VehicleVerdict

1992 Dodge Ram problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 75 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Ram year — the 1992 model ranks #10 of 33 Ram years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (11), brakes (9), and transmission (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

75

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Ram years?

Ram NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted905 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 2 complaints1979: 4 complaints1981: 2 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 14 complaints1986: 20 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 27 complaints1989: 35 complaints1990: 23 complaints1991: 63 complaints1992: 75 complaints1993: 66 complaints1994: 623 complaints1995: 852 complaints1996: 905 complaints1997: 513 complaints1998: 644 complaints1999: 496 complaints2000: 212 complaints2001: 417 complaints2002: 152 complaints2003: 65 complaints2004: 71 complaints2005: 47 complaints2006: 36 complaints2007: 20 complaints2008: 33 complaints2009: 13 complaints2010: 33 complaints2011: 0 complaints
Ram NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Dodge Ram problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1115%
Brakes912%
Transmission811%
Steering811%
Speed Control79%
Electrical System79%
Engine79%
Other34%
Tires & Wheels34%
Suspension34%
Seats23%
Seat Belts23%
Body & Structure23%
Lighting11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 1992 Dodge Ram have recalls?

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

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.

“CONSUMER SMELLED GAS FOR FEW DAYS. LOOKED AT FUEL LINE, SAW GAS, TRIED TO MOVE VEHICLE, AND UPON STARTING A FIRE WAS STARTED AT FUEL LINE BETWEEN ENGINE BACK AND FIRE WALL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 1, 1999 · fire

“TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE ON TWO OCCASIONS. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER ON BOTH OCCASIONS. HOWEVER, PROBLEM REOCCURRED, AND DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE THIRD TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 15, 1998

“PAINT BLISTERING AND FLAKING, VIBRATION, TRANSMISSON BURNED OFF NOT VERY GOOD TRANSMISION COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP FAIL TWICE, STEERING SEAL LEAK, RADIO AND TAPE HAVE BEEN REPLACED, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, VERY NOISY AND LOUD IN THE TRUCK CAB, VERY HARD TO ENGAGE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRUCK NOW HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 15, 2001

“PAINT BLISTERING AND FLAKING, VIBRATION, TRANSMISSON BURNED OFF NOT VERY GOOD TRANSMISION COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP FAIL TWICE, STEERING SEAL LEAK, RADIO AND TAPE HAVE BEEN REPLACED, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, VERY NOISY AND LOUD IN THE TRUCK CAB, VERY HARD TO ENGAGE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRUCK NOW HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 15, 2001

“ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED OF 20-55 MPH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. STALLING HAS ALMOST CAUSED A VEHICLE COLLISION. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 2, 1998

1992 Dodge Ram — common questions

Is the 1992 Dodge Ram reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 75 complaints put the 1992 model at #10 of 33 Ram years. It is one of the Ram years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Ram problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (11 complaints), brakes (9 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).

Does the 1992 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Dodge Ram. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Dodge Ram under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.

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.