OF WIRING 4 TIMES, BUT DEFECT KEEPS REOCCURRING. *AK THE PROBLELM IS STILL GOING ON BUT NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND. *YH

NHTSA ID 867503 · filed Aug 11, 2000

WIRING RELAY HARNESS/SWITCH FAILED CAUSING OVERHEATING, BURNING AND SMOKE, REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO FAILURE. MJS

NHTSA ID 544698 · filed Mar 26, 1999

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

Fuel system

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP FAILED. VEHICLE REVVED AT HIGH SPEEDS WHILE IN PARK, OWNER HAD TO THE VEHICLE TOWED. *AK

NHTSA ID 10115697 · filed Mar 23, 2005

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 747592 · filed Jun 29, 2001

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

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH DASH. ALSO, FUSE MELTED. *AK

NHTSA ID 8008765 · filed Apr 29, 2002

SEAT LIFT ARM CUT OFF CONSUMERS FINGER.

NHTSA ID 533005 · filed Mar 24, 1998

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE GOING TO MY HUSBANDS GRANDMOTHERS FUNERAL WE HEARD AN ODD NOISE-LIKE SOMETHING MIGHT BE LOSE -MY HUSBAND PULLED OVER AND GOT UNDER VEHICLE TO CHECK IT OUT-FOUND NOTHING-THOUGHT PERHAPS IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION OR EXHAUST LEAK .WE PULLED INTO THE FIRST CAMPING SPOT AND LEFT VEHICLE-TRIED TO DRIVE HOME 2 DAYS LATER-WE GOT ABOUT 10 MILES AND THERE WAS A HUGE BANG IN TRUCK-ENGINE FAILED AND TRUCK TIRES COMPLETELY LOCKED-VEHICLE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND THE WEIGHT OF SUCH A SUDDEN STOP (WE HAD A CAMPER ON) PULLED THE REAR-END OUT.LUCKILY MY HUSBAND HAD THE PRESCENCE OF MIND TO PUSH IN THE CLUTCH AND ROLL TO THE ROAD SIDE-HAD HE NOT OR IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN BEHIND US IN THE CANYON IT WOULD OF BEEN VERY BAD. AFTER TALKING TO TWO INDEPENDENTT DRIVELINE PLACES I WAS TOLD THAT THIDS IS AN EXTREMELLY COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS OFTEN FIXED SEVERAL TIMES WITH ONE VEHICLE. ALL (NOT AN EXXAGERATION) THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE TALKED TO WITH THE SAME MODEL YEAR HAVE HAD PROBLEMS-MOST REPLACING OR HAVING TRANSMISSIONFIXED BEFORE IT BLEW BECAUSE THEY KNEW THAT IT WOULD-ONE EVEN REPLACED HIS AT 70,000 -- I CALLED A CHRYSLER DEALER IN MY AREA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.I CALLED CHRYSLER AND WAS TOLD OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THAT IT ONLY EXTENDED TO 7 YEARS AND I WAS 1 YEAR OVER SO TOO BAD FOR ME. *AK

NHTSA ID 746112 · filed May 30, 2001

HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATED, CAUSING SMOKE TO FILL THE CAB. WAS ABLE TO DISCONNECT THE SWITCH BEFORE A POSSIBLE FIRE COMMENCED. DEALER NOTIFIED,AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. PARTS/ LABOR WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK

NHTSA ID 859558 · filed Mar 31, 2000

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CLIPS THAT HOLD BUILT IN CHILD SAFETY SEAT POP OUT WHILE DRIVING. *AK

NHTSA ID 967917 · filed Jun 28, 1995

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 .