1994 Dodge RAM 1500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 19%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 142,367miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500, 19% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 142,367 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Lights would not come on jiggled knob they came on we drove about 4 miles turned on left turn signal lights flickered and top of dash and vent on driver side was smoking smelt like rubber burning touched top of dash it burned my hand pulled over shut engine and lights off boyfriend/husband took dash off to stop fire it was the light switch burned completely inside.”
NHTSA complaint #10455302, filed 2012-04, 142,367 miles“I have has issues with electrical ony Dodge truck, the light switch for headlights burning wires from nowhere when driving from light switch.aril of 2020 I was involved in an auto accident which was a result of my air bag steering wheel went off by itself, the light for the air bag was on for air bag was intermittent, but lately it wouldn't turn off anymore a mechanic checked said everything was fine,and would erase the lite, but would come back on, I called Dodge and was told it would at the time a lot of money to me to have all the electrical checked at my expense and the light switch was…”
NHTSA complaint #11365590, filed 2020-10“I have had problems with a loose ignition switch for several years. I have not reported it until now because I was unaware that it had been a problem for other owners. I had smoke come from the steering column but thought that it was just a fluke. The fan motor for the ventilation system quit working at the same time. Upon moving the steering column up and down with the tilt feature I was able to get the fan going again and the smoke stopped. This has happen on several occasions without smoke however. This happens on a random cycle with no apparent pattern of frequency. …”
NHTSA complaint #724749, filed 2000-06“Went to crank the truck one day and all of a sidden the igniton switch started smoking . It burnt the whole entire wire from the top all the way to the PCM”
NHTSA complaint #11442956, filed 2021-12“When turning on headlights lights did not come on. Prior to the headlights not coming on, owner was smelling a electrical burning smell , for about a month. When pulling off the dash cover and removing light switch, switch was very hot. Dealer was called about having the swtich replaced. Owner was informed that the switch had been upgraded, and replacement part would cost $102. 46, plus $65.00 labor. Switch has not been replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #869116, filed 2000-08Related service bulletins
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 175 | 25% |
| 2011 | 214 | 31% |
| 2010 | 71 | 15% |
| 2009 | 97 | 14% |
| 2008 | 52 | 9% |
| 2007 | 62 | 12% |
| 2006 | 125 | 16% |
| 2005 | 63 | 5% |
| 2004 | 99 | 9% |
| 2003 | 62 | 5% |
| 2002 | 93 | 11% |
| 2001 | 81 | 7% |
| 2000 | 35 | 7% |
| 1999 | 36 | 6% |
| 1998 | 32 | 6% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 26 | 9% |
| 1995 | 31 | 15% |
| 1994 | 22 | 19% |
| 1991 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsTires
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology