1994 Dodge RAM 3500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 3500 › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Dodge RAM 3500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1994 Dodge RAM 3500. Newest first.
Vehicle description: model 3500 light duty trucks only. operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.
Owner complaints
70 complaints2 involved a crash7 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Power train · Service brakes
In a hard rain or even washing up underneath the truck the 4WD service light comes on and it will say it's trying to transfer over to 4WD and when it tried with me I was running around 55 mph! It jerks the [xxx] out of the truck with a loud hammer noise! It will cause a person to wreck if you are…
In a hard rain or even washing up underneath the truck the 4WD service light comes on and it will say it's trying to transfer over to 4WD and when it tried with me I was running around 55 mph! It jerks the [xxx] out of the truck with a loud hammer noise! It will cause a person to wreck if you are not expecting it ! It was bought new in 2019 and started the 4WD crap at 4,500 miles not to mention the trailer brake controller doesn't work either now, found that out the hard way with 22 rolls of hay and no it's not the trailer my ford truck has trailer brakes, same trailer. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts · Service brakes
2 out of the 3 main transpiration and delivery service vehicles that I personally used to get to the job site and to deliver heavy metal structures are in very bad shape, particularly dodge rum 1994 plate number (74R 300). The main problems on this truck are the bad brakes, especially when carrying…
2 out of the 3 main transpiration and delivery service vehicles that I personally used to get to the job site and to deliver heavy metal structures are in very bad shape, particularly dodge rum 1994 plate number (74R 300). The main problems on this truck are the bad brakes, especially when carrying heavy metal materials. ABS light on, no horn, broken speedometer, air bag light on, broken turning signals, specks of red paint on the windshield, windshield wiper fluid not working, no a/c, turning signals not all working, wear out tires, etc. Even though I point out to them that the breaks were not good, they still never paid any attention to what I said. They probably did not pay much attention to me because they never experienced any vehicle related accidents. But knowing that they area always caring heavy metals, they should be a little more concern about the safety of their workers in general but clearly they do not care a bit and that really bothered me very much. in this email, I am mostly pointing out the dodge rum 1994 plate number (74r-300), unfortunately I don't have the exact plate number of the other 2 vehicles. I am sure that if someone who knows about truck safety and mechanics takes a look at all 3 vehicles, they will SE that what I am saying IS true. I am also attaching a few images to backup my statement.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
Tl-contact owns a 1994 dodge RAM pickup truck.... Inquired about general recalls... Contact had vehicle towed to dodge dealership after catching fire due to recall... Dashboard caught on fire while driving... Dealership had investigations team come out to inspect truck after fire... Truck had been…
Tl-contact owns a 1994 dodge RAM pickup truck.... Inquired about general recalls... Contact had vehicle towed to dodge dealership after catching fire due to recall... Dashboard caught on fire while driving... Dealership had investigations team come out to inspect truck after fire... Truck had been repaired after fire... Dealershiphas dead engine cable ... Throttle of truck IS failing... Dealership IS refusing to fix recall due to truck being repaired after fire.... Dealership stated inspection needs to be done before throttle can be fixed.... contact was given number to federal trade commission at 202-366-2222 may 10,2000 manufacturer recall number875 nhtsa recall number00v-135 recall statusrecall incomplete summarythe affected vehicles were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. 853-1403. Please have your vin ready when calling.nhtsa. you can prove the repairs were made.) however, if the court ultimately rules the defect IS not safety-related, federal law does not require that the manufacturer reimburse you for the repair workchapter 301 of title 49 of the united states code (u.s.c.) requires a manufacturer of motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment that contain a defect relating to motor vehicle safety to remedy the defect without charge.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Pulling into traffic vehicle suddenly has no power and will not accelerate nearly caused a accident. Throttle becomes unresponsive. Brought vehicle to dodge dealer. Dodge says this IS due to a throttle position sensor which has been on back-order since may. We receive a e-mail from dodge corporate…
Pulling into traffic vehicle suddenly has no power and will not accelerate nearly caused a accident. Throttle becomes unresponsive. Brought vehicle to dodge dealer. Dodge says this IS due to a throttle position sensor which has been on back-order since may. We receive a e-mail from dodge corporate representative approximately every 2 weeks saying thanks for you patience but there still IS no delivery date for this part. this vehicle has been parked since may because it IS unsafe to drive. I feel this IS unacceptable to expect a vehicle to be parked for 4 months with no solution from dealer for a repair part.
- Seat belts
Tla* the contact owns a 1994 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the seat belt retracted, but failed to stop when pulled forcefully. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the three point seat belt system in the floorboard was defective and needed to be replaced. The…
Tla* the contact owns a 1994 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the seat belt retracted, but failed to stop when pulled forcefully. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the three point seat belt system in the floorboard was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were no longer produced. The vehicle could not be repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000. updated 7/16/15*cn the consumer stated the seat belt would not lock and the tension spring had become very weak. . Updated 07/28/15
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1994 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the blower motor and wiring harness melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was included in nhtsa…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the blower motor and wiring harness melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 00v135000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,639. updated 6/18/15*cn updated 10/05/2017*cn
- Power train · Steering · Suspension
TL* the contact stated while driving 60 mph, the front end of the vehicle started to shake. as a result of the failure, the transfer case failed . The contact stated he had to apply the breaks and turn the engine off in order to stop the vehicle from shaking . The manufacturer was notified many times.. updated 05/12/2014*lj
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake line rusted into between fuel tank and frame. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 dodge RAM 3500. the contact stated that the vehicle's dashboard has cracked and fallen apart. he stated that the dashboard IS no longer a cosmetic issue, but a safety issue. while driving, the dashboard fell down in the area where the accelerator and brake pedals are…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 dodge RAM 3500. the contact stated that the vehicle's dashboard has cracked and fallen apart. he stated that the dashboard IS no longer a cosmetic issue, but a safety issue. while driving, the dashboard fell down in the area where the accelerator and brake pedals are located. the contact stated that plastic pieces of the dashboard have fallen out. the hands on the dashboard that indicate the vehicle speed are loose. the # of cylinders IS unknown. the current and failure mileages were 200,014.
- Suspension › Front
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle hit a bump, which started a violent shaking or "death wobble" in the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer reinforced the shock tower, and determined that the track bar was loose. there…
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle hit a bump, which started a violent shaking or "death wobble" in the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer reinforced the shock tower, and determined that the track bar was loose. there IS a nhtsa recall # 94v097000 which pertains to the front suspension. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Electrical system
Dt: consumer's van heats up every now and then. noticed smoke coming from the front of the car, inside and out. the consumer had fires as well, had to put them out with fire extinguishers. Took vehicle to a mechanic, and he changed the vehicle's computer, and then it happened again.*ak updated 11/29/05. *Jb
- Trailer hitches
Failure of trailer hitch on the back of the 1994 dodge pickup truck.*mr the truck hitch extended too far out from the mounts, putting undue leverage and stress on the metal which resulted in it failing. a recall was issued for model year 1998-2000 but not for earlier model years. the consumer had the hitches replaced at his expense and request reimbursement from the manufacturer. *nm
- Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
While driving 35-40 mph vehicle ran over a small bump. This caused the vehicle to vibrate severely. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that the stabilize bar bracket was ripped from the frame. *Ak
- Unknown or other
Paint bubbling and peeling on cab and discoloration of paint on fenders. *nlm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Nhtsa recall campaign 99v024000 headlamp switch; the headlight switch failed shorting out which caused the headlights to go out while in use. the switch failed again but this time the wiring harness under the dash caught fire while being driven. there was a recall issued on the RAM 3500 for this problem but the same failure has occured on this RAM 2500 pickup. please describe details ts
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Consumer noticed the a fuel line fitting connector, and auxiliary cooler on transmission IS not working properly. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. ts
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
Vehicle IS exhibiting possible suspension problems including excessive movement between the pickup when towing a camper. the truck has suddenly rolled to the right as though a tire had rolled oot of the rim, there are cracks in the front of the pickup box and bottom of the cab. allowing the box…
Vehicle IS exhibiting possible suspension problems including excessive movement between the pickup when towing a camper. the truck has suddenly rolled to the right as though a tire had rolled oot of the rim, there are cracks in the front of the pickup box and bottom of the cab. allowing the box to twist in relation to the frame and the height of the camper. the motion IS extreme and IS accompanied by clicks and pops of the sheet metal from the area of the cracks. it IS also possible that the suspension problems caused the driver side u bolts to be loose. *tt
- Air bags › Side/window
Driver side airbag deployed without vehicle being in an accident.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle of will stall intermittently. problem IS more frequent during warm weather. dealership has examined vehicle numerous times, but could not determine cause. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tire has separated in the middle of tread. steel belts have completely separated and the tread IS completely opened up. *Ak (dot number: vd1l1xa tiresize: 225 75r16)
- Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle that was sold to consumer as a salvaged vehicle involved in an accident. front and center parts of frame were crushed, and put back together. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
While driving headlights will go off and on at different times, and sometimes will not work at all. Vehicle was recalled before for this problem under recall 99v024000/ headlamp switch failure. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
ABS brakes pulsate when applying brakes, pedal sinks to the floor. once power brakes locked, and consumer went into a slide. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
It was rainy day and vehicle had been driven about 2 hrs before incident. vehicle was parked and consumer noticed smoke inside car. fire was coming up through the dashboard between the headlight switch and vin. contacted dealer and manufacturer. They investigated, and claimed they were not responsible if over 12 months. *ak
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › Hanger/bracket
Front axle support upper tower spring welds are cracking on l and r side.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat back failure
Odi has identified 30 incidents where it IS alleged the seat back collapsed in a rear impact crash.these incidents are alleged to have contributed to 23 injuries and two deaths.the data presented to odi show that the seat back strength of the front seats comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207.…
Odi has identified 30 incidents where it IS alleged the seat back collapsed in a rear impact crash.these incidents are alleged to have contributed to 23 injuries and two deaths.the data presented to odi show that the seat back strength of the front seats comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207. Seating system.according to daimlerchrylser the front seats were designed to collapse rearward in rear impact crashes as part of the energy absorptioncapabilities of the seating system to reduce the chance of serious injury to the occupant.rates of occurance were compared to peer vehicles, and it was shown that the performace of the subject vehicle was comparable to those vehicles.in view of the forgoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification remedy of a safety defect in the subject vehicles as defined by the petitioner at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therfore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's mission, the petition IS denied.for further details, refer to odi's response to the petition published in the federal register vol.69, no. 60 , dated march 29, 2004.
- Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr…
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(G), nhtsa has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models, excluding the 1993 jeep grand cherokee and 1994-1995 dodge RAM series trucks that were recalled (93v210 & 96v230) for steering column failure.if the analysis of these vehicles had identified a potential problem, the scope could have been expanded in an investigation.a review of odi's data base shows no recent complaints and a lack of a complaint trend concerning the subject issue on the subject vehicles as a whole or by individual models.therefore, the petition IS denied.for details, see federal register notice volume 68, no. 130, july 8, 2003.
- Loss of throttle control
Alleged that the throttle cable can fray or sever during normal use resulting in the throttle not returning to idle or an inability to accelerate.
- Front suspension spring/shock absorber
Allege failure of the coil spring/shock absorber bracket at its attachment to the vehicle frame may allow collapse of the front suspension, and potentially affect steering or braking system performance
- Headlight circuit
The headlamp switch in the subject vehicles can over-heat and fail resulting in loss of head lamps and possibly other lights.daimlerchrysler conducted a series of tests and determined that the 3500 series IS prone to generating head lamp switch temperatures in excess of the switch lubricant threshold of 100 degrees…
The headlamp switch in the subject vehicles can over-heat and fail resulting in loss of head lamps and possibly other lights.daimlerchrysler conducted a series of tests and determined that the 3500 series IS prone to generating head lamp switch temperatures in excess of the switch lubricant threshold of 100 degrees centigrade.when this occurs, the lubricant solidifies and adheres to the switch contach surfaces increasing internal resistance and therfore, temperature.daimlerchrysler informed the nhtsa that it would initiate a recall of 79,3665 model year 1994-1997 dodge 3500 series RAM trucks only based on additional testing from which it determined that the 1500/2500 series vehicles nominally operate significantly below the temperature threshold of the switch lubricant.owners of 1500/2500 series trucks were sent a notification letter advising of the proper methods for adding aftermarket lighting accessories.
- Headlight circuit failure
There is no summary currently available
- Trans hose separation
There is no summary currently available
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.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10148823This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10148822This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at the crimp.
- 10139596Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 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.~
- 618392Some customers may experience a situation in which the rear of the vehicle sits too high to attach their fifth wheel or goose neck trailer to the trailer hitch turnable.
Every Dodge RAM 3500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.