Owners have filed 148 complaints
about the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2021.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 9
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 1500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 5
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
616.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
38.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
719.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
719.4%
150,000+ miles
1336.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 7Dec 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP03006Opened 23 Sep 2003Closed 8 Apr 2004SEATS
SEAT BACK FAILURE
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 VEHIC...
DP03002Opened 7 May 2003Closed 22 Jul 2003STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
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 IDENT...
EA98010Opened 8 May 1998Closed 10 Dec 1999EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT
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 O...
PE96022Opened 22 Mar 1996Closed 31 Jul 1996STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
ALLEGED FAILURE OF STEERING PITMAN SHAFT
STEERING BOX OUTPUT (PITMAN) SHAFT BREAKAGE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
Recalls on the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E024000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Risk: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Menlo, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Went to crank the truck one day and all of a sidden the igniton switch started smoking . It burnt the whole entire wire from the top all the way to the PCM
NHTSA complaint #11442956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CACrash
AIR BAGS
I HAVE HAS ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL ONY DODGE TRUCK, THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR HEADLIGHTS BURNING WIRES FROM NOWHERE WHEN DRIVING FROM LIGHT SWITCH.ARIL OF 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF MY AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL WENT OFF BY ITSELF, THE LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG WAS ON FOR AIR BAG WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT LATELY IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF ANYMORE A MECHANIC CHECKED SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE,AND WOULD ERASE THE LITE, BUT WOULD COME BACK ON, I CALLED DODGE AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD AT THE TIME A LOT OF MONEY TO ME TO HAVE ALL THE ELECTRICAL CHECKED AT MY EXPENSE AND THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS AN ISSUE FROM MFC.I WAS DRIVING AROUND 30 MILES MORE OR LESS AN HOUR WHEN THE BAG WENT OFF AND I WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE, AND COLLIDED WITH AN ON COMMING CAR ON A 2 LANE STREET.I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 94 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11365590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CACrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE HAS ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL ONY DODGE TRUCK, THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR HEADLIGHTS BURNING WIRES FROM NOWHERE WHEN DRIVING FROM LIGHT SWITCH.ARIL OF 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF MY AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL WENT OFF BY ITSELF, THE LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG WAS ON FOR AIR BAG WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT LATELY IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF ANYMORE A MECHANIC CHECKED SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE,AND WOULD ERASE THE LITE, BUT WOULD COME BACK ON, I CALLED DODGE AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD AT THE TIME A LOT OF MONEY TO ME TO HAVE ALL THE ELECTRICAL CHECKED AT MY EXPENSE AND THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS AN ISSUE FROM MFC.I WAS DRIVING AROUND 30 MILES MORE OR LESS AN HOUR WHEN THE BAG WENT OFF AND I WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE, AND COLLIDED WITH AN ON COMMING CAR ON A 2 LANE STREET.I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 94 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11365590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAS ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL ONY DODGE TRUCK, THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR HEADLIGHTS BURNING WIRES FROM NOWHERE WHEN DRIVING FROM LIGHT SWITCH.ARIL OF 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF MY AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL WENT OFF BY ITSELF, THE LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG WAS ON FOR AIR BAG WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT LATELY IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF ANYMORE A MECHANIC CHECKED SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE,AND WOULD ERASE THE LITE, BUT WOULD COME BACK ON, I CALLED DODGE AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD AT THE TIME A LOT OF MONEY TO ME TO HAVE ALL THE ELECTRICAL CHECKED AT MY EXPENSE AND THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS AN ISSUE FROM MFC.I WAS DRIVING AROUND 30 MILES MORE OR LESS AN HOUR WHEN THE BAG WENT OFF AND I WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE, AND COLLIDED WITH AN ON COMMING CAR ON A 2 LANE STREET.I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 94 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11365590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesNorfolk, NE1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
TRAUMATIC INJURIES TO ARM AND ABDOMEN; FAINT SOUND BRIEFLY WAS NOTICEABLE FROM CLOCKSPRING AREA PRIOR TO AIRBAG EXPLOSION; VEHICLE MOVING AT 5 MPH, SLIGHTLY TURNING RIGHT; NEVER A COLLISION OR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON STEERING COLUMN; WITH AIRBAG REMOVED THE PARTICULAR SOUNDS ARE MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED. THEREFORE, I SUSPECT CLOCK SPRING MAY HAVE TRIGGERED EXPLOSION. WIRE INSULATION APPEARS WORN AWAY. I RECEIVED NO NOTICE OF THIS LIKELIHOOD OR POSSIBILITY OF FAILURE. ALLEGEDLY, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS GROUP <CHRYSLERSI@FCAGROUP.COM> WILL PROPERLY LOOK INTO THIS. I QUESTION WHETHER BREACH OF THE DUTY OF CARE, AND HARM CAUSED BY THE BREACH HAS OCCURRED. I NO LONGER FEEL RELATIVELY SAFE WITH DODGE RAM 1500 OR THAT CHRYSLER IS HONORING THEIR OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE A REASONABLY SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DRIVER. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11102705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Jervis, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE USING THE TRUCK TO PLOW WITH THE HEATER BLOWER ON HIGH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSPECTOR WAS NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V135000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10956446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Menlo, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Went to crank the truck one day and all of a sidden the igniton switch started smoking . It burnt the whole entire wire from the top all the way to the PCM
NHTSA complaint #11442956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CACrash
AIR BAGS
I HAVE HAS ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL ONY DODGE TRUCK, THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR HEADLIGHTS BURNING WIRES FROM NOWHERE WHEN DRIVING FROM LIGHT SWITCH.ARIL OF 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF MY AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL WENT OFF BY ITSELF, THE LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG WAS ON FOR AIR BAG WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT LATELY IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF ANYMORE A MECHANIC CHECKED SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE,AND WOULD ERASE THE LITE, BUT WOULD COME BACK ON, I CALLED DODGE AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD AT THE TIME A LOT OF MONEY TO ME TO HAVE ALL THE ELECTRICAL CHECKED AT MY EXPENSE AND THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS AN ISSUE FROM MFC.I WAS DRIVING AROUND 30 MILES MORE OR LESS AN HOUR WHEN THE BAG WENT OFF AND I WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE, AND COLLIDED WITH AN ON COMMING CAR ON A 2 LANE STREET.I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 94 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11365590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CACrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE HAS ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL ONY DODGE TRUCK, THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR HEADLIGHTS BURNING WIRES FROM NOWHERE WHEN DRIVING FROM LIGHT SWITCH.ARIL OF 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF MY AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL WENT OFF BY ITSELF, THE LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG WAS ON FOR AIR BAG WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT LATELY IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF ANYMORE A MECHANIC CHECKED SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE,AND WOULD ERASE THE LITE, BUT WOULD COME BACK ON, I CALLED DODGE AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD AT THE TIME A LOT OF MONEY TO ME TO HAVE ALL THE ELECTRICAL CHECKED AT MY EXPENSE AND THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS AN ISSUE FROM MFC.I WAS DRIVING AROUND 30 MILES MORE OR LESS AN HOUR WHEN THE BAG WENT OFF AND I WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE, AND COLLIDED WITH AN ON COMMING CAR ON A 2 LANE STREET.I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 94 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11365590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAS ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL ONY DODGE TRUCK, THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR HEADLIGHTS BURNING WIRES FROM NOWHERE WHEN DRIVING FROM LIGHT SWITCH.ARIL OF 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF MY AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL WENT OFF BY ITSELF, THE LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG WAS ON FOR AIR BAG WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT LATELY IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF ANYMORE A MECHANIC CHECKED SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE,AND WOULD ERASE THE LITE, BUT WOULD COME BACK ON, I CALLED DODGE AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD AT THE TIME A LOT OF MONEY TO ME TO HAVE ALL THE ELECTRICAL CHECKED AT MY EXPENSE AND THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS AN ISSUE FROM MFC.I WAS DRIVING AROUND 30 MILES MORE OR LESS AN HOUR WHEN THE BAG WENT OFF AND I WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE, AND COLLIDED WITH AN ON COMMING CAR ON A 2 LANE STREET.I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 94 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11365590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,004 milesWakita, OK
STEERING
LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BROKE, CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, WAS JUST MOVING FARM PICKUP OUT OF BARN AND NOT ON ROAD AT THE TIME. BARELY MOVING WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST TRYING TO TURN.
NHTSA complaint #11353674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 255,000 milesGoodyear, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT THAT SECURE THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V037000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO DCH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT OF TEMECULA (26845 YNEZ RD, TEMECULA, CA 92591) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED FAILED TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO SPOKE TO LARRY H. MILLER DODGE RAM PEORIA (8665 W BELL RD, PEORIA, AZ 85382) AND LARRY H. MILLER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM SURPRISE (13165 N AUTOSHOW AVE, SURPRISE, AZ 85388) WHO BOTH DISPUTED THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC'S CLAIMS. THE DEALERS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CERTAIN TO RECUR DUE TO THE HIGH MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A RECALL REPAIR WAS A ONE-TIME FREE REPAIR AND THAT ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE DONE AT THE VEHICLE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 255,000.
NHTSA complaint #11330847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesNorfolk, NE1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
TRAUMATIC INJURIES TO ARM AND ABDOMEN; FAINT SOUND BRIEFLY WAS NOTICEABLE FROM CLOCKSPRING AREA PRIOR TO AIRBAG EXPLOSION; VEHICLE MOVING AT 5 MPH, SLIGHTLY TURNING RIGHT; NEVER A COLLISION OR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON STEERING COLUMN; WITH AIRBAG REMOVED THE PARTICULAR SOUNDS ARE MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED. THEREFORE, I SUSPECT CLOCK SPRING MAY HAVE TRIGGERED EXPLOSION. WIRE INSULATION APPEARS WORN AWAY. I RECEIVED NO NOTICE OF THIS LIKELIHOOD OR POSSIBILITY OF FAILURE. ALLEGEDLY, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS GROUP <CHRYSLERSI@FCAGROUP.COM> WILL PROPERLY LOOK INTO THIS. I QUESTION WHETHER BREACH OF THE DUTY OF CARE, AND HARM CAUSED BY THE BREACH HAS OCCURRED. I NO LONGER FEEL RELATIVELY SAFE WITH DODGE RAM 1500 OR THAT CHRYSLER IS HONORING THEIR OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE A REASONABLY SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DRIVER. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11102705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Jervis, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE USING THE TRUCK TO PLOW WITH THE HEATER BLOWER ON HIGH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSPECTOR WAS NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V135000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10956446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE USING THE TRUCK TO PLOW WITH THE HEATER BLOWER ON HIGH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSPECTOR WAS NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V135000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10956446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesCocoa, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE UNLATCHED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE FRONT WINDOW TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #10861350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,350 milesHopewell, VA
WHEELS
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE REAR OF THE TRUCK IS VIOLENTLY PROPELLED UPWARDS, LIFTING THE REAR WHEELS UP OFF THE PAVEMENT. I LOOK UP IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND I SEE MY SPARE TIRE STANDING STRAIGHT UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND OTHER VEHICLES BRAKING AND WEAVING TO AVOID THE DUMP MY TRUCK JUST TOOK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ONCE I LOOKED UNDER THE BED OF THE TRUCK I NOTICED A 4 TO 5 INCH PIECE OF FRAYED CABLE IS ALL THAT'S LEFT WHERE MY SPARE TIRE USED TO BE. IT MUST HAVE GOTTEN HUNG UP UNDER THE BUMPER WHEN IT DROPPED BECAUSE THE BUMPER IS NOW PUSHED UP TOWARDS THE TAILGATE IN THE CENTER. MY SPARE WAS A BRAND NEW TIRE AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10676872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,350 milesHopewell, VA
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE REAR OF THE TRUCK IS VIOLENTLY PROPELLED UPWARDS, LIFTING THE REAR WHEELS UP OFF THE PAVEMENT. I LOOK UP IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND I SEE MY SPARE TIRE STANDING STRAIGHT UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND OTHER VEHICLES BRAKING AND WEAVING TO AVOID THE DUMP MY TRUCK JUST TOOK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ONCE I LOOKED UNDER THE BED OF THE TRUCK I NOTICED A 4 TO 5 INCH PIECE OF FRAYED CABLE IS ALL THAT'S LEFT WHERE MY SPARE TIRE USED TO BE. IT MUST HAVE GOTTEN HUNG UP UNDER THE BUMPER WHEN IT DROPPED BECAUSE THE BUMPER IS NOW PUSHED UP TOWARDS THE TAILGATE IN THE CENTER. MY SPARE WAS A BRAND NEW TIRE AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10676872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,350 milesHopewell, VA
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE REAR OF THE TRUCK IS VIOLENTLY PROPELLED UPWARDS, LIFTING THE REAR WHEELS UP OFF THE PAVEMENT. I LOOK UP IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND I SEE MY SPARE TIRE STANDING STRAIGHT UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND OTHER VEHICLES BRAKING AND WEAVING TO AVOID THE DUMP MY TRUCK JUST TOOK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ONCE I LOOKED UNDER THE BED OF THE TRUCK I NOTICED A 4 TO 5 INCH PIECE OF FRAYED CABLE IS ALL THAT'S LEFT WHERE MY SPARE TIRE USED TO BE. IT MUST HAVE GOTTEN HUNG UP UNDER THE BUMPER WHEN IT DROPPED BECAUSE THE BUMPER IS NOW PUSHED UP TOWARDS THE TAILGATE IN THE CENTER. MY SPARE WAS A BRAND NEW TIRE AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10676872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newaygo, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL FROM THE CYLINDER WALL FUEL INJECTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/18/15*LJ UPDATED 9/17/2017
NHTSA complaint #10667583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,765 milesBedford, VA
STRUCTURE
THE RAM 1500 DASHBOARD HAS DEVELOPED SEVERAL CRACKS. THIS WAS NOT MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE DAKOTA.
NHTSA complaint #10643310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 283,502 milesNEW Market, TN
WHEELS
WE ( MY FAMILY AND I) WERE DRIVING EAST ON I40 GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE AT PAPERMILL ROAD. THERE WAS AS SHIMMY, THEN A POP, BANG CLANK AND SHUDDER AND THEN WE LOST STEERING. IT ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES,AND HAD TO TROUBLE STEERING IT TO THE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE CROSSING OVER INFRONT OF OTHER CARS. I LOST STEERING ABILITY IN THE TRUCK WE HAD TO DRIVE IT HOME AT 25 MILES PER HOUR. WHEN WE WOULD HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD IT WOULD SHIMMY AND SHAKE. IT TAKES THREE ROTATIONS OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE EVEN A GENTLE CURVE.
NHTSA complaint #10616551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 283,502 milesNEW Market, TN
STEERING
WE ( MY FAMILY AND I) WERE DRIVING EAST ON I40 GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE AT PAPERMILL ROAD. THERE WAS AS SHIMMY, THEN A POP, BANG CLANK AND SHUDDER AND THEN WE LOST STEERING. IT ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES,AND HAD TO TROUBLE STEERING IT TO THE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE CROSSING OVER INFRONT OF OTHER CARS. I LOST STEERING ABILITY IN THE TRUCK WE HAD TO DRIVE IT HOME AT 25 MILES PER HOUR. WHEN WE WOULD HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD IT WOULD SHIMMY AND SHAKE. IT TAKES THREE ROTATIONS OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE EVEN A GENTLE CURVE.
NHTSA complaint #10616551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 283,502 milesNEW Market, TN
SUSPENSION
WE ( MY FAMILY AND I) WERE DRIVING EAST ON I40 GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE AT PAPERMILL ROAD. THERE WAS AS SHIMMY, THEN A POP, BANG CLANK AND SHUDDER AND THEN WE LOST STEERING. IT ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES,AND HAD TO TROUBLE STEERING IT TO THE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE CROSSING OVER INFRONT OF OTHER CARS. I LOST STEERING ABILITY IN THE TRUCK WE HAD TO DRIVE IT HOME AT 25 MILES PER HOUR. WHEN WE WOULD HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD IT WOULD SHIMMY AND SHAKE. IT TAKES THREE ROTATIONS OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE EVEN A GENTLE CURVE.
NHTSA complaint #10616551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
TIRES
WHILE PARKED, A MICHELIN 245/75-16 LT M/S SPONTANEOUSLY FAILED. I HAVE IMAGES OF THE FAILURE FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES, AND HAVE RETAINED THE TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10547729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesHoward Lake, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL MILEAGE HAD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMPED WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10483492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,367 milesCarrollton, GAFire1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON JIGGLED KNOB THEY CAME ON WE DROVE ABOUT 4 MILES TURNED ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FLICKERED AND TOP OF DASH AND VENT ON DRIVER SIDE WAS SMOKING SMELT LIKE RUBBER BURNING TOUCHED TOP OF DASH IT BURNED MY HAND PULLED OVER SHUT ENGINE AND LIGHTS OFF BOYFRIEND/HUSBAND TOOK DASH OFF TO STOP FIRE IT WAS THE LIGHT SWITCH BURNED COMPLETELY INSIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10455302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,367 milesCarrollton, GAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON JIGGLED KNOB THEY CAME ON WE DROVE ABOUT 4 MILES TURNED ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FLICKERED AND TOP OF DASH AND VENT ON DRIVER SIDE WAS SMOKING SMELT LIKE RUBBER BURNING TOUCHED TOP OF DASH IT BURNED MY HAND PULLED OVER SHUT ENGINE AND LIGHTS OFF BOYFRIEND/HUSBAND TOOK DASH OFF TO STOP FIRE IT WAS THE LIGHT SWITCH BURNED COMPLETELY INSIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10455302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesWaterford, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FUEL TANK DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE REAR STRAPS FRACTURED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 09/21/11 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS. UPDATED 09/28/11
NHTSA complaint #10420948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesNEW York, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE STRAPS HOLDING THE GAS TANK IN OUR 1994 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP CORRODED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO HANG DOWN BENEATH THE VEHICLE. WE NOTICED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ANY DANGEROUS INCIDENT OCCURRED AND RIGGED A TEMPORARY NYLON STRAP. WE LATER REPLACED THE OEM RETAINING STRAPS AT A TOTAL COST OF APPROXIMATELY $300.
NHTSA complaint #10416578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesNEW York, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
THE STRAPS HOLDING THE GAS TANK IN OUR 1994 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP CORRODED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO HANG DOWN BENEATH THE VEHICLE. WE NOTICED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ANY DANGEROUS INCIDENT OCCURRED AND RIGGED A TEMPORARY NYLON STRAP. WE LATER REPLACED THE OEM RETAINING STRAPS AT A TOTAL COST OF APPROXIMATELY $300.
NHTSA complaint #10416578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.