Model year record

1994 Dodge Ram recalls & problems

The 1994 Dodge Ram has 22 safety recalls and 469 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (107 complaints).

Recalls22safety recalls

Complaints469filed by owners

Crashes · fires47 · 27reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths38 · 2reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Exterior lightingJun 29, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E06000087,745 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Vehicle speed controlFeb 12, 2001

Vehicle speed control

Recall 01V037000157,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES. THE THROTTLE CABLE COULD UNRAVEL (FRAY) OR BREAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Risk: A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE AND UPPER BELL CRANK LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Latches/locks/linkagesFeb 12, 2001

Hood › Latch

Recall 01V040000701,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."
Risk: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical systemMay 10, 2000

Ignition › Switch

Recall 00V135000690,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING THAT COULD OVERHEAT. HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOADS PASS THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS OPERATED ON HIGH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING TO OVERHEAT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY AND OVERLAY HARNESS.

SuspensionAug 9, 1999

Front › Shock absorber

Recall 99V21400049,066 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. (2500 AND 3500 SERIES 4X4 REGULAR CAB PICKUP PRODUCED BEFORE MARCH 21, 1995; 2500 AND 3500 SERIES 4X4 CLUB CAB PICKUP PRODUCED BEFORE JUNE 8, 1995; AND 3500 SERIES 4X2/4X4 CHASSIS CAB TRUCKS PRODUCED BEFORE JUNE 21, 1995). THE FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING/SHOCK TOWERS CAN CRACK AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME. THE SHOCK TOWER COULD DAMAGE THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE LINES RESULTING IN LOSS OF REAR BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE.
Risk: THIS WOULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPRING/SHOCK TOWER AND ANY VEHICLES EXHIBITING CRACKING WILL HAVE THE TOWER REPLACED. VEHICLES THAT ARE DO NOT SHOW ANY CRACKING WILL HAVE A WELD-ON REINFORCEMENT ADDED.

Power trainMay 6, 1999

Clutch assembly

Recall 99V1150008,883 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.
Risk: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

Fuel system, gasolineNov 13, 1997

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 97V199000497,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES. THE FUEL TANK MOUNTED ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW LIQUID FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH A FLOAT TYPE ROLLOVER VALVE.

Power trainMay 5, 1997

Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines

Recall 97V084000960,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Risk: WHEN THESE TEMPERATURES OCCUR, THE FLUID LINE WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.

SteeringNov 18, 1996

Steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 96V230000475,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: IF THE PLASTIC PINS AND METAL CLIP THAT RETAIN THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT IN THE UPPER SHAFT BREAK, THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER SHAFT.
Risk: IF THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT SEPARATES FROM THE UPPER SHAFT, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A RESTRAINING SLEEVE TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF AXIAL STEERING COLUMN SHAFT MOVING IN THE EVENT THE PLASTIC PINS AND METAL CLIP ARE BROKEN.

SteeringMay 12, 1995

Steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 95V088000293,043 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE EXTRA KEYS ON A VEHICLE OPERATOR'S KEY RING CAN BECOME TEMPORARILY LODGED IN THE SCREW ACCESS HOLES IN THE BACK COVER OF THE STEERING WHEEL.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN HAMPER THE STEERING WHEEL RETURN ORCAUSE THE IGNITION TO BE TURNED OFF, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK COVER WITH A REDESIGNED COVER.

Latches/locks/linkagesMar 21, 1995

Hood › Latch

Recall 95V056000175,000 vehicles

Problem: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD CAN BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE HOOD TO FLY UP OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH BRACKET.

VisibilityFeb 14, 1995

Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior

Recall 94V02500290 vehicles

Problem: THE RIGHT OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR CONTAINS CONVEX GLASS RATHER THAN FLAT. THEREFORE, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE IMAGES PRESENTED IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR WHICH MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO MISJUDGE THE DISTANCE FROM THE OBJECT TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR WITH A MIRROR HAVING A FLAT SURFACE.

Seat beltsJan 18, 1995

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 95V005000185,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: THE CINCH BAR COMPONENT WITHIN THE PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY SHATTERS CAUSING THE BELT TO RELEASE.
Risk: THE PASSENGER WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CINCH BAR WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PART.

SuspensionOct 18, 1994

Front

Recall 94V2020001,500 vehicles

Problem: THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR BRACKET ATTACHMENT HAS INADEQUATE FATIGUE STRENGTH AND CAN FAIL, CAUSING FRONT AXLE VIBRATION.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: A FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR BRACKET REINFORCEMENT STRUT WILL BE INSTALLED.

Interior lightingJul 11, 1994

Interior lighting

Recall 94V1280006,088 vehicles

Problem: THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE.
Risk: THE OVERHEATING AND FIRES CAUSED BY THE NEON TRANSFORMER CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE LIGHTBEAM ASSEMBLY, THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: MARK III DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ASSEMBLIES TO ELIMINATE THE NEON LIGHTING FIXTURE IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE IT WITH INCANDESCENT LIGHTS OPERATING DIRECTLY FROM THE VEHICLE 12-VOLT BATTERY.

Fuel system, gasolineJun 20, 1994

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 94V1130007,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REAR IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE VEHICLE S HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF A FUEL SPILL IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL STRENGTHEN THE LEFT FRAME RAIL BY INSTALLING A FRAME RAIL REINFORCEMENT BRACKET.

SuspensionMay 20, 1994

Front

Recall 94V097000400 vehicles

Problem: THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR HAS INADEQUATE FATIGUE STRENGTH.
Risk: FAILURE OF THE TRACK BAR CAN RESULT IN FRONT AXLE VIBRATION AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR.

SeatsDec 14, 1993

Front assembly › Recliner

Recall 93V21300017,000 vehicles

Problem: THE SEAT BACK LATCH LEVER PIVOT RIVETS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DISTORTION. THE DISTORTED ASSEMBLIES ALLOW THE SEAT BACK RELEASE LATCH LEVER TO REMAIN IN THE RELEASED POSITION WHICH IS IN NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT THE FORCES ONTHE SEAT BACK MAY SUBJECT SEAT OCCUPANTS TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT SEAT BACK LATCH ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED ASSEMBLY.

SuspensionOct 22, 1993

Front

Recall 93V1730003,900 vehicles

Problem: FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR ATTACHMENT TO THE AXLE MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.
Risk: LOSS OF THE TRACK BAR ATTACHMENT CAN CAUSE AXLEVIBRATION AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DIFFICULTY WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: TIGHTEN FRONT SUSPENSION TRACK BAR AXLE ATTACHMENT TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1994 Dodge Ram 50 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

1994 Dodge Ram 1500

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

1994 Dodge Ram B-250 Van

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	107	13	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines	73	3	2	3	120,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Ignition	69	0	22	2	—
SuspensionFront; Front › Stabilizer bar	55	0	0	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Gear box (other than rack and pinion)	41	3	0	2	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Delivery	38	0	2	0	—
VisibilityWindshield; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor	36	0	0	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	32	0	1	1	—
Vehicle speed controlCables; Linkages	30	6	1	7	—
Air bagsFrontal	28	20	2	13	—
Latches/locks/linkagesHood › Latch	19	1	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly; Front › Anchorage	19	4	0	5	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 1994 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control) and 99V214000 (Suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and a second dealer, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (5401 I-30 Frontage Rd, Greenville, TX 75402), were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that they were not required to perform the recall repair because the vehicle was more than 10 years old. However, the vehicle was not more than 10…
Oct 31, 2024
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 97V084000 CONCERNING TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK THE TRUCK'S TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSED THE IT TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE COOLING LINE CONNECTION CAME APART FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSE ALL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. *NM
Oct 20, 2003 · 125,254 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND RUNNING AND CONSUMER WAS STANDING IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED HEALTH PROBLEMS TO THE CONSUMER. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Aug 11, 2004 · 139,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission
TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER 30000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD. CONSUMER STATED HE OWNED FOUR OF THE SAME VEHICLES, AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *AK
Jul 15, 2004 · 30,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE SHIMMIED VIOLENTLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Jun 5, 2004
Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HOOD LATCH SNAPPED. THIS CAUSED THE HOOD TO FLY BACK ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER HAD THE PROBLEM RESOLVED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. *AK
Mar 14, 2004 · 133,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
RECALL NO. 97V084000: CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPON LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE COOLING UNIT LINE RETAINER WAS MISSING, CAUSING THE FLUID TO LEAK. DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE AUTOMATIC COOLING UNIT LINE WAS LEAKING. A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS ISSUED, BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
Nov 25, 2003 · 120,000 miles
Vehicle speed controlCrash
THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TOWARDS TRAFFIC WHICH RESULTEDC IN AN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
Aug 27, 2003

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SEAT BACK FAILUREClosed
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 VEHICLES, AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE PERFORMACE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS COMPARABLE TO THOSE VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FORGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE…
DP03006 · opened Sep 23, 2003 · closed Apr 8, 2004
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATIONClosed
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 IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR…
DP03002 · opened May 7, 2003 · closed Jul 22, 2003
HOOD LATCHClosedLed to recall 01V040000
ONMARCH 20, 1995, DAIMLERCHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT REPORT FOR 181,008 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTUREDC FROM JANUARY 21, 1994 - OCTOBER 25, 1994 AT THE DODGE CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND FROM MARCH 26, 1994 - DECEMBER 8, 1994 AT THE LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ROD COULD BIND ON THE GUIDE BRACKET AND PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCH.IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIER'S VISION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE SEDCONDARY HOOD LATCH.OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN AUGUST OF 1995.THIS RECALL RATE AS OF 2/97 WAS 68%
RQ00012 · opened May 3, 2000 · closed Apr 20, 2001
STEERING COLUMN FIREClosed
ALLEGES THAT THE POOR DESIGN OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND//OR THE KEY CYLINDER ASSEMBLY IN THE MODEL YEAR 1991-2000 VEHICLES MAY CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO CATCH FIRE
DP00002 · opened Jan 20, 2000 · closed Apr 24, 2000
STEERING COLUMN FIRESClosedLed to recall 00V135000
ODI has received 33 complaints alleging excessive heat in the ignition switch and related circuitry in 1994-1996 Dodge Ram trucks.The root cause is an excessive current draw through the ignition switch result in fire, smoke, melting of surrounding plastics, stalling and the illumination of air bag and anti-lock brake system (ABS) warnig lights. DaimlerChrsler has been aware of the potential for this failure and implemented a design change to reduce the current draw through the switch.This design change involved the installation of a relay in the blower motor circuitry for all Ram trucks built after March 15,1996.DaimlerChrysler also made available an ignition switch repair package (PN 4874996) which includes the necessary components to upgrade vehicles built prior to the implementation date.DaimleChrysler also issued a correspondence to its zones instructing technicians to replace…
EA99027 · opened Sep 10, 1999 · closed May 30, 2000
IGNITION SWITCHClosed
COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE FIRES, MELTING, SMOKE OR EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE VICINITY OF THE IGNITION SWITCH
PE99031 · opened May 5, 1999 · closed Sep 10, 1999
TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORSOpenLed to recall 97V084000
ON APRIL 17, 1997, THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING APPROXIMATELY 800,000 1994 THROUGH 1997 DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH V6 OR V8 ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, 1995 THROUGH 1997DODGE RAM PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE V10 ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND THE 1995 AND 1996 DODGE RAM VAN/WAGON EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED ELEVEN REPORTS CONCERNING TRANSMISSION LEAKAGES FROM THE QUICK CONNECTOR JOINTS RESULTING IN EIGHT FIRES.THE REPORTED VEHICLES INCLUDED ARE THE 1994 AND 1995 JEEP WRANGLER, 1995 AND 1996 CHEROKEE, 1993 THROUGH 1996 GRAND CHEROKEE, AND 1994 AND 1995 DODGE DAKOTA.THE PURPOSE OF THIS INVESTIGATION IS TO EXAMINE THE SCOPE OF RECALL 97V-084.CLOSING SUMMARY: FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF CONSUMER REPORTS REVEALED THAT SOME OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE WAS DUE TO OTHER CONNECTIONS ALONG THE COOLING LINES.IN THE…
RQ98002 · opened Mar 10, 1998
STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMNOpenLed to recall 95V088000
There is no summary currently available
RQ97012 · opened Sep 25, 1997
TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRESClosedLed to recall 96V084000
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AT COOLER TUBE DISCONNECTS IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRES.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)
PE96070 · opened Nov 26, 1996 · closed May 15, 1997
EVAPORATIVE CANISTER LEAKAGEClosedLed to recall 97V199000
FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER AFTER TANK FILL.
EA96018 · opened Jul 29, 1996 · closed Nov 10, 1997
AIR BAG INFLATOR FAILUREClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE96020 · opened Mar 8, 1996 · closed Oct 29, 1996
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILUREClosedLed to recall 95V005000
There is no summary currently available
EA94019 · opened Jun 29, 1994 · closed Jan 30, 1995
SEAT BELTClosed
CHRYSLER IS CONTINUING ITS INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT BUCKLE ENGAGMENT. UPGRADED TO EA94-019.
PE94008 · opened Jan 28, 1994 · closed Jun 29, 1994