1988 Dodge RAM 50 Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 21 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1988 Dodge RAM 50. The part named most often is seat belts, with 6 complaints (67% of the total), followed by engine cooling (1) and fuel system (1). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts6 67%
- Engine cooling1 11%
- Fuel system1 11%
- Tires1 11%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Consumer was in a 4 car pile-up crash, her vehicle was the fourth car. Was driving approx. 20-32 MPH. Wearing seat belt when the the crash occurred. The shoulder strap of driver side collapsed, allowing consumer's 110lbs upper body to hit the steering area and wheel; thighs bruised on arm rest .”
NHTSA complaint #816032, filed 1997-09Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Dodge RAM 50 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 50 Pickup 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Ram 50 Pickup 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Ram 50 Pickup 2WD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Ram 50 Pickup 2WD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 20 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103003May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Dodge RAM 50 1986–1991, Colt 1986–1991, Power RAM 50 1986–1991 +7 more
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Recall details for the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10139009Feb 13, 2013Electrical system, Equipment, Engine cooling. 68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206…
Other model years of the Dodge RAM 50
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 5 | — | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 6 complaints (67% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 1.
Has the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Dodge RAM 50 (Ram 50 Pickup 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 21 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.