1991 Dodge RAM Problems

What owners report

Owners of this 1991 Dodge Ram most often describe steering parts that crack, break, or loosen, including the steering wheel, coupler, rack, and rod. Brake line breaks and ABS or brake loss problems, along with wiring and ignition parts that overheat or melt, are also frequently described. No mileage is given in these reports, and most were filed in the 1990s.

1. 1
   Steering

   Steering wheel, rack, coupler or rod failures

   • 9 complaints (18%)
   • typically at 5.5 yrs old
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2004

   Owners describe steering wheels that feel loose while turning, or that crack and separate from the hub, and a complaint says the dealer declined to replace a cracked wheel and instead replaced a plate under it. Other complaints describe the rack and pinion blowing out, a steering coupler wearing early and making the truck pull severely left or right, and a steering rod breaking in half before an accident. A complaint asks for a recall and reimbursement after a wheel broke at the spot welds. No mileage is given; the reports describe a wheel loosening while making a turn, cracks in the wheel, and a rod that broke in an accident.

   Recall 95V089000

   What to check: Ask whether the steering wheel recall 95V089000 inspection and replacement were completed, and check the wheel hub for cracks or gaps. Have the steering rack, coupler, and rod checked for play and wear before buying, since complaints describe these parts loosening or breaking.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Dealer refuses to replace steering wheel on vehicle even if its exhibiting cracks, recall 95v089000 clearly states that they must inspect & replace broken wheel. Consumer states dealer replaced plate under steering wheel, which makes it worse steering wheel not centered tight, has a large gap at the top and rubs on the bttom .”

   NHTSA complaint #979215, filed 1996-02

   “While making a right turn consumer noticed that the steering wheel was loose while turning. Consumer was able to maintain control, and drove vehicle to the dealer. Mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not duplicated.”

   NHTSA complaint #10103773, filed 2004-12
2. 2
   Electrical system

   Melting wiring, ignition overheating and fire

   • 6 complaints (12%)
   • typically at 6.1 yrs old
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2001

   Owners describe ignition wiring or the plastic cover around the switch overheating and melting, with the ignition switch replaced on several occasions. Other complaints describe electrical wire melting and black smoke inside the cab, and a fire in the engine compartment that started about 30 minutes after the truck was parked and turned off. A complaint says the vehicle keeps overheating and refers to a blower motor recall and to ignition switch and wiring that can overheat. No mileage is given; the reports describe overheating, melting wire and black smoke, and an engine-bay fire that started about 30 minutes after the truck was parked.

   What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch and wiring were inspected or replaced, and check for melted plastic, discoloration, or a burnt smell around the ignition switch and under the dash. Ask about any blower motor recall work, and look for signs of heat damage in the engine bay wiring before buying.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Vehicle keeps overheating. There is a recall for air conditioner blower motor over heating when on high. Consumer is having same problem. The consumer says that certain vehicles were built with ignition switch and wiring that could over heat and that was what he experienced.”

   NHTSA complaint #896276, filed 2001-09

   “While the truck was parked, not running, there was a fire in the engine compartment. This happened about 30 minutes after parking the truck. Dealer was called about the problem. Claimed being handled by insurance company. Please provide any further information.”

   NHTSA complaint #855782, filed 2000-01
3. 3
   Brakes

   Brake line breaks, ABS faults and loss of braking

   • 8 complaints (16%)
   • typically at 5.6 yrs old
   • filed 1995–2001

   Owners describe front brake lines breaking while driving and an emergency brake cable cover coming loose, with the rear brakes described as inoperative. Other complaints describe an anti-lock brake light staying on for months, intermittent brake failure with a hard pedal even after a master cylinder replacement, and an anti-lock system that did not stop the truck on a wet road. A complaint says a bracket for the clutch and brake collapsed, with loss of braking and loss of the ability to start the engine reported. No mileage is given; the reports describe brake problems while driving and on a wet road, and an ABS light that stayed on for months.

   What to check: Ask whether the brake lines, master cylinder, and ABS system have been inspected and whether the ABS light has been diagnosed, and check the brake pedal feel and the emergency brake cable cover. Ask for records of prior brake repairs, since one complaint says the problem persisted after a master cylinder was replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Anti lock brake light on for last 8 months. Brkes failed intermittently, and pedal felt hard. Taken vehicle to dealer 6 times, bled brakes and replaced master cylinder; but, did not remedy problem.”

   NHTSA complaint #886878, filed 2001-04

   “Plastic cover which secures cable in emergency brake line came loose. No response from anti lock braking system. Rendering rear brakes inoperative. Tt”

   NHTSA complaint #978760, filed 1996-02
4. 4
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission, clutch and gear shift failures

   • 5 complaints (10%)
   • typically at 6.6 yrs old
   • filed 1995–2001

   Owners describe a gear shift that broke off, was repaired, and was believed by the owner to be faulty. Other complaints describe a torque converter problem that pushed transmission fluid out through hoses and seals, with the dealer replacing the converter twice and the problem continuing. A complaint describes manual transmissions replaced several times because of grinding, worn clutches, and bad bearings and flywheels, and a separate complaint says a clutch support bracket collapsed, with loss of clutch function. No mileage is given; the reports mention repeated transmission replacements and a torque converter problem that continued after two converter replacements.

   What to check: Ask for the transmission and clutch repair history, including any torque converter or gear shift replacement, and check for fluid leaks under the truck and around the hoses. On a test drive, check for grinding or slipping when shifting and for smooth clutch engagement.

Buying note. Ask for the completion record of the steering wheel recall 95V089000, and have an independent mechanic inspect the steering, brake, and ignition wiring systems before buying. Complaints describe problems in all three areas, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on them is a practical step.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 28 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.