1993 Dodge Ram Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHITE PAINT PEELED FROM BODY OF TRUCK. MASTER CYLINDER SEALS FAILED.
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
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
PAINT DELAMINATION POTENTIALLY LEADING TO UNSTABLE WINDSHIELD. *AK
ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING WINDSHIELD WIPER DELAY SWITCH TO FAIL/INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TO FAIL WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON.
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.
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
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP IN AND OUT OVER DRIVE AND INCREASING THE RPMS. YH
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.
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
WIRING RELAY HARNESS/SWITCH FAILED CAUSING OVERHEATING, BURNING AND SMOKE, REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO FAILURE. MJS
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.
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
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH DASH. ALSO, FUSE MELTED. *AK
SEAT LIFT ARM CUT OFF CONSUMERS FINGER.
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.
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
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
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLIPS THAT HOLD BUILT IN CHILD SAFETY SEAT POP OUT WHILE DRIVING. *AK
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .