Owners have filed 55 complaints
about the 1993 Dodge RAM 2500 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2007.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 of 20 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 — 7
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 94
18.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% 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.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
228.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
457.1%
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 7Oct 2007
NHTSA investigations into the 1993 Dodge RAM 2500
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.
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...
PE93054Opened 27 May 1993Closed 29 Dec 1993SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 85,000 milesMetaire, LACrash1 injured
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE RAM 250. THE VEHICLE HAS B.F. GOODRICH TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE STATE OF LOUISIANA POLICE REPORT # IS 4187538. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE FENDER CAME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/05/07
NHTSA complaint #10194791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMetaire, LACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE RAM 250. THE VEHICLE HAS B.F. GOODRICH TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE STATE OF LOUISIANA POLICE REPORT # IS 4187538. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE FENDER CAME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/05/07
NHTSA complaint #10194791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
NO SUMMARY LISTED IN ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #716985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CACrash2 injured
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
NO SUMMARY LISTED IN ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #716985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CACrash2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
NO SUMMARY LISTED IN ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #716985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 71,000 milesSimi Valley, CA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
10/19/2007 IN WASHINGTON DRIVING DOWN I 5 IN RAIN STORM WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP MOVING . ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ROADWAY MOVED OFF TO SIDE AND WAITED FOR RAIN TO LET UP. PROCEEDED HOME AND REMOVED WIPER MOTOR TO FIND NYLON BUSHING CONNECTING MOTOR AND WIPER BLADE CRANK ARM HAD DISINTEGRATED ALLOWING THE CRANK TO FALL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10206484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesHonoeye, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY/SECURELY. TRUCK DOOR DOES NOT SECURE PROPERLY AND CAN COME OPEN DURING DRIVING. PERMANENT REPAIR BEING SOUGHT BY CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10195191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMetaire, LACrash1 injured
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE RAM 250. THE VEHICLE HAS B.F. GOODRICH TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE STATE OF LOUISIANA POLICE REPORT # IS 4187538. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE FENDER CAME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/05/07
NHTSA complaint #10194791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMetaire, LACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE RAM 250. THE VEHICLE HAS B.F. GOODRICH TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE STATE OF LOUISIANA POLICE REPORT # IS 4187538. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE FENDER CAME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/05/07
NHTSA complaint #10194791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesEvanston, WY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE RAM 250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE STARTS IN FULL THROTTLE. THIS FAILURE IS SIMILAR TO THE ONE NOTED IN RECALL # 93E034001 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE HIS VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS ISSUED A REFERENCE NUMBER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 129,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO TRAVEL AT FULL THROTTLE.
NHTSA complaint #10191009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,399 milesPortland, OR
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY IN 2-WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRANSFER CASE LEVER STARTED VIBRATING, HEARD A SNAP, THEN THIS AWFUL GRINDING NOISE AND SHAKING OF VEHICLE. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO SHOULDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. CRAWLED UNDERNEATH THE PICKUP AND SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF BELL HOUSING AND SMELLED CLUTCH MATERIAL. TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO EXTREMELY HOT ! WAS TOWED HOME. DRAINED OIL FROM TRANSMISSION. VERY BLACK AND SMELLED BURNT. PULLED SIDE COVERS OFF TRANSMISSION AND NOTED THAT INPUT SHAFT GEAR AND THE GEAR BELOW IT WERE VERY BADLY DAMAGED. PULLED TRANSMISSION AND FOUND THAT THE INPUT SHAFT BEARING WAS DESTROYED. FIRST TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 74,717 MILES. 11/01/99. REPLACED WITH A REMAN.TR. FOUGHT DEALERSHIP FOR WARRANTY. THEY FINALLY PAID FOR TRANSMISSION BUT MADE ME PAY LABOR CHARGES OF $713.00 TO GET IT OUT OF THE SHOP. THE TRUCK NOW HAS 108,399 MILES. THAT'S 33,000 MILES ON A FACTORY REMANUFACTURER TRANSMISSION. I DON'T BELIEVE I'LL BUY ANOTHER DODGE PRODUCT.
NHTSA complaint #10103988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,644 milesArvada, CO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
GEAR SHIFT LEVER IN 1993 DODGE RAM 250 PU HAS BROKEN OF FOR THE SECOND TIME. VEHICLE HAS 135644 AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. WHY IS IT BREAKING OFF. NEVER HAD THIS BREAK IN A VEHICLE BEFORE. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10080510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grover Beach, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
WHILE TRYING TO OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR HINGE BROKE WHERE THE DOOR WAS MOUNTED TO VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #872312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
NO SUMMARY LISTED IN ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #716985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CACrash2 injured
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
NO SUMMARY LISTED IN ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #716985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CACrash2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
NO SUMMARY LISTED IN ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #716985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Croi, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
INTERCOOLER/CHARGE AIR RADIATOR WOULD NOT HOLD PRESSURE DUE TO METAL PITTED/ CORRODED. MJS
NHTSA complaint #549880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Croi, WI
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
STEERING GEAR BOX FAILED DUE TO LEAKING SEALS. MJS
NHTSA complaint #549880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silvis, IL
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED. MJS
NHTSA complaint #604653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silvis, IL
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
LOWER STEERING COUPLER FAILED. MJS
NHTSA complaint #604653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silvis, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS, REPLACED ONCE THEN CLOCK SPRING REPLACED TO REMEDY. MJS
NHTSA complaint #604653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silvis, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
ROTORS TURNED, CAUSING PULSATION. MJS
NHTSA complaint #604653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silvis, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
BRAKES LOCKING UP DUE TO FAILURE, REPLACEMENT OF WHEEL CYLINDERS AND BRAKE SHOES. MJS
NHTSA complaint #604653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silvis, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNKNOWN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSING CRUISE CONTROL, SPEEDOMETER, AIR CONDITIONING, ALTERNATOR INDICATOR AND OVERDRIVE TO FAIL. MJS
NHTSA complaint #604653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silvis, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
LOWER RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT FAILED. MJS
NHTSA complaint #604653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
STEERING:COLUMN
CONSUMER HAS 3 1993 D250 VEHICLES AND 1 1993 D350 VEHICLE. ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT EVERY 60,000 MILES THE SLIP JOINT IN THE STEERING COLUMN WEARS OUT, CAUSING MORE SLACK IN THE STEERING SYSTEM WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE ALL THE VIN# AND MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #834705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lovington, NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
AT A SUDDEN STOP ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A REAR END COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #833691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DODGE FAILED TO NOTIFY ME OF SAFETY AND EMISSION RECALLS
NHTSA complaint #702240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
SEATS
DODGE FAILED TO NOTIFY ME OF SAFETY AND EMISSION RECALLS
NHTSA complaint #702240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DODGE FAILED TO NOTIFY ME OF SAFETY AND EMISSION RECALLS
NHTSA complaint #702240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.