VehicleVerdict

1994 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 is among the quieter years of the Ram 2500 on NHTSA's books: 210 complaints (42% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (47), transmission (24), and electrical system (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

210

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

8

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Ram 2500 years?

Ram 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted903 complaints1991: 16 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 55 complaints1994: 210 complaints1995: 354 complaints1996: 365 complaints1997: 275 complaints1998: 310 complaints1999: 422 complaints2000: 269 complaints2001: 561 complaints2002: 210 complaints2003: 866 complaints2004: 755 complaints2005: 541 complaints2006: 903 complaints2007: 506 complaints2008: 405 complaints2009: 261 complaints2010: 309 complaints2011: 389 complaints2012: 385 complaints
Ram 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes4722%
Transmission2411%
Electrical System168%
Steering157%
Suspension147%
Lighting147%
Fuel System136%
Body & Structure136%
Speed Control136%
Airbags115%
Engine94%
Tires & Wheels73%
Latches & Locks63%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Other21%
Seats10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 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.

“WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY DURING INCLEMENT CONDITIONS CONSISTING OF LIGHT TO MODERATE RAINFALL/TOTAL DARKNESS AND FOGGY, VEHICLE'S LIGHTS WERE ON LOW BEAM. THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT, VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, APPLIED BRAKES B UT THEY DIDN'T WOTK, VEHIVLE HIT A ROCK WALL. DURING INSPECTION,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 17, 1996 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN MUD. CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE TO TAKE IT OUT BUT WAS INOPERATIVE. HAD TO PUT IT IN REVERSE TO TRY TO GET VEHICLE OUT. HEARD LOUD NOISE,S UDDENLY 4-WHEEL DRIVE KICKED IN. STARTED TO REVERSE RAPIDLY. DUE TO THIS DEFECT THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A TREE. DEALER REPLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · crash

“FRONT END OF VEHICLE HAD TO BE REBUILT FOUR TIMES, REPLACING VARIOUS COMPONENTS INCLUDING TIE RODS/ STABALIZER BARS, ETC. SUSPENSION PROBLEMS LEAD TO POOR HANDLING CONTROL,AND IS UNSAFE FOR OPERATION ON THE ROAD. ALSO, IN MAY OF 2001 AFTER STARTING ENGINE, IGNITION WOULD NOT STOP TURNING WHICH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 1, 1996 · fire

“FRONT END OF VEHICLE HAD TO BE REBUILT FOUR TIMES, REPLACING VARIOUS COMPONENTS INCLUDING TIE RODS/ STABALIZER BARS, ETC. SUSPENSION PROBLEMS LEAD TO POOR HANDLING CONTROL,AND IS UNSAFE FOR OPERATION ON THE ROAD. ALSO, IN MAY OF 2001 AFTER STARTING ENGINE, IGNITION WOULD NOT STOP TURNING WHICH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 1, 1996 · fire

“FRONT END OF VEHICLE HAD TO BE REBUILT FOUR TIMES, REPLACING VARIOUS COMPONENTS INCLUDING TIE RODS/ STABALIZER BARS, ETC. SUSPENSION PROBLEMS LEAD TO POOR HANDLING CONTROL,AND IS UNSAFE FOR OPERATION ON THE ROAD. ALSO, IN MAY OF 2001 AFTER STARTING ENGINE, IGNITION WOULD NOT STOP TURNING WHICH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 1, 1996 · fire

1994 Dodge Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 210 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ram 2500 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1994 Ram 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (47 complaints), transmission (24 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints).

Does the 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1994 Dodge Ram 2500. 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 2500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 2500 years to avoid are 2006, 2003, 2004, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 2500 years belongs to 1991.

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.