VehicleVerdict

1993 Dodge Ram problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 66 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Ram year — the 1993 model ranks #12 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 (16), transmission (12), and steering (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

66

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Ram years?

Ram NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Dodge Ram problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1624%
Transmission1218%
Steering711%
Body & Structure69%
Electrical System46%
Speed Control46%
Engine46%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Fuel System35%
Lighting35%
Seats12%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 1993 Dodge Ram have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING ON WET PAVEMENT, APPLIED BRAKE UPON COMING TO A STOP SIGN, BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. TT CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 5, 1995 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME. SELECTOR WAS IN PARK. WITHIN 10-15 SEC THE TRUCK TRAVELED BACKWARD AND AFTER 30 FT. IMPACTED A PARKED CAR. SERVICE REPORT INDICATED SHIFT LEVER AT TRANSMISSION WAS LOOSE AND IMPROPERLY ATTACHED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 28, 2001 · crash

“ON TWO OCCASIONS VEHICLE LOST CONTROL IN STEERING WHILE TRAVELING AT 6O MPH AND AGAIN AT 45 MPH WHICH FORCED VEHICLE INTO A DITCH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY STEERING GEAR BOX FAILURE. *AK THE SECOND OCCURRENCE HAPPENED AFTER VEHICLE HAD REPAIRS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 2, 2001

“PASSENGER SIDE DOOR: WHEN SITTING IN VEHICLE CAN SEE OUTSIDE THROUGH THE CRACK IN THE DOOR. WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR AND PUT KEY IN AND TURNED, BUT DIDN'T HAVE TO PUSH HANDLE FOR DOOR TO OPEN. TOOK IN TODAY FOR REPAIR AND THEY SAID THAT THIS IS JUST NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 23, 1993

“IGNITON SWITCH AND POSSIBLE WIRING KEEPS FAILING. CONSUMER HAD REPLACED IGNITON AND PART OF WIRING 4 TIMES, BUT DEFECT KEEPS REOCCURRING. *AK THE PROBLELM IS STILL GOING ON BUT NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 12, 1996

1993 Dodge Ram — common questions

Is the 1993 Dodge Ram reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 66 complaints put the 1993 model at #12 of 33 Ram years. It is one of the Ram years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 Ram problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (16 complaints), transmission (12 complaints), steering (7 complaints).

Does the 1993 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Dodge Ram. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 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.

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.