1983 Dodge Ram problems
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.
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Common 1983 Dodge Ram problems
The Dodge Ram 1500, one of the most popular pickup trucks in the United States, has received numerous consumer complaints over the years. These complaints cover a range of issues, from electrical problems to transmission issues and engine knocking.
One of the most common problems reported by Dodge Ram 1500 owners is the vehicle's tendency to roll away. This issue has been the subject of several recalls, including one in 2016 that affected over 1 million vehicles. The problem is caused by the transmission's ability to shift without a key in the ignition, which can lead to the vehicle rolling away without warning. This issue has been linked to accidents and injuries, and Dodge has issued several recalls to address the problem.
Another common problem reported by Dodge Ram 1500 owners is the vehicle's electrical system. This issue has been reported by owners of both gas and diesel models, and has been linked to a wide variety of problems, including intermittent malfunctions of interior accessories, wiring harnesses catching fire, and electrical shorts that can cause truck fires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued several recalls to address these issues, including one in 2021 that affected over 200,000 vehicles.
Transmission issues are also a common problem reported by Dodge Ram 1500 owners. These issues can range from difficulty shifting to complete transmission failure. In some cases, these problems have been linked to the vehicle's automatic transmission, which has been the subject of several recalls. Other transmission problems have been linked to the vehicle's park rods, which can prevent the vehicle from shifting into Park, allowing it to move.
Engine knocking is another common problem reported by Dodge Ram 1500 owners. This issue has been linked to a wide variety of problems, including poor fuel quality, incorrect ignition timing, and worn or damaged engine components. In some cases, engine knocking can be a sign of serious engine problems, and should be addressed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
In addition to these common problems, Dodge Ram 1500 owners have also reported issues with the vehicle's power steering, airbags, and fuel system. These issues have been the subject of several recalls, and should be addressed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your Dodge Ram 1500, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. A qualified mechanic can diagnose and repair these issues, helping to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle. Additionally, if you believe that your vehicle may have been sold to you with a known defect, you may be able to seek legal assistance under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or a state lemon law.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
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."
What engines came in a 1983 Dodge Ram?
Built on a sturdy carbon steel frame and powered by a 3.7 litre (225 cu. in.) Slant Six engine [5.2 litre (318 cu. in.)
Which year Ram is the most reliable?
The 2024 Ram 1500 is unmatched when it comes to reliability. With a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 88/100, the 2024 model is not only the most reliable Ram 1500 ever but it's also one of the most reliable American trucks in 2024.
What issues do Dodge RAMs have?
Common problems include leaking windows, engine failure, and concerns over the truck's frame. Whether you already own a 2023 RAM 1500 or you're considering options for your next vehicle purchase, it's best to be aware of the most common problems with Dodge RAMs for this popular full-size truck.
1983 Dodge Ram car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Dodge Ram vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Dodge Ram complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Dodge Ram.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-07
- VIN: 1B7FD14H7DS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE BACKING UP, (APPROX. 2 MILES/HR), THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL COLLAPSED! UPON INSPECTION, FOUND METAL FATIGUE IN THE FRAME AREA WHERE THE "LOWER CONTROL ARM" ATTACHES TO THE "FRAME". A LARGE SECTION OF THE FRAME RIPPED AWAY AT THE MATING AREA WHERE 4 BOLTS HOLD THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE. 3 MECHANICS HAVE LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, AND ALL 3 STATED, "THEY HAVE NEVER OBSERVED SUCH A DEFECT, AND SUGGESTED I CONTACT DODGE". I HAVE AND DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE IN MICHIGAN SAID, "THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY SUCH PROBLEM". THE MECHANICS BELIEVE THIS IS A "DESIGN FLAW" AND IS NOT REPAIRABALE BY REPLACING PARTS (COULD ONLY WELD THE FRAME - WHICH WOULD HAVE NO GUARENTEE OF NO FUTURE FAILURES. THE MECHANICS WERE SURPRISED AT HOW THIN THE METAL OF THE FRAME IS IN THAT AREA (THAT BEING THE DESIGN FLAW). IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING AT ANY NORMAL SPEED (65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY) THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSED A TREMENDOUS CRASH, LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY TAKING OTHERS WITH ME. WHO KNOWS HOW MANY VEHICLES OF THE SAME DESIGN MAY BE AT THE POINT OF KILLING THE OCCUPANTANTS. MY WIFE AND I USED THIS VEHICLE TO GO ON A CAMPING VACATION TO SAN DIEGO, CA THIS LAST JUNE, AND THE THOUGHT OF THIS HAPPENING DURING THAT TRIP, STILL LINGERS IN OUR DREAMS. I STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE AND SOMEONE SHOULD SEE IT. DODGE INDICATED, "THEY WOULD NOT SEND ANYONE TO INVESTIGATE AND THEY WOULD NOT BEAR ANY RESPONSIBILITY (IT'S AN OLD VEHICLE!)". IF THIS FAILURE SHOULD HAPPEN AT NORMAL SPEEDS, THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT MAY BE COVERED UP DUE TO THE VIOLENT CRASH THIS WOULD CAUSE. WE ALSO OWN A 1988 DODGE CARAVAN, AND WE LIKE DODGE PRODUCTS, BUT THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I AM CONCERNED FOR OTHERS WITH LIKE VEHICLES. MINE IS NOW JUNK. THANK GOD, WE WERE NOT INJURED OR CAUSE ANY DAMAGE TO OTHERS OR PROPERTY!!!
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