1991 Dodge Ram problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 63 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Ram year — the 1991 model ranks #14 of 33 Ram years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (13), steering (11), and tires & wheels (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Ram years?

Ram NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Dodge Ram problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	13	21%	▲ up
Steering	11	17%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	9	14%	▲ up
Fuel System	7	11%	▲ up
Transmission	6	10%	▲ up
Electrical System	5	8%	▲ up
Suspension	3	5%	▲ up
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	2	3%	▲ up
Body & Structure	2	3%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	1	2%	— flat
Engine	1	2%	▼ down
Lighting	1	2%	— flat
Seat Belts	1	2%	— flat
Speed Control	1	2%	▼ down

Does the 1991 Dodge Ram have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V089000SteeringMay 12, 1995 · 78,000 units

Defect

THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SEPARATION OF THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS AND REPLACE ANY WHEELS EXHIBITING CRACKS. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IF CRACKING OCCURS.

93E034001Fuel SystemDecember 7, 1993 · 35,000 units

Defect

BOSCH DISTRIBUTOR-TYPE FUEL PUMPS HAVE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT CAN CAUSE THE BALL PIN, WHICH IS PART OF THE PUMP'S CONTROL LEVER ASSEMBLY, TO BREAK CAUSING THE LINK BETWEEN THE CONTROL SLEEVE AND THE CONTROL LEVER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

WHEN THE LINK BETWEEN THE CONTROL LEVER AND THE CONTROLSLEEVE BREAKS, THE SPEED CONTROL NO LONGER RESPONDS TO MOVEMENT OF THEACCELERATOR PEDAL, RESULTING IN LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

THE FUEL PUMPS WILL BE INSPECTED, AND IF NECESSARY, REPAIRED OR REPLACED.

92V005000OtherJanuary 14, 1992 · 2,800 units

Defect

THE TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS CERITIFICATION LABEL MAY HAVE INCORRECT INFORMATION.

Consequence

THE CERTIFICATION LABEL FAILS TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OFFMVSS 120.

Remedy

AN OVERLAY OF THE CORRECT TIRE AND RIM SELECTION INFORMATION CERTIFICATE WILL BE PROVIDED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ON FOR LAST 8 MONTHS. BRKES FAILED INTERMITTENTLY, AND PEDAL FELT HARD. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER 6 TIMES, BLED BRAKES AND REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER; BUT, DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 1, 2000

“THE STEERING ROD ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BROKE IN HALF, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. RECALL NOTICE WAS MAILED, BUT VEHICLE HAD AN ACCIDENT BEFORE LETTER WAS RECIEVED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 20, 1996 · crash

“CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SUMMIT TRAIL CLIMBER, MANUFACTURED BY KELLY-SPRINGFIELD COMPANY, 4 TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE, THE RUBBER IS TEARING APART FROM SOME TYPE OF CIRCULAR SEAM, THE SERVICE STATION EXAMINED THE TIRES AND STATED, THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND NEED REPLACING IMMEDIATELY BUT THE REPRESENTATIVES…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“FILLED UP TANK, PARKED VEHICLE, SMELLED GAS, RETURNED TO VEHICLE, NOTICED GAS LEAKED ON GROUND CAUSED BY CRACK ALONG TOP CORNER EDGE OF TANK TOP, FIRE HAZARD.[REDACTED]AK CONSUMER FEELS THE WEIGHT OF A FULL TANK IS MORE THAN WHAT THE PLASTIC GAS TANK CAN WITHSTAND WHILE SUPPORTED BY THE TWO METAL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 15, 1996

“DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER, THE TRANSMISSION FLUIDS ARE PUSHED OUT THROUGH THE HOSES AND SEALS WHICH CAUSES A TRANSMISSION LEAK AND COULD POSSIBLY START A FIRE. DEALER REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER TWICE. PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1991 Dodge Ram — common questions

Is the 1991 Dodge Ram reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 63 complaints put the 1991 model at #14 of 33 Ram years. It is one of the Ram years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Ram problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (13 complaints), steering (11 complaints), tires & wheels (9 complaints).

Does the 1991 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Dodge Ram. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Dodge Ram under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1991 compare to other Ram years?

What are the most common 1991 Dodge Ram problems?

Does the 1991 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1991 Dodge Ram — common questions

Is the 1991 Dodge Ram reliable?

What are the most common 1991 Ram problems?

Does the 1991 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Is the 1991 Dodge Ram under NHTSA investigation?

Which Dodge Ram years should you avoid?

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