1988 Dodge RAM
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1988 Dodge RAM. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
22 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission
When the vehicle IS in parking gear it makes horrible and bumping noise. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Vehicle was parked and running, and without prior warning, vehicle slipped into another gear and rolled back, hitting another vehicle.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Shortly after cold start vehicle caught fire. Was completely consumed. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
Due to failure of turn switch, I was ticketed for no brake lights and turn signals, and forced to have $366.48 in repairs for a faulty switch that should have been recalled at initial release of vehicle in 1988.*ak
- Tires
3 years ago, I was returning from houston tx when the tread on the left front tire of my dodge RAM charger peeled off. fortunetally, the pieces of the tire went under the truck and out the back. when I stopped and checked the tire, it was inflated yet missing all of the tread minus the walls.…
3 years ago, I was returning from houston tx when the tread on the left front tire of my dodge RAM charger peeled off. fortunetally, the pieces of the tire went under the truck and out the back. when I stopped and checked the tire, it was inflated yet missing all of the tread minus the walls. there was no serious damage, nor am I looking for any compensation. but given the current investigation regarding firestone tires, I felt it couldn't hurt to submit this. I am not sure how old the tires were when we bought the truck in 1996 (used). after the incident, I replaced all the tires (spare included) with brand new *cough* firestone tires, and sold the truck in april.( dot number: )
- Tires
On august 6, 2000, traveling north on I-75 near bellview forida I experienced a complete tread separation on the right rear tire. the tread tore away from the tire casing while traveling at a rate of 75 mph leaving the tire still inflated with the steel belts showing. the vehicle ran over the…
On august 6, 2000, traveling north on I-75 near bellview forida I experienced a complete tread separation on the right rear tire. the tread tore away from the tire casing while traveling at a rate of 75 mph leaving the tire still inflated with the steel belts showing. the vehicle ran over the separated tread throwing the material into the underbody causing damage to the tailpipe /muffler assembly. the force of the incident caused the right rear of the vehicle to jump upwards approximately 3 feet causing a uncontrolled skid into the left lane slightly onto the left pavement edge and then back into right lane and continued off the left edge of the pavement. as the wheel twisted during the skidding I either sprained or broke my right wrist . the accident caused no damage to other vehicles or property and a letter describing the accident was hand delivered to olson tire, countryside office, clearwater florida. the vehicle's other tires are the same make and size but are made in canada and not bearing the dot vdhl code, each tire has approximately two thirds remaing tread as compared to new and all tires were inflated proplerly. I visited the olson store twice making an appointment to have the tire inspected exlaining the defective tire was available to see, however the employee declined to look at the tire instructing me to bring it back when new tires were available. he was not impressed that the exhaust system was damaged and may be a safety hazard with exhaust fumes , neither did he advise what information might be needed regarding the wrist injury.the tire IS available for inspection and I have made an appointment for repairs to the exhaust and have scheduled a physician office visit to examine and xray wrist if required.( dot number: vdhl1py157 tire size: p235/75r15 )
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm
Left upper control arm crossmember rusted through causing the coil spring to push up through the top.
- Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, result of a defective carburetor, secondary throttle plate on the carburetor corroded shut during the normal, throttle linkage sticking against the secondary throttle linkage.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
When it's raining or water gets into the distributor through the engine, the vehicle cuts completely off. Dealer has not seen. *ak
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Spare tire cable rusted off causing tire to fall off of vehicle.
- Structure › Body
Factory paint on top and sides IS peeling off in sheets.
- Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Steering gear box IS cracked which causes a loss of power steering. Dealer says the chassis needs to be replaced. *ak
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Steering wheel has play in it, and driver had to move it like a foot before anything happened,. Speed approximately 25-60 mph, no change in wet or dry pavements, no warranty on vehicle. Dealer contacted and tightened bolts, costs were $62. Consumer states that the cost was too much. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Gasp in fuel intake when accelerating or sometimes when cruising along 75 mph up an incline in passing lane, speedometer dropped down to 35 mph. Previously replaced oxygen sensor/fuel pump/carburetor twice. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle was in park, put into drive, vehicle went into open throttle position, speed unknown, impact 11:00 position. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Seat belt latches broke prior to recall. *Sd
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Drivers seat belt buckle would not latch. *Dsh
- Seats
Passenger's seat hinge that tilts forward IS made of weak material causing hinge to break. *Sd
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Passenger side seat buckle will not latch properly. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine cylinder head replaced due to engine overheating/emitting foul odor, also #3 cylinder failed, antifreeze to leak into engine oil.. *aw
- Equipment › Mechanical › Carrier/rack
Vehicles spare tire carrier cable broke on hwy and tire rolled over top of another vehicle.tt *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 1013900968069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~
- 39533Steering column coupler service.
Every Dodge RAM model year
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