1986 Dodge Ramcharger problems

General information about Dodge-Ramcharger
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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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Common 1986 Dodge Ramcharger problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1986 Dodge Ramcharger, several common problems have been reported:

Carburetor Adjustment: Owners have mentioned issues related to carburetor adjustment. Symptoms include the vehicle starting but running poorly, chugging, emitting black smoke, and making unusual clicking sounds. To address this, owners have suggested leaning out the carburetor by adjusting the screws on it.

Starting Issues: Some owners have faced challenges with starting their 1986 Dodge Ramcharger. Despite having a fully charged battery and fuel in the tank, the vehicle struggles to start and almost dies immediately. This could be attributed to carburetor issues that may require adjustment.

Transmission Problems: A common problem reported is the lack of reverse in the transmission. This issue, along with minor oil leaks, has been noted by owners. Despite these challenges, many owners have praised the durability and longevity of the vehicle, highlighting its robust build and reliability over high mileage.

Electrical Challenges: Over time, some owners have encountered difficulties with the electrical system of the 1986 Dodge Ramcharger. These issues may arise due to the vehicle's age and extensive use in demanding conditions, leading to the need for frequent repairs and maintenance to keep the electrical components functioning properly.

By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the 1986 Dodge Ramcharger, prospective buyers and current owners can be better informed about potential issues they may encounter with this vehicle.

How much is a Ramcharger worth?

A: The average price of a Dodge Ramcharger is $19,853.

Why was the Ramcharger discontinued?

Two doors was too few

With an Explorer-esque truck of its own, known as the Durango, on the way, Dodge killed off the Ramcharger after the 1993 model year. In truth, the Ramcharger never sold as well as the Bronco or Blazer to begin with, so it wasn't a tough choice.

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.

Will the Ramcharger come back?

The All-New 2025 Ramcharger delivers a Best-in-Class Targeted 690 total miles of Range 2 and is set to be a game changer in the world of electric pickup trucks.

What engine is in a Ramcharger?

Pentastar® 3.6L engine

The All-New 2025 Ramcharger delivers innovative performance with a liquid-cooled 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack paired with a 130-kilowatt generator. The Pentastar® 3.6L engine generates mechanical power, which is converted to electrical power by the onboard generator for maximum efficiency.

How much is a Ramcharger worth?

A: The average price of a Dodge Ramcharger is $19,853.

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.

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.

1986 Dodge Ramcharger car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Structure problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Dodge Ramcharger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Dodge Ramcharger complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Dodge Ramcharger.

1999-04-09

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-12-02
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

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1998-10-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
VIN: 3B4GW12W9GM
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKE MASTER CYLINGER FAILED.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Dodge Ramcharger problems:

Common problems with Ramchargers? | Dodge RamCharger Central

https://www.ramchargercentral.com/threads/common-problems-with-ramchargers.149154/

Jun 11, 2011 ... He wants a blazer style vehicle and I found a 1986 Dodge Ramcharger today on Craigslist. I was wondering what are some common issues you run ...

Q&A: Troubleshooting 1986 Dodge Ramcharger Royal SE Brake ...

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/mnckb-two-problems-brakes-1986-dodge-ramcharger.html

Aug 3, 2023 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.

1986 Ramcharger - Known issues? | Dodge RamCharger Central

https://www.ramchargercentral.com/threads/1986-ramcharger-known-issues.84469/

Oct 25, 2006 ... The air circulator or "suitcase" under the dash can fill with leaves and debris and can become a potential fire hazard. It's been mentioned ...