1989 Dodge Ram problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1989 Dodge Ram sits mid-pack among Ram years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (31% of the total).
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other Ram years?
What are the most common 1989 Dodge Ram problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 11 | 31% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 7 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 9% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 9% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE, RED RELEASE BUTTON BROKE, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT. TT CONSUMER STATES RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTON DETERIORATED, CAUSING MALE PART TO HANG IN RECEPTICAL, IN ORDER TO FIX FAILED PART, CONSUMER HAS TO HAVE THE ENTIRE SIDE BELT SYSTEM REPLACED WHEN ALL THAT IS NEEDED IS THE…”
“PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE STUCK WIDE OPEN AND FLOODED OUT THE THROTTLE BODY ON TOP OF HOT ENGINE AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK ABOUT 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING COUPLING BROKE DOWN BY THE AXLE. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE, AND DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP.THE STEERING SHAFT AND BOX WERE REPLACED BY A DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK ”
“TWO-YEAR OLD CLIMBED INTO VEHICLE PULLESED SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK, LEVER MOVED INTO NEUTRAL, VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK”
“QUOTE FROM POLICE REPORT : "INVESTIGATION AT THE SCENE SHOWED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE OF VEHICLE #1 LOST TREAD AND BLEW, CAUSING THIS ACCIDENT". THIS INCIDENT DOES NOT FIT THE "PROFILE" PUT FORTH BY FIRESTONE, I.E. NOT A FORD EXPLORER, NOT DRIVEN OFF RAOD, NOT USED IN EXTREME HEAT.( DOT NUMBER:…”
1989 Dodge Ram — common questions
Is the 1989 Dodge Ram reliable?
It is close to typical for the Ram: 35 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1989 Ram problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (11 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints), steering (4 complaints).
Does the 1989 Dodge Ram have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1989 Dodge Ram.
Which Dodge Ram years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1998, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 1992, 2004, 1993, 2003, 1991. The cleanest record among Ram years belongs to 2011.
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.