Dodge RAM Pickup Problems by Year
NHTSA has 145 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the Dodge RAM Pickup, across 9 model years (1995–2003). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (33). The most reported problem area overall is structure.
Dodge RAM Pickup years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RAM Pickup year: 1999. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1999 RAM Pickup: 33 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2002 RAM Pickup: 22 complaints, 1 recall
- 2001 RAM Pickup: 20 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1996 RAM Pickup: 6 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1995 RAM Pickup: 7 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 RAM Pickup: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Dodge RAM Pickup problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 41 | 7 | 0 |
| Power Train | 19 | 6 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 16 | 7 | 10 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 15 | 7 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 11 | 6 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Dodge RAM Pickup model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 RAM Pickup | 14 | 0 | — | Power Train | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2002 RAM Pickup | 22 | 1 | — | Structure | More complaints than other years |
| 2001 RAM Pickup | 20 | 0 | — | Structure | More complaints than other years |
| 2000 RAM Pickup | 8 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1999 RAM Pickup | 33 | 0 | — | Structure | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1998 RAM Pickup | 18 | 0 | — | Air Bags | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1997 RAM Pickup | 17 | 0 | — | Structure | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1996 RAM Pickup | 6 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1995 RAM Pickup | 7 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Dodge: all Dodge models · Dodge VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge RAM Pickup years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1999 (33) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RAM Pickup year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Dodge RAM Pickup?
Structure, with 41 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Dodge RAM Pickup have?
1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.