1991 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

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The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

1991 Dodge Ram 2500

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Common 1991 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

The Dodge Ram 2500, produced in 1991, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues include electrical problems, transmission issues, malfunctioning cruise control functions, and engine knocking.

Electrical problems are one of the most frequent issues reported by Ram 2500 owners. These problems can manifest in various ways, such as intermittent malfunctions of interior accessories like stereos and Uconnect displays, or even wiring harnesses catching fire after starting the truck. These issues may be linked to electrical system and wiring problems, with technical service bulletins (TSBs) such as #10181643, #10162485, and #10177473 being released to address them. These problems typically occur around 8,040 miles.

Transmission issues are another common problem with the Ram 2500. The 2018 model, in particular, has been reported to have transmission problems that can become dangerous. The 2500 is known for its powerful engine, available in both gas and diesel variants, making it ideal for heavy-duty hauling and towing. However, its transmission can become problematic, leading to expensive repairs and maintenance costs.

Cruise control functions in the Ram 2500 have also been reported to malfunction. This can be a safety concern, especially during long drives, as the driver may rely on the cruise control function to maintain a consistent speed.

Engine knocking is another issue reported by Ram 2500 owners. This can be caused by various factors, such as incorrect fuel octane levels, carbon buildup, or worn-out engine components. Engine knocking can lead to decreased engine performance and even engine failure if left unaddressed.

It is important to note that while the Ram 2500 has its share of problems, it is still a reliable and practical truck for manual labor. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for many years and miles. However, its average annual repairs and maintenance cost is around $1,070, which can become expensive over time.

In summary, the Dodge Ram 2500, while a powerful and practical truck, has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues include electrical problems, transmission issues, malfunctioning cruise control functions, and engine knocking. Proper care and maintenance can help mitigate these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

1991 Dodge Ram 2500 engine

What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?

The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.

Is the Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

The Ram 2500 received an average of 2.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal in terms of reliability. It can become expensive to own once it becomes old. The Ram 2500 is known to have electrical problems, transmission issues, malfunctioning cruise control functions, and engine knocking, among other issues.

What is the life expectancy of a Ram 2500?

around 15 years

On average, a Ram 2500 is expected to last between 230,000 to 250,000 miles, which is around 15 years of service. If you drive past a Ram dealership, you will probably notice that every truck is spotless and well-maintained. Despite popular belief, these trucks are not kept clean and well-maintained just for looks.

What year Dodge Cummins is most reliable?

Since its inception, the early second-generation Dodge Ram with the 5.9-liter, 12-valve Cummins diesel engine has been iconic. Because of the engine's ability to make cheap horsepower and its super-durable construction, the 1994-1998 trucks will always be highly preferred.

What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?

The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.

Is the Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

The Ram 2500 received an average of 2.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal in terms of reliability. It can become expensive to own once it becomes old. The Ram 2500 is known to have electrical problems, transmission issues, malfunctioning cruise control functions, and engine knocking, among other issues.

What is the life expectancy of a Ram 2500?

around 15 years

On average, a Ram 2500 is expected to last between 230,000 to 250,000 miles, which is around 15 years of service. If you drive past a Ram dealership, you will probably notice that every truck is spotless and well-maintained. Despite popular belief, these trucks are not kept clean and well-maintained just for looks.

What year Dodge Cummins is most reliable?

Since its inception, the early second-generation Dodge Ram with the 5.9-liter, 12-valve Cummins diesel engine has been iconic. Because of the engine's ability to make cheap horsepower and its super-durable construction, the 1994-1998 trucks will always be highly preferred.

1991 Dodge Ram 2500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram 2500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Steering problems
  • Tires problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Dodge Ram 2500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Dodge Ram 2500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Dodge Ram 2500.

2016-09-26

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-09-26
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: CONTINUING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WITH LT235X85R16 RADIAL TIRES OF VARIOUS BRANDS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CONTINENTAL, GENERAL, ETC. WHERE TREAD PEELS OFF STEEL SOMETIMES BLOWING TIRE SIMULTANEOUSLY. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON MY `1984 CHEVY K20 SUBURBAN, 1990 DODGE D250 (MULTIPLE TIMES) AND MY 1991 DODGE W350. MY FRIEND HAS EXPEREINCED SIMILAR MULITPLE FAILURESD ON HIS 1990 DODGE D250, ONE OF WHICH I WITNESSED DODGING PIECES OF RUBBER WHEN I WAS FOLLING BEHIND HIM WHEN THE TIRE SELF DESTRUCTED. ALL THESE TIRES APPEARED TO HAVE OVER HALF OF TREAD STILL LEFT AND GAVE NO INDICATION OF ANY DRY ROTTING WHEN FAILED. HAVE EXPERIENCED SIDEWALL DRY ROTTING ON GOODYEAR 235X75R16 TIRES WITH ALMOST NEW TREAD DEPTH. RUMORS FLOATING AROUND THAT ENVIROMENTALIST PUSHED FOR NEW RUBBER COMPOUND TO FORCE TIRES TO DRY ROT TO PREVENT SITTING IN JUNKYARDS WHIHC IF TRUE IS ABSURD AS MORE ENVIROMENTAL IMPACT IN THE LOSS OF OIL AND CREATED BYPRODUCTS TO KEEP REPLACING GOOD TIRES THAT NEVER SEE FULL USE THAT FAIL WITH NEW ONES. WHATEVER THE ISSUE THE CATASTOPHIC FAILURE OF THESE TIRES WITHOUT WARNING ON THE HIGHWAY HAS ALREADY CAUSED ME TO CROSS LANES PRECIPITOUSLY WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THEY FAILED. HAVE SINCE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE WITH 265X75R16 WHEN POSSIBLE. PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN OCCURRED FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW.
1997-09-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-26
  • VIN: 1B7KE26CXM5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: COMING TO A STOP AT ANY SPEED, ABS BRAKES WOULD FAIL, WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE,; THE BRAKES WOULD RELEASE, THIS HAPPENS MOSTLY DURING WET WEATHER, NO PULSATING OR CATCHING/GRABBING, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 7 COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK *JB
1996-10-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B4HB25Y1MK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTIONING OF ELECTRICAL SYS. WHEN SIGNAL LIGHTS, A/C FAN AND IGNITION SWITCH FAILED DUE TO BURNT WIRING HARNESS. *AK
1996-09-18

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • VIN: 2B6HB21YGMK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAS EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION FAILURES AT 38,000 MILES AND ALSO AT 60,000 MILES.*AK
1996-08-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-07
  • VIN: 187KE26C3MS
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: UNABLE TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIR WORK DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. (FUEL PUMP).
1996-03-14

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKING SYSTEMS IS FAILING EACH TIME CONSUMER PANIC STOP. *AK
1996-02-15

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-14
  • VIN: 1B7KM26C5MS
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: STARTED VEHICLE GOT OUT AND WALKED ABOUT AND HEARD EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-11-03

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B7KE26C3MS
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN BRAKING THE REAR BRAKE FEELS LIKE IT SLOWS THE TRUCK DOWN ITS NOT STOPPING IT HAVE ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE . TT CONSUMER STATES DURING HARD BRAKING OR DURNING BRAKING OVER BUMPY SURFACE THE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THEY ONLY SLIGHTLY SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, CONSUMER STATES HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE.*JB
1995-09-18

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-09-16
  • VIN: 1B7AM2686MS
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL FELL OFF . TT
1995-08-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-20
  • VIN: 1B7KM26CXMS
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: EXPERIENCING BRAKE LOCKUP AND SENSORS ON ABS KEEP GOING OUT. TT
1995-07-28

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-28
  • VIN: 1B7KE26C4MS
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: CONSUMER FRIEND WAS BACKING UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF . TT
1995-04-20

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-04-20
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THERE IS A NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. TT
1995-04-10

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-01
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1B7JE26Y3MS
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ABS, BRAKE FAILED 3 TIMES, WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED LOSS OF EFFECTIVENESS, ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, IMPACT 12:00 SPEED 15MPH. TT
1995-03-24

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-07-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR DUE TO THE PUMP ON THE ANTI- LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. TT
1995-02-24

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-04-02
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1B7KE26C7MS
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP TWICE, ONCE RESULTIN GIN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *AK
1995-02-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-14
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SHEATH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT IS CRACKED AND IS EXPOSING SHARP EDGES. PLEASE EXPLAIN FURTHER. TT
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Dodge Ram 2500 problems:

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common problems w/ 89-93 cummins? | Cummins Diesel Forum
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Sep 14, 2010 ... Is it common for the instrument cluster to to have problems ... 1991 Dodge Cummins W 350 4wd not a dually. ... I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 truck.

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Sep 30, 2011 ... originally when vehicle came in we thought computer was bad because after probing wiring harness looking for power and grounds the truck started ...

Other years of Dodge Ram 2500

dodge ram 2500 1992 photo
Ram 2500 1992
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dodge ram 2500 1994 photo
Ram 2500 1994
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dodge ram 2500 1996 photo
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dodge ram 2500 1997 photo
Ram 2500 1997
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1991 Dodge Ram 2500 photo