1994 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Dodge Ram: 18 recalls, 469 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
18 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #93V173000 · 1993 · 3,900 vehicles
What's wrong: Front suspension track bar attachment to the axle May not be adequately tightened.
Why it matters: Loss of the track bar attachment can cause axlevibration and directional control difficulty which could result in loss ofvehicle control and an accident.
The fix: Tighten front suspension track bar axle attachment to the specified torque.
Seats Vehicle recall #93V213000 · 1993 · 17,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat back latch lever pivot rivets are susceptible to distortion. The distorted assemblies allow the seat back release latch lever to remain in the released position which is in non-compliance with fmvss no. 207, "seating systems."
Why it matters: In the event of a sudden stop or accident the forces onthe seat back May subject seat occupants to an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the suspect seat back latch assembly with a revised assembly.
Suspension Vehicle recall #94V097000 · 1994 · 400 vehicles
What's wrong: The front suspension track bar has inadequate fatigue strength.
Why it matters: Failure of the track bar can result in front axle vibration and loss of steering control.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension track bar.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #94V113000 · 1994 · 7,000 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles do not meet the rear impact test requirements of fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: the vehicle s have an increased risk of a fuel spill in the event of a rear end collision.
The fix: Dealers will strengthen the left frame rail by installing a frame rail reinforcement bracket.
Interior lights Vehicle recall #94V128000 · 1994 · 6,088 vehicles
What's wrong: The transformer used to power the neon center lightbeam can overheat and catch on fire.
Why it matters: The overheating and fires caused by the neon transformer can result in damage to the lightbeam assembly, the roof of the vehicle, and could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Mark III dealers will modify the assemblies to eliminate the neon lighting fixture in the vehicle and replace it with incandescent lights operating directly from the vehicle 12-volt battery.
Suspension Vehicle recall #94V202000 · 1994 · 1,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The front suspension track bar bracket attachment has inadequate fatigue strength and can fail, causing front axle vibration.
Why it matters: This can result in loss of steering control and an accident.
The fix: A front suspension track bar bracket reinforcement strut will be installed.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V005000 · 1995 · 185,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The cinch bar component within the passenger side safety belt buckle assembly shatters causing the belt to release.
Why it matters: The passenger would not be properly restrained and could be injured in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the cinch bar with a newly designed part.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #94V025002 · 1995 · 90 vehicles
What's wrong: The right outside rearview mirror contains convex glass rather than flat. Therefore, these vehicles fail to comply with fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: the images presented in the mirror are closer than they appear which May cause the driver to misjudge the distance from the object to the rear of the vehicle, and could result in an accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the right outside rearview mirror with a mirror having a flat surface.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #95V056000 · 1995 · 175,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The secondary hood latch rod can bind on the guide bracket and prevent engagement of the secondary latch.
Why it matters: This condition can cause the hood to fly up obstructing the driver's vision increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch bracket.
Steering Vehicle recall #95V088000 · 1995 · 293,043 vehicles
What's wrong: While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering wheel.
Why it matters: This condition can hamper the steering wheel return orcause the ignition to be turned off, resulting in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering wheel back cover with a redesigned cover.
Steering Vehicle recall #96V230000 · 1996 · 475,000 vehicles
What's wrong: If the plastic pins and metal clip that retain the lower steering shaft in the upper shaft break, the lower steering shaft can separate from the upper shaft.
Why it matters: If the lower steering shaft separates from the upper shaft, loss of vehicle control can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will add a restraining sleeve to the intermediate steering shaft to limit the amount of axial steering column shaft moving in the event the plastic pins and metal clip are broken.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #97V084000 · 1997 · 960,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
Why it matters: When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #97V199000 · 1997 · 497,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tank mounted rollover valve can allow liquid fuel to leak onto the ground under certain vehicle operating conditions.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage could result in a fire if an ignition source was present.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank rollover valve with a float type rollover valve.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V115000 · 1999 · 8,883 vehicles
What's wrong: Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.
Why it matters: The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Suspension Vehicle recall #99V214000 · 1999 · 49,066 vehicles
What's wrong: (2500 and 3500 series 4x4 regular cab pickup produced before March 21, 1995; 2500 and 3500 series 4x4 club cab pickup produced before June 8, 1995; and 3500 series 4x2/4x4 chassis cab trucks produced before June 21, 1995). The front suspension spring/shock towers can crack and eventually separate from the vehicle frame. The shock tower could damage the rear wheel brake lines resulting in loss of rear brake system…
Why it matters: This would create the potential for increased stopping distances.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the spring/shock tower and any vehicles exhibiting cracking will have the tower replaced. Vehicles that are do not show any cracking will have a weld-on reinforcement added.
Electrical Vehicle recall #00V135000 · 2000 · 690,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. High electrical current loads pass through the switch when the blower motor is operated on high for an extended periods of time.
Why it matters: This could cause the ignition switch and wiring to overheat.
The fix: Dealers will install a relay and overlay harness.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #01V037000 · 2001 · 157,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The throttle cable could unravel (fray) or break resulting in loss of throttle control.
Why it matters: A throttle that does not return to idle could result in unexpected acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the throttle cable and upper bell crank lever. Owner notification began August 3, 2001.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #01V040000 · 2001 · 701,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri. Corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could…
Why it matters: If the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
The fix: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. Owner notification began September 17, 2001.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 27 mention a fire, 38 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (86): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (21), warning light on (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (68): the most common themes are leaks (17), hard / delayed shifting (11), noise or vibration (8).
- Electrical (64): the most common themes are electrical failure (32), fire / smoke (27).
- Suspension (47): the most common themes are steering problems (6), noise or vibration (5).
The 1994 Dodge Ram has 469 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (2.6× the average Ram year). Complaints peaked in 1996 (113 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 125,254 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (54 complaints, 0 recalls), 1995 (611 complaints, 12 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Dodge Ram.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 18 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Dodge Ram, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 469 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (86), transmission & drivetrain (68), electrical (64).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (3.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 14 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Dodge Ram repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.