1992 Dodge RAM Problems
- Complaints
- 58filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Dodge RAM (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 1992 Dodge Ram most often describe fuel system problems, engines that stall while driving, brake loss, and transmission shifting faults. Several of these are described as sudden, such as an engine shutting off while driving and a brake pedal going to the floor. Mileage is listed for only a few complaints, so no specific mileage range can be tied to them.
- Fuel system
Fuel smells and fuel pump failures
- 6 complaints (10%)
- median 39,625 mi at 12.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2007
Owners describe a fuel injection pump that failed so the engine would not run, and a diesel smell that appears in cold weather. A complaint describes a gasoline smell over several days, followed by a fire at the fuel line. According to a complaint, the dealer said a fuel injection pump recall repair could not be completed because parts were not available. Another complaint lists a fuel pump that repeatedly failed. Few complaints list mileage, and one describes the diesel smell as occurring in cold weather.
What to check: Check the engine bay and fuel lines for fuel odor or seepage, and ask whether any fuel injection pump recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Paint blistering and flaking, vibration, transmisson burned off not very good transmision cooling system, fuel pump fail twice, steering seal leak, radio and tape have been replaced, poor fuel economy, very noisy and loud in the truck cab, very hard to engage the four wheel drive, the truck now has only 106.000 km. (66,000 miles)”
NHTSA complaint #10071390, filed 2004-01, 250 miles“- the contact has a 1992 Dodge RAM that he purchased on 02/01/06 and stated that in cold weather one can smell diesel fuel in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken a local dealership and they stated that there is a recall on the fuel injection pump, but they couldn't repair it because the manufacture would not provide the dealer with the parts. Nhtsa campaign id number : 93e034001 .”
NHTSA complaint #10178855, filed 2007-01, 79,000 miles - Engine cooling
Engine stalls or shuts off while driving
- 5 complaints (9%)
- typically at 6.0 yrs old
- filed 1996–2000
Owners describe the engine cutting out or stalling while driving, at speeds between roughly 20 and 70 mph. In one complaint the engine shut off with backfiring and resumed about 30 seconds later without restarting. Other complaints say the engine ran normally again after the accelerator was pressed. A complaint reports that the problem kept recurring after several dealer visits, and that a stall nearly led to a collision. Mileage is not listed for these complaints, which describe stalls at about 20 to 70 mph while driving.
What to check: Ask whether the stalling was ever reproduced and diagnosed, and review service records for repeat visits for the same symptom.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ongoing problem with engine stalling while traveling at any speed of 20-55 MPH. Vehicle has been in/out of dealer shop on four occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Stalling has almost caused a vehicle collision.”
NHTSA complaint #855172, filed 2000-01“While driving 55-60 MPH engine started to stall. Comsumer started to press the gas pedal, the engine continued to run fine. Consumer contacted the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #817000, filed 1997-10 - Brakes
Brake loss and worn brake parts
- 6 complaints (10%)
- typically at 5.6 yrs old
- filed 1995–2001
Owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor with little braking response, and in one case longer stopping distances. A complaint reports a total brake failure, with the master cylinder replaced repeatedly and the problem returning. Another owner describes losing brakes in weather around 30 degrees, with a hard pedal and the brake light on but little braking, and the dealer reportedly could not find the source of the problem. A further complaint describes a brake drum worn almost through by the brake shoe. A complaint ties the loss of braking to temperatures around 30 degrees, and none of these list mileage.
What to check: Ask for records of any master cylinder or brake repairs and whether the problem returned, and check pedal feel and brake fluid during a test drive and inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Total brake failure on two occasions. Dealer notified, and replaced master cylinder on both occasions. However, problem reoccurred, and dealer wanted to replace the master cylinder for the third time. Feel free to provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #863249, filed 2000-06“When temperatures are about 30 degrees will lose brakes. Pushing on pedal has a lot of resistance . Hard to brake, brake light will come on, but will not brake. Dealer cannot find problem.”
NHTSA complaint #819703, filed 1997-12 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifting faults and failure
- 6 complaints (10%)
- median 250 mi at 9.7 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1996–2004
Owners describe the vehicle shifting into neutral while in drive and, after being placed in park, into reverse. In one complaint the shifter's retaining bolt broke, and the vehicle jumped out of gear. Another owner says the vehicle would not shift properly and stayed in low gear with the engine revving high, and a mechanic reportedly found a worn throttle rod. A further complaint describes a burned transmission and a weak transmission cooling system. Mileage is not listed for most of these complaints, so no mileage pattern can be drawn.
What to check: Ask whether the shifter linkage and throttle rod were checked, and on a test drive confirm the transmission shifts smoothly through every gear, including park and reverse.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle would not shift properly. Did not change out of low gear. Rpms were revving high. Took to mechanic & was informed the throttle rod was worn out & it needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #854488, filed 1999-12“While driving in the drive gear, vehicle shifts into neutral, and after putting vehicle into the park gear vehicle shifts into reverse due to a malfunction in the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #813677, filed 1997-07
Buying note. Buyers considering this model year may want a pre-purchase inspection that checks for fuel odors and leaks, brake pedal response, and smooth shifting in every gear. Asking for service records of any stalling, brake, fuel, or transmission repairs can help show how these problems were handled.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 25 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.
NHTSA recorded 58 consumer complaints for the 1992 Dodge RAM. 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 87,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Fuel system9 16%
- Brakes8 14%
- Engine cooling7 12%
- Steering7 12%
- Electrical system6 10%
- Equipment3 5.2%
- Suspension3 5.2%
- Tires3 5.2%
Also reported: Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Body and structure (2), Exterior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Consumer smelled gas for few days. Looked at fuel line, saw gas, tried to move vehicle, and upon starting a fire was started at fuel line between engine back and fire wall.”
NHTSA complaint #834338, filed 1999-02Mileage when problems were reported
25% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 79,000 and 95,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1992 Dodge RAM. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAM · coupe | not rated | 1 / 2 | — | — | — |
| RAM · 50 2 dr | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 Dodge RAM 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 | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Ram 50 Pickup 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Ramcharger 2WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Ramcharger 2WD | 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 10 | 13 | 11 | $6,100 |
| Ramcharger 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,600 |
| Ramcharger 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 11 | 14 | 12 | $5,600 |
| Ramcharger 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 10 | 12 | 11 | $6,100 |
| Ramcharger 4WD | 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 10 | 12 | 11 | $6,100 |
| Ramcharger 4WD | 5.9L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 8 | 12 | 10 | $6,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 92V005000Jan 14, 1992Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Dodge RAM 1991–1992
The tire selection and rims ceritification label may have incorrect information.
Recall details for the 1992 Dodge RAM → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE93038Roll-over/vent valve leakClosed · Apr 22, 1993
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10139009Feb 13, 2013Equipment, Electrical system, Engine cooling. 68069384A$, 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
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 27 | 10,025 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2009 | 9 | 43,992 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 25 | 25,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 17 | 59,436 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2006 | 25 | 36,470 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 40 | 22,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 58 | 37,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 53 | 38,750 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 116 | 37,827 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 318 | 45,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 147 | 63,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 366 | 78,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 483 | 74,000 | 13 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 398 | 80,000 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 625 | 81,500 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 611 | 102,398 | 12 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 469 | 125,254 | 18 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 54 | 111,275 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 58 | 87,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 51 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 23 | 17,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 22 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge RAM model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Dodge RAM?
Owners of this 1992 Dodge Ram most often describe fuel system problems, engines that stall while driving, brake loss, and transmission shifting faults. The issues reported most often: Fuel smells and fuel pump failures; Engine stalls or shuts off while driving; Brake loss and worn brake parts.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Dodge RAM have?
NHTSA recorded 58 consumer complaints for the 1992 Dodge RAM as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Dodge RAM is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 9 complaints (16% of the total), followed by brakes with 8.
Has the 1992 Dodge RAM 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 1992 Dodge RAM get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Dodge RAM (Ram 50 Pickup 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Dodge RAM reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 87,000 miles and the middle half falls between 79,000 and 95,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.