1981 Dodge Dodge truck problems

Common 1981 Dodge Dodge truck problems

The Dodge Ram 1500, while an overall dependable truck, has its own set of problems that may crop up, getting in the way of work, play, and dipping into your bank account as well. If you own a Ram 1500, you’ve either experienced certain issues or most likely will at some point. Here are some common problems with the Dodge Ram 1500, specifically focusing on the 1981 model:

• Excessive Engine Noise and Poor Acceleration: Owners of the 1995 to 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 3.7L or 4.7L engine reported a noticeable decrease in power during acceleration. The engine may produce excessive noise and vibrations, especially during cold starts. The issue is often caused by worn-out piston rings or cylinder walls, which can be resolved by rebuilding the engine or replacing the affected components.

• Truck Pops into Gear While Parked: Affecting Dodge Ram Trucks from 2009 to 2017, a faulty brake interlock pin can enable the automatic transmission to pop in and out of gear without the brake pedal being applied. This issue can lead to sudden and unexpected movement of the vehicle, posing a significant safety risk. A major recall resulted in the inspection of 1.5 million vehicles and replacement of the brake interlock pin or module on affected trucks.

• Cam and Lifter Failure: If your 1981 Dodge D150 stalls when stopping, stalls at idle, or seizes up unexpectedly, it may be experiencing cam and lifter failure. This issue is common in Dodge Ram trucks and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor fuel quality, lack of maintenance, or manufacturing defects. Replacing the affected components may resolve the issue, but in some cases, a complete engine rebuild may be necessary.

• Exhaust Manifold Failure: The bolts that hold the exhaust manifold gasket in place can snap off, creating a leak. Replacing the gasket and any failing bolts fixes the problem. This issue is common in Dodge Ram trucks and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor fuel quality, lack of maintenance, or manufacturing defects.

• Rear Window Leaking: Drivers noticed water entering the truck cab around the seal of the rear window on model years 1997 to 2010. Poor installation of the original window seal resulted in a gap that allowed water to seep in. Replacing the window seal or using a sealant to fill the gap can resolve the issue.

• TIPM Issues: The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a central power distribution center for Chrysler vehicles, including Dodge Ram trucks. When it fails, any number of other vehicle systems can fail, including airbags, horns, power windows, fuel pumps, starters, doors, cooling fans, and the A/C. TIPM issues are common in Dodge Ram trucks and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor manufacturing quality, lack of maintenance, or exposure to extreme temperatures.

• Transmission Issues: Transmission issues resulting in shifting problems have also been extremely common in Dodge Ram trucks. RAM owners commonly complain of jerky shifts, late shifts, slow acceleration, clunky shifts, and other problems. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out clutch plates, damaged gears, or low transmission fluid levels.

• Dead Battery: Several new owners of the 2019 RAM 1500 had an issue with an unexplainable dead battery on their new purchase. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty alternator, a damaged battery, or a wiring issue. Testing the charging system and replacing the battery or alternator may resolve the issue.

• Extreme Vibrations and Erratic Sounds: In normal scenarios, vibrations in cars are usually caused due to a loose or a defective tire whereas squealing and cackling sounds indicate an issue with the brakes or suspension. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out brake pads, damaged suspension components, or a faulty drive shaft.

If you're experiencing any of these issues with your Dodge Ram 1500, it's important to have them addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your safety on the road.

What is the bad year for the 5.7 Hemi?

The worst years

A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."

Why is Dodge no longer RAM?

So, why did Chrysler break up these two brands? This process allowed for more focused development of new models. Dodge created the Dodge Challenger to compete with the Chevy Corvette sports car, while the RAM lineup could focus on creating more powerful engines and more resilient builds for Spanaway jobs.

Why are Ram trucks so popular?

Owners cite evident quality—from a quiet, rock-solid structure to impeccable materials and fit-and-finish—as a key reason they chose a Ram over rivals from Ford, Chevy and others: owners like Rich and Linda Barritt. The Barritts owned multiple Chevy and GMC pickup trucks over more than 20 years.

Are Dodge and Ram the same?

They're still the same company; the only difference is that Dodge SUVs, minivans, and cars are under Dodge branding, and their pickups are labeled as the RAM brand.

1981 Dodge Dodge truck car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Dodge truck problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Dodge Dodge truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.