1993 Dodge RAM Problems
- Complaints
- 54filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 111,275miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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 1993 Dodge RAM (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, such as ABS warning lights, a pedal sinking toward the floor, and brakes that wear or fail early. Steering problems, often described as loose or broken steering box brackets or frame mounts, are also reported and sometimes occur while driving at highway speeds. Engine stalls and sudden failures appear less often, and most of these complaints were filed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with little mileage data.
- Brakes
Brake pedal, ABS light, and early brake wear problems
- 17 complaints (31%)
- typically at 3.7 yrs old
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2002
Owners describe brakes losing pressure while the pedal is held at a stop, and the pedal going partly to the floor with the ABS light on. Others report brakes not responding on wet pavement or losing braking while trying to stop, and an ABS warning light that stayed on through repeated shop visits. Some say brake pads, shoes or rear brake parts were replaced more than once and the intermittent problem continued. Mileage is not listed in these complaints, and several describe problems at a stop or on wet pavement.
What to check: Ask for brake service records, especially any repeated pad, shoe or rear brake replacements, and ask the dealer to check fault codes if the ABS light is on. On a test drive, check that the pedal stays firm when held at a stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Intermittently when the brakes are applied the pedal goes partially to the floor and the ABS light comes on, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #825585, filed 1998-07“The anti-lock brake warning lights stay on. Taken to shop on (4) occasions and light still remains on. This usually happens when the vehcile reaches the speed of (65) MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #801646, filed 1996-09 - Steering
Steering box, column bracket, or frame mount failures
- 7 complaints (13%)
- typically at 5.5 yrs old
- filed 1996–2002
Owners describe steering becoming very loose, hard to control, or lost entirely. Several complaints say a bracket that holds the steering box to the frame broke, or that bolts pulled out or the frame cracked, and another describes a steering box plate that sheared apart. Some say the dealer attributed the problem to the steering gear box or was already aware of the problem. Mileage is not listed in these complaints, and some describe the failure while driving at highway speeds.
What to check: Ask whether any steering box, frame or bracket repairs were done, and have a mechanic check the steering box mounting bolts, the frame bracket and the steering shaft for looseness. Test the steering with the wheels straight, checking for excess play or a loose feel before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On two occasions vehicle lost control in steering while traveling at 6o MPH and again at 45 MPH which forced vehicle into a ditch. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and informed consumer that problem was caused by steering gear box failure. The second occurrence happened after vehicle had repairs because of first failure.”
NHTSA complaint #892264, filed 2001-07“Bracket supporting frame for the steering box broke while driving. Lost control of vehicle for a while. Had contacted dealer & informed mechanic did not do frame work of that kind. Will not be the first to break nor the last.”
NHTSA complaint #850806, filed 1999-10 - Engine cooling
Sudden engine stalls, failures, or high idle speed
Mentioned in 5 of 30 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine stalling when the brakes were applied at a stop, with warning lights coming on and no earlier notice. Other complaints describe a sudden engine failure after an odd noise, a fuel injection pump that failed while driving, and a radiator leak that the complaint links to a fan blade striking the water pump. Another describes an idle adjustment screw that lost its lock nut, so the vehicle would not slow down without severe braking after cruise control was disengaged. Where mileage is listed, it is about 190,000 miles, and most of these complaints do not give mileage.
What to check: Ask for records of any fuel injection pump, cooling or water pump repairs, and have the idle speed checked during the inspection. On a test drive, check that the engine idles smoothly and does not stall when the brakes are applied at a stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Cruise control had been engaged for about 35 miles. Upon disengaging cruise, the speed of the vehicle would not slow down below 60mph without severe braking. Brakes and transmission became extremely hot as result. I later learned that the idle adgustment screw had lost its lock nut and the screw vibrated inward, causing the idle speed to stay at 60 MPH while the tranmission was in gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #745780, filed 2001-05“While driving at 65 MPH heard loud noise coming from vehicle and pulled over. Noticed there was a leak in the radiator which was caused by the blade shifting forward and hitting the water pump, and breaking other parts off from the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #833274, filed 1999-01
Buying note. For this model year, the most consistent complaints involve brake and ABS problems, followed by steering box and bracket failures. A buyer may want to look at brake and steering service records and have both systems checked closely during a pre-purchase inspection.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 30 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 54 consumer complaints for the 1993 Dodge RAM. 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 111,275 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins 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.
- Brakes16 30%
- Steering6 11%
- Body and structure6 11%
- Electrical system4 7.4%
- Engine cooling4 7.4%
- Exterior lighting3 5.6%
- Fuel system3 5.6%
- Vehicle speed control3 5.6%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Consumer states the front break pads had to be replaced twice and rear break shoes had to be replaced. Consumer states breaks are failing prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #565495, filed 2002-04Transmission and drivetrain: “While going to my husbands grandmothers funeral we heard an odd noise-like something might be lose -my husband pulled over and got under vehicle to check it out-found nothing-thought perhaps it was the transmission or exhaust leak .we pulled into the first camping spot and left vehicle-tried to drive home 2 days later-we got about 10 miles and there was a huge bang in truck-engine failed and truck tires completely locked-vehicle stopped immediately and the weight of such a sudden stop (we had a camper on) pulled the rear-end out.luckily my husband had the prescence of mind to push in the…”
NHTSA complaint #746112, filed 2001-05Steering: “Consumer was traveling 65mph on highway, and without prior warning steering column became very loose and was hard to steer, dealership was aware of problem. Consumer stated the steering bracket between the steering box and frame broke causing almost total loss of steering, also steering coupler between steering box and column were worn out, consumer stated the problem is not with the steering column, it was the bracket that broke that holds the steering gear box to the frame.”
NHTSA complaint #8003612, filed 2002-02Body and structure: “Passenger side door: when sitting in vehicle can see outside through the crack in the door. Went to open the door and put key in and turned, but didn't have to push handle for door to open. Took in today for repair and they said that this is just normal wear and tear.”
NHTSA complaint #810336, filed 1997-03Mileage when problems were reported
50% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,550 and 190,000 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 1993 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 · 50 2 dr | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
| RAM 2-DR · coupe | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| RAM B-250 Van · coupe | not rated | 1 / 2 | — | — | — |
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 1993 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 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Ramcharger 2WD | 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Ramcharger 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,600 |
| Ramcharger 4WD | 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 10 | 14 | 12 | $5,600 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 Dodge RAM in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- PE93038Roll-over/vent valve leakClosed · Apr 22, 1993
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1993 Dodge RAM.
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 1993 Dodge RAM?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, such as ABS warning lights, a pedal sinking toward the floor, and brakes that wear or fail early. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal, ABS light, and early brake wear problems; Steering box, column bracket, or frame mount failures; Sudden engine stalls, failures, or high idle speed.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Dodge RAM have?
NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 1993 Dodge RAM as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Dodge RAM is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 16 complaints (30% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 9.
Has the 1993 Dodge RAM been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Dodge RAM get?
The EPA rates the 1993 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 1993 Dodge RAM reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 111,275 miles and the middle half falls between 32,550 and 190,000 miles; 50% 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.