VehicleVerdict

1994 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 is among the quieter years of the Ram 1500 on NHTSA's books: 148 complaints (79% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (26), suspension (19), and steering (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

148

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

4

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Ram 1500 years?

Ram 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted1,628 complaints1991: 8 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 148 complaints1995: 273 complaints1996: 407 complaints1997: 468 complaints1998: 645 complaints1999: 769 complaints2000: 641 complaints2001: 1,370 complaints2002: 1,004 complaints2003: 1,362 complaints2004: 1,366 complaints2005: 1,628 complaints2006: 1,080 complaints2007: 701 complaints2008: 720 complaints2009: 884 complaints2010: 630 complaints2011: 988 complaints2012: 978 complaints2014: 1 complaints
Ram 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2618%
Suspension1913%
Steering1812%
Brakes149%
Body & Structure85%
Visibility & Wipers85%
Fuel System85%
Lighting85%
Airbags75%
Tires & Wheels75%
Transmission75%
Latches & Locks53%
Engine53%
Other43%
Speed Control21%
Seat Belts21%

Does the 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E024000EngineMarch 15, 2006 · 44,386 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 14, 2012 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND PRODUCED A GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS HEARD THE MOST WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 18, 2007

“WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH ON A WET ROAD VEHICLE SUDDENLY DID A COMPLETE 90-DEGREE SPIN , AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE STOPPING. CONSUMER SUSTAINED 10 BROKEN RIBS, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AN AMBULANCE TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 26, 2004 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 35 MPH THE CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE TO AVOID CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE INFRONT OF HIM, BUT HE COULDN'T STOP VEHICLE, REAR ENDING THE OTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER THINKS IT WAS AN ABS FAILURE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 25, 1998 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 35 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE FLEW BACK INTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH AREA. THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR BODY DAMAGE. THE CONTACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 15, 2008 · crash

1994 Dodge Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 148 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ram 1500 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1994 Ram 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (26 complaints), suspension (19 complaints), steering (18 complaints).

Does the 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1994 Dodge Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2005, 2001, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among Ram 1500 years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.