Owners have filed 210 complaints
about the 1994 Dodge RAM 2500 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2021.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 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 — 25
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
12.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
25.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
12.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
12.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
513.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1541.7%
150,000+ miles
1027.8%
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 12Aug 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 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.
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...
PE00048Opened 11 Dec 2000Closed 7 Mar 2001VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL
ALLEGED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN FRAY OR SEVER DURING NORMAL USE RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE OR AN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE.
PE99026Opened 16 Apr 1999Closed 31 Aug 1999SUSPENSION
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER
ALLEGE FAILURE OF THE COIL SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET AT ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE VEHICLE FRAME MAY ALLOW COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, AND POTENTIALLY AFFECT STEERING OR BRAKING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
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...
PE98002Opened 14 Jan 1998Closed 8 May 1998EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURE
PE96044Opened 27 Jun 1996Closed 29 Nov 1996VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
ALLEGED FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
IN 1994, CHRYSLER INTRODUCTED A PLASTIC FUEL TANK, THAT WAS SHAPED DIFFERENTLY FROM THE METAL TANK IT REPLACED.DUE TO THE DIFFERENT SHAPE OF THE NEW TANK,GLAVAL HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH SCREWS, THAT IT INSTALLS, RUPTURING THE FUEL TANK.THIS PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED DURING EARLY PRODUCTION AND GLAVAL CORRECTED THE SUBJECT UNITS PRIOR TO SHIPPING.GLAVAL ALSO DESIGNED A NEW TEMPLATE TO CORRECTLY LOCATE THE SCREWS TO MISS THE NEW STYLE TANK.EVIDENTLY A FEW EARLY PRODUCTION VEHICLES WERE NOT CAUGHT OR HAD SCREWS INSTALLED WITH THE WRONG TEMPLATE.ALL BUT ONE OF THESE VEHICLES WERE REPORTED AND CORRECTED...
PE94072Opened 3 Oct 1994Closed 22 Mar 1995POWER TRAIN
TRANS HOSE SEPARATION
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 127,627 milesDES Moines, IA1 injured
AIR BAGS
I EXITED A DEPARTMENT STORE;GOT INTO MY VEHICLE,PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION ,AND WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION MY DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED.I RECEIVED NUMEROUS ABRASIONS TO MY CHIN AND NECK,BROKEN NOSE,BLACK EYE,AND A HEAD CONCUSSION.
NHTSA complaint #10676558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesWinston Salem, NC1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL. AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND WITHOUT ACCELERATING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING A INJURY TO THE CONTACTS EYE. MOMENTS LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 300,000. UPDATED 4/2/12 *CN UPDATED 05/02/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER REVERSING AND PUTTING THE TRUCK IN DRIVE THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND EXPLODED. THE INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS IS A ROUND METAL PIECE THAT WAS UNDER THE AIR BAG AND A PART OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PIECE WAS HOT RED AND UNTOUCHABLE. IT APPEARED THAT SOMETHING HAD MELTED AND TURNED BLACK. UPDATED 05/12/2012
NHTSA complaint #10449977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesCulbertson, MTCrash2 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT
DODGE DEATH WOBBLE PICKUP.
NHTSA complaint #10250692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burton, MIFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHT QUIT WORKING AS I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT.... SMELLED A FAINT PLASTIC BURNING SMELL.
NHTSA complaint #10218095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 248,400 milesCaribou, MEFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
DRIVING DURING THE DAY WITH LIGHTS ON (LOW BEAM) AND SMOKE AND THE SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE UPPER LEFT PORTION OF THE DASH. THE FAILURE WAS THE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH WAS BURNT AND SO WAS THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR. THE DODGE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD BY THE PARTS PERSON THAT IF I JUST REPLACED THE SWITCH WITH OUT PUTTING IN AN UPDATED WIRING HARNESS THAT THERE WAS A 100 % PROBABILITY THAT THIS INCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AGAIN. WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A REPLACEMENT PART (SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS) FOR $88 WHICH WOULD ALSO TAKE TWO HOURS OF SHOP TIME TO INSTALL AND THAT, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, THERE WAS NO RECALL. I DID KEEP THE ORIGINAL SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10140915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesPorum, OKFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ON TWO OCCASIONS IGNITION SWITCH WIRES CAUGHT ON FIRE. THIS CAUSED THE PLASTIC AROUND THE IGNITION TO MELT. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10061073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Panama City Beach, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
Dash panel is completely broken in 20 to 30 pieces including part that holds Vin plate. I the event of a accident these pieces could be shrapnel that can cause death or serious injury to passengers.
NHTSA complaint #11429518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,956 milesSierra Vista, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I WAS DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT WITH $105 WORTH OF GROCERIES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY HEADLIGHTS JUST QUIT WORKING AND IT WAS PRETTY DARK COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING SO I HAD TO PULL OVER AND STOP AND WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO COME PICK ME AND ALL MY GROCERIES UP BECAUSE I COULDN'T DRIVE HOME WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS
NHTSA complaint #11383351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,956 milesSierra Vista, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT WITH $105 WORTH OF GROCERIES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY HEADLIGHTS JUST QUIT WORKING AND IT WAS PRETTY DARK COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING SO I HAD TO PULL OVER AND STOP AND WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO COME PICK ME AND ALL MY GROCERIES UP BECAUSE I COULDN'T DRIVE HOME WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS
NHTSA complaint #11383351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBush, LA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I WAS DRIVING DOWN AN OLD COUNTRY ROAD AROUND 8:30 PM ON MY WAY HOME FROM A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT. MY WIFE WAS IN FRONT OF ME AND I WAS LUCKILY FOLLOWING HER HOME INSTEAD OF VICE VERSA. MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO ON AND OFF WITH NO CONSISTENT TIME ON OR OFF. IT WAS VERY RADICAL AND UNPREDICTABLE. I WAS ABLE TO USE MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND ABLE TO SEE ENOUGH WITH THEM TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY. YOU KNOW HOW COUNTRY ROADS ARE ....NARROW AND LARGE DITCHES ON EITHER SIDE. THANK YOU GOD!
NHTSA complaint #11131846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,876 milesGloucester, VA
STEERING
VEHICLE INSPECTION INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM. THE STEERING ROD WAS COMING OUT OF THE GEAR BOX. STEERING BOX WAS REPLACED. TEST DRIVE OF VEHICLE WAS A DISASTER. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING ABOVE 10 MPH AND ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. YOU WERE ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED TWO MORE TIMES WITH LITTLE CHANGE. OLD GEAR BOX REINSTALLED AND VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HOME. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER MECHANIC THAT WORKED FOR A CLOSED DEALERSHIP. GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED TWO OR THREE MORE TIMES. ALL ASSOCIATED STEERING COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED AT LEAST ONE TIME. PROBLEM STILL EXIST. VEHICLE IS USED SPARELY BECAUSE OF STEERING PROBLEM. IT IS ONLY DRIVEN ABOUT 4 MILES EVERY WEEK OR TWO TO KEEP THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FROM GOING BAD. STEERING GEAR BOX IS A TOTAL ENGINEERING DISASTER. NO ONE YET HAS FOUND A CLEAR SOLUTION TO RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT ANYWHERE FOR THIS THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND. CHRYSLER QUIT MAKING THIS GEAR BOX YEARS AGO. VEHICLE IS A $40,000 PIECE OF JUNK. UPDATED 9/21/15 *LN.....UPDATED 10/01/15
NHTSA complaint #10745301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNorth Kingtown, RI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10684248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,627 milesDES Moines, IA1 injured
AIR BAGS
I EXITED A DEPARTMENT STORE;GOT INTO MY VEHICLE,PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION ,AND WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION MY DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED.I RECEIVED NUMEROUS ABRASIONS TO MY CHIN AND NECK,BROKEN NOSE,BLACK EYE,AND A HEAD CONCUSSION.
NHTSA complaint #10676558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesElizabeth, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
EXPERIENCED AN EXTREME LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO A WOBBLE/VIBRATION THAT WOULD ONLY STOP WHEN YOU SLOWED TO A SPEED UNDER 25 MPH. THE DEATH WOBBLE WOULD GO AWAY BUT A SLIGHT VIBRATION ASSOCIATED WITH A LOOSE FEELING IN THE STEERING IS NOW CONSTANT. #94V202000, 94V097000, 93V173000, AND 01V037000 ALL NEED REPLACING. THE LAST RECALL MENTIONED HERE IS THE SPEED CONTROL THROTTLE CABLE, AND SO FAR IT HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM. THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS DUE TO ITS FAILURE URGES ME TO REPLACE THIS PART.
NHTSA complaint #10658464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesElizabeth, CO
STEERING
EXPERIENCED AN EXTREME LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO A WOBBLE/VIBRATION THAT WOULD ONLY STOP WHEN YOU SLOWED TO A SPEED UNDER 25 MPH. THE DEATH WOBBLE WOULD GO AWAY BUT A SLIGHT VIBRATION ASSOCIATED WITH A LOOSE FEELING IN THE STEERING IS NOW CONSTANT. #94V202000, 94V097000, 93V173000, AND 01V037000 ALL NEED REPLACING. THE LAST RECALL MENTIONED HERE IS THE SPEED CONTROL THROTTLE CABLE, AND SO FAR IT HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM. THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS DUE TO ITS FAILURE URGES ME TO REPLACE THIS PART.
NHTSA complaint #10658464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesElizabeth, CO
SUSPENSION
EXPERIENCED AN EXTREME LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO A WOBBLE/VIBRATION THAT WOULD ONLY STOP WHEN YOU SLOWED TO A SPEED UNDER 25 MPH. THE DEATH WOBBLE WOULD GO AWAY BUT A SLIGHT VIBRATION ASSOCIATED WITH A LOOSE FEELING IN THE STEERING IS NOW CONSTANT. #94V202000, 94V097000, 93V173000, AND 01V037000 ALL NEED REPLACING. THE LAST RECALL MENTIONED HERE IS THE SPEED CONTROL THROTTLE CABLE, AND SO FAR IT HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM. THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS DUE TO ITS FAILURE URGES ME TO REPLACE THIS PART.
NHTSA complaint #10658464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesElizabeth, CO
POWER TRAIN
THE FRONT LEFT TIRE CAME INTO CONTACT WITH A SMALL BUMP WHILE SLIGHTLY TURNING LEFT. IT VIOLENTLY STARTED WOBBLING MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, AND WILL ONLY STOP WHEN YOUR SPEED REACHES UNDER 25 MPH. THE DEATH WOBBLE WAS VERY UNPREDICTABLE WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW IT IS CONSTANTLY THREATENING. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO AUTO NATION DODGE RAM ON ARAPAHOE RD IN COLORADO BACK IN MAY OF 2014. I ASKED THEM TO FIX ALL RECALLS, AND DESCRIBED TO THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE INVOICE I RECEIVED CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED JUST A FEW RECALLS THAT DID NOT FIX THE MAIN PROBLEM. WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE DEATH WOBBLE HAPPENED ONCE AGAIN, AND THE PARTS THAT WERE CLAIMED TO BE FIXED CLEARLY WAS INCORRECT.
NHTSA complaint #10654544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesElizabeth, CO
STEERING
THE FRONT LEFT TIRE CAME INTO CONTACT WITH A SMALL BUMP WHILE SLIGHTLY TURNING LEFT. IT VIOLENTLY STARTED WOBBLING MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, AND WILL ONLY STOP WHEN YOUR SPEED REACHES UNDER 25 MPH. THE DEATH WOBBLE WAS VERY UNPREDICTABLE WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW IT IS CONSTANTLY THREATENING. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO AUTO NATION DODGE RAM ON ARAPAHOE RD IN COLORADO BACK IN MAY OF 2014. I ASKED THEM TO FIX ALL RECALLS, AND DESCRIBED TO THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE INVOICE I RECEIVED CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED JUST A FEW RECALLS THAT DID NOT FIX THE MAIN PROBLEM. WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE DEATH WOBBLE HAPPENED ONCE AGAIN, AND THE PARTS THAT WERE CLAIMED TO BE FIXED CLEARLY WAS INCORRECT.
NHTSA complaint #10654544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesElizabeth, CO
SUSPENSION
THE FRONT LEFT TIRE CAME INTO CONTACT WITH A SMALL BUMP WHILE SLIGHTLY TURNING LEFT. IT VIOLENTLY STARTED WOBBLING MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, AND WILL ONLY STOP WHEN YOUR SPEED REACHES UNDER 25 MPH. THE DEATH WOBBLE WAS VERY UNPREDICTABLE WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING, BUT NOW IT IS CONSTANTLY THREATENING. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO AUTO NATION DODGE RAM ON ARAPAHOE RD IN COLORADO BACK IN MAY OF 2014. I ASKED THEM TO FIX ALL RECALLS, AND DESCRIBED TO THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE INVOICE I RECEIVED CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED JUST A FEW RECALLS THAT DID NOT FIX THE MAIN PROBLEM. WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE DEATH WOBBLE HAPPENED ONCE AGAIN, AND THE PARTS THAT WERE CLAIMED TO BE FIXED CLEARLY WAS INCORRECT.
NHTSA complaint #10654544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keswick, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK AND YOU GO TO BRAKE, THE TRUCK PULLS TO THE LEFT. WE HAVE OWN THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY 1. NEW CALIBERS WAS INSTALLED WHEN IT FIRST STARTED AND THAT HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE. WE HAVE LEARNT TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH IT COULD BE DANGEROUS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IS THERE A PROBLEM. FOR AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A WHILE ON SOME OF THESE TRUCKS. WHAT IS THE FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10500912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 309,000 milesBastrop, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
TOP OF DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND COMING TO PIECES. THE RATTLING IS DISTRACTING AND LOOSE FLYING SHARP PIECES WOULD BE A DANGER IN ANY MINOR ACCIDENT OR EVEN A BAD BUMP. THE DEALER COST OF $647 TO REPLACE IT IS RIDICULOUS, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT'S A FACTORY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10487354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesWinston Salem, NC1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL. AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND WITHOUT ACCELERATING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING A INJURY TO THE CONTACTS EYE. MOMENTS LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 300,000. UPDATED 4/2/12 *CN UPDATED 05/02/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER REVERSING AND PUTTING THE TRUCK IN DRIVE THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND EXPLODED. THE INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS IS A ROUND METAL PIECE THAT WAS UNDER THE AIR BAG AND A PART OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PIECE WAS HOT RED AND UNTOUCHABLE. IT APPEARED THAT SOMETHING HAD MELTED AND TURNED BLACK. UPDATED 05/12/2012
NHTSA complaint #10449977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesHatfield, PA
STEERING
VIOLENT SHAKING IN THE FRONT END/ STEERING, AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE AT SPEEDS OVER 40MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10382232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 350,000 milesChina, TX
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT FAILED CAUSING THE DRIVE-SHAFT COUNTER BALLANCE TO MOVE APPROX. 4" TO THE LEFT. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVE-SHAFT COUNTER BALLANCE TO WEAR A HOLE ABOUT 3' LONG AND 1' WIDE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE RESULT WAS LOST FUEL SPRAYING UNDER TRUCK, COATING REAR TIRES AND BRAKES. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE OR POSSIBLE EXPLOSION.
NHTSA complaint #10378371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
CABLE THAT HOLDS FULL SIZE SPARE TIRE RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE IN WHICH MY SPARE TIRE WENT FLYING THROUGH TRAFFIC. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS KILLED. VEHICLE IS A 1994 DODGE RAM 2500 PICK-UP TRUCK. I FEEL CABLES SHOULD NOT BE USED TO SECURE SPARE TIRES UNDER A VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE IN AN AREA THAT SALTS THE ROADS EVERY WINTER.
NHTSA complaint #10373408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
STRUCTURE
CABLE THAT HOLDS FULL SIZE SPARE TIRE RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE IN WHICH MY SPARE TIRE WENT FLYING THROUGH TRAFFIC. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS KILLED. VEHICLE IS A 1994 DODGE RAM 2500 PICK-UP TRUCK. I FEEL CABLES SHOULD NOT BE USED TO SECURE SPARE TIRES UNDER A VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE IN AN AREA THAT SALTS THE ROADS EVERY WINTER.
NHTSA complaint #10373408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 344,000 milesELK River, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MIN, THE HEADLAMPS INTERMITTENTLY LOSE POWER, SOMETIMES STAYING OFF UNTIL THE SWITCH IS MANIPULATED TO RE-ESTABLISH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. SLIGHT BURNING ODOR ACCOMPANIES INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10372460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 344,000 milesELK River, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MIN, THE HEADLAMPS INTERMITTENTLY LOSE POWER, SOMETIMES STAYING OFF UNTIL THE SWITCH IS MANIPULATED TO RE-ESTABLISH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. SLIGHT BURNING ODOR ACCOMPANIES INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10372460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesColbertson, LA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE RAPIDLY WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A BUMP. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS REBUILT SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE GEAR SHIFTER CONTINUES TO WOBBLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
NHTSA complaint #10253197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesColbertson, LA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE RAPIDLY WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REBUILT SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE GEAR SHIFTER CONTINUES TO WOBBLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
NHTSA complaint #10253193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
WHILE DRIVING MY RAM 2500 DIESEL TRUCK AND HAULING TRAILER THROUGH CLEBURNE, TEXAS MY VEHICLE DIED WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD NO POWER FOR STEERING AND WAS BARLEY ABOUT TO PULL INTO A DRIVEWAY AND PARKING LOT TO GET OUT OF FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURRED ON A SATURDAY AND I HAD TRUCK TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. IT WOULD BE MONDAY BEFORE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED-- IT WOULD BE MONDAY BEFORE PROBLEM DETERMINED, IT WAS THE LIFT PUMP A $ 1100 FIX. ALL LATER VEHICLES I BELIEVE AFTER 2004 WERE MODIFIED TO PUT LIFT PUMP IN GAS TANK FOR PURPOSE OF KEEPING COOLER. MY VEHICLE HAD 134,000 MILES BUT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HELPFUL HAVE KNOW ABOUT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE I WAS NOT ON FREEWAY AND TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. I DO FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. THERE WAS ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WHO HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS 2003 DIESEL. CRB.
NHTSA complaint #10251248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.