Dodge Ramcharger problems
The Dodge Ramcharger is a large sport utility vehicle built by Dodge from 1974 to 1993, based on a shortened-wheelbase version of the Dodge D series/Ram pickup chassis. A Plymouth version, named the Plymouth Trail Duster, offered from 1974 to 1981, was Plymouth's only SUV.
The Ramcharger was mostly produced as a two-door, 4×4 vehicle, although a two-wheel-drive version was available. As a full-size SUV, it competed with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and the 1978–1996 Ford Bronco.
The Ramcharger was discontinued at the end of the 1993 model year in North America. In Mexico, however, production continued until 1996. It was then brought back from 1999 to 2001, still as a two-door SUV and sharing the design of the contemporary Ram pickup. Approximately 30,000 were produced, with all examples being two-wheel-drive only.
In November 2023, Stellantis announced that the Ramcharger nameplate would be revived for a plug-in hybrid version of the 2025 Ram 1500.
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Dodge Ramcharger model years
Common Dodge Ramcharger problems
The Dodge Ramcharger, a classic off-road SUV, has been known for its ruggedness and versatility. However, as with any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some issues that Dodge Ramcharger owners have reported:
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues are common in older vehicles, and the Dodge Ramcharger is no exception. Some owners have reported problems with gauges, such as the fuel gauge not working properly or the voltage gauge showing incorrect readings. In some cases, these issues may be due to faulty relays or wiring problems.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are another common issue with the Dodge Ramcharger. Some owners have reported slipping, hard shifting, or difficulty going into overdrive. These issues could be due to wear and tear, low transmission fluid levels, or other internal problems. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent transmission issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
- Engine Performance Issues: Some Dodge Ramcharger owners have reported issues with engine performance, such as difficulty starting, loss of power, or stalling. These issues could be due to various factors, including fuel delivery problems, ignition system issues, or engine mechanical problems. It is essential to diagnose and address these issues promptly to prevent further damage to the engine.
- Body and Chassis Issues: As with any older vehicle, the Dodge Ramcharger may experience body and chassis issues, such as rust, corrosion, or worn-out suspension components. These issues can affect the vehicle's off-road capabilities and overall safety. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues and ensure the vehicle remains in good condition.
In summary, while the Dodge Ramcharger is a capable and rugged off-road SUV, it is not without its common problems. Fuel delivery system issues, electrical problems, transmission issues, engine performance issues, and body and chassis issues are some of the most reported problems by Dodge Ramcharger owners. Regular maintenance, inspections, and prompt repairs can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Why was the Ramcharger discontinued?
This version of the Ramcharger was not sold in the U.S. for numerous reasons: Two-door SUV sales had been declining: GM soon ended production of its two-door Chevrolet Tahoe in 1999, and Ford replaced the long-running two-door-only Ford Bronco for the 1997 model year with the four-door Ford Expedition.
What is Ramcharger worth?
2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Pricing
| Ramcharger Tradesman | $60,000 (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Ramcharger Big Horn | $65,000 (estimate) |
| Ramcharger Limited | $75,000 (estimate) |
| Ramcharger Tungsten | $95,000 (estimate) |
Are Ramchargers good off road?
All right well Ram Charger made it back without any major problems and we even did a little bit of off-roading with it we did we took it off-road.
How many miles per gallon does a 1989 Dodge Ramcharger get?
10 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1989 Dodge AW100/AW150 Ramcharger 4WD | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 8 cyl, 5.9 L, Automatic 3-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 10 combined city/highway MPG 9 city 10 highway 10.0 gals/100 miles |
Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge Ramcharger years
We have researched Dodge problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge Ramcharger cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Dodge Ramcharger model years:
- Dodge Ramcharger 1991
- Dodge Ramcharger 1987
- Dodge Ramcharger 1985
- Dodge Ramcharger 1988
- Dodge Ramcharger 1979
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge Ramcharger model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge Ramcharger years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Dodge Ramcharger car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Dodge Ramcharger , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Tires problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Dodge Ramcharger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ramcharger model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ramcharger model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ramcharger model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Ramcharger model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Ramcharger . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Dodge Ramcharger vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Dodge Ramcharger 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2010-09-22
- VIN: 1B4GW12T6FS
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DOMINATOR RADIAL A/T SIZE 31X1050R15, DOT U78D, TC21601, R8R1. TIRES WERE PURCHASED ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO FOR A 1985 DODGE RAMCHARGER. THEY WERE USED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS THEN PLACED INTO STORAGE. TIRES WERE REMOVED FROM VEHICLE AND PLACED IN A CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE AREA. IN AUGUST 2010 VEHICLE WAS PLACED BACK INTO OPERATION WITH THESE TIRES. TIRES WERE FINE FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS THEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A WEEK. WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES WERE OVER 100 DEGREES ALL WEEK. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO DRIVE IT WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL GOOD YEAR DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT ALL 4 TIRES HAD BELT /TREAD SEPARATION. THESE TIRES HAVE LESS THAN 1/32ND INCH OF WEAR. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE AND TIRES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR
Dodge Ramcharger 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-08
- Date Complaint: 2006-11-08
- VIN: 1B4GD12T0FS
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: FOGGED WINDSHIELD. *NM
Dodge Ramcharger 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-12-31
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED BACKWARDS INTO THE REAR SEAT, NOONE WAS HURT CAUSE THE REAR SEAT WAS NOT OCCUPIED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BACK ALSO DID THE SAME THING A WHILE LATER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
Dodge Ramcharger 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2002-02-12
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DEALER REPLACED FRONT AND REAR BRAKES, SHOES AND PADS AND RESURFACED 2 ROTORS AND DRUMS. *TT
Dodge Ramcharger 1979
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-03
- Date Complaint: 2002-02-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD PEELED ON HIGHWAY IN ARIZONA CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLL, KILLING DRIVER. *AK (DOT NUMBER: ADYK815400 TIRESIZE: 32 R15)
Dodge Ramcharger 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-15
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DEALER REPACKED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *SLC
Dodge Ramcharger 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-15
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DEALER REPACKED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *SLC
Dodge Ramcharger 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-15
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DEALER REPLACED FRONT AND REAR BRAKE SHOES AND PADS, DEALER ALSO RESURFACED ROTORS AND DRUMS. *SLC
Dodge Ramcharger 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE KELLY SPRINGFIELD SUMMIT RADIAL TRAIL CLIMBER, ALL TERRAIN, STEEL BELTED, P235/75R15, 1055 DOT # PJHL C2KR 116 RADIAL PLY TUBELESS TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND THE RUBBER IS TEARING APART, CONSUMER HAD TIRES EXAMINED AND WAS TOLD THAT TIRES ARE DANGEROUS AND NEED REPLACING, MANUFACTER NOTIFIED. *TT
Dodge Ramcharger 1979
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2001-10-02
- VIN: 27910008
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS RV IS UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD.I WAS CONED INTO BUYING IT .I HAVE NO SPEEDOMTER AT ALL AND HAVE TO ASK WHAT MY SPEED IS AND IN THE THE CITY I NEVER KNOW MY SPEED. *AK (DOT NUMBER: O TIRESIZE: 225)
Dodge Ramcharger 1981
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-11-16
- VIN: 1B4GW12R6BS
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: INFO SENT TO WEBMASTER ,I DID RECEIVE A MESSAGE ON THE PHONE BUT LOST THE #. RIGHTREAR TIRE HAD TOTAL TREAD SEPARATION. LEFTREAR REPLACED AFTER HEAVY BULGING OF TREAD NOTICED. NO DOTS ON REPLACED TIRES. BUT BOTH FRONT TIRES ARE FROM THE ORIGINAL SET OF 4 AND STILL OK.(FRONT DOTS-VN60AXC135 & VD60AXC265) LEFTREAR LASTED 2600 MILES, RIGHTREAR LASTED 40K MILES BEFORE TREAD SEPARATION AND DENTING REAR BODY AREA AND RIPING OFF MUFFLER AND TAIL PIPE. LH REAR REPLACED WITH WILDERNESS AT DOTVD60AW3183, RHREAR REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR TIRE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VN60AXC135 TIRESIZE: 31X10.50R1)
Dodge Ramcharger 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-11-13
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TIRES INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T-005 DUE TO MANUFACTURING LOCATION, SOON AFTER THE CONSUMER NOTICED A SIX INCH TREAD SEPARATION AND REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES, CONDUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM
Dodge Ramcharger 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-10-10
- VIN: 1B4GW12T5FS
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SIDE WALL CALLASPED WHILE ONLY GOING 30 HPH, RIGHT REAR TIRE, TIRE HAD 5000 MILES ON IT. (DOT NUMBER: VDP6 U6W TIRESIZE: 3312.50R15)
Dodge Ramcharger 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-03-16
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATES WITH OUT WARNING. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IS TO TURN KEY OFF,TURNING CRUISE OF DOESN'T STOP IT.MANY CLOSE CALLS!!!!!FINALLY REMOVED CRUISE CONTROL *AK
Dodge Ramcharger 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-02
- Date Complaint: 1999-04-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: ?
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I LIFTED UP TAILGATE TO LOAD GROCERIES. WHILE I WAS BENT OVER MAKING ROOM, MY WIFE TURNED TO PUT TWO BAGS IN , SHOCKS FAILED. TAILGATE FELL & STRUCK HER IN HEAD . RUPTURED DISCS IN NECK & HAD HEAD INJURY. SO FAR BILLS ARE AT $70,000.00 AND CLIMBING. HAS THIS HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE? *AK
Recalls Dodge Ramcharger
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Dodge Ramcharger.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Dodge Ramcharger 1981
- Report Received Date: 1984-09-24
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
- Summary: VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
- Remedy: A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
- Model: Dodge Ramcharger 1985
- Report Received Date: 1984-09-24
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE, WHICH IS ROUTED FROM THE BODY BRAKE TUBING TO THE FRONT AXLE CONNECTOR, MAY HAVE BEEN TWISTED WHEN INSTALLED. IF THE HOSE IS TWISTED, IT MAY BECOME LOOPED OR COILED UPON ITSELF RESULTING IN ABRASIVE CONTACT DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
- Remedy: THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ON EACH VEHICLE INVOLVED WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER ROUTING AND, IF NECESSARY, REROUTED TO PREVENT ANY ABRASIVE CONTACT.
- Model: Dodge Ramcharger 1985
- Report Received Date: 1984-09-24
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
- Summary: VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
- Remedy: A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Latest positive Dodge Ramcharger car reviews
Are you having problems with your Dodge Ramcharger?
Jerod Jones 2024-09-12
Vehicle year: 1990
I purchased this truck after seeing it featured in 'No Country for Old Men'. It's a real beast! Although I only use it for truck-related jobs due to its fuel economy, it gets the job done and looks totally imposing while doing it. While it only gets about 10-12 mpg, new V8 trucks only get around 3-5 mpg better. Is it worth shelling out $25K+ for? Probably not. However, my car payment is ZERO, so who cares?! Like the above poster, I love parking next to those shiny luxury cookie-cutter pickups with a real-deal truck with real character. And the best part? I got it for only $2800 in great condition!
Floy Muller 2024-08-14
Vehicle year: 1990
Hey there! Did you know that the 1990 DodgeRam Charger is considered one of the toughest SUVs ever built in the United States?
Soledad Turner 2024-05-22
Vehicle year: 1990
Old Faithful is such a reliable car, especially on road trips. It has a smooth ride and even better gas mileage than my mom's brand new Nissan pickup. It's comforting to know that I'm driving one of the biggest vehicles on the road.