1988 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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Common 1988 Dodge Ramcharger problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1988 Dodge Ramcharger, several common problems have been identified:
- Steering Play: Some owners have noted a significant amount of play in the steering of the Ramcharger, which can affect the handling and overall driving experience. This issue may require adjustments or replacement parts to address the excessive play.
- Mechanical Issues: While the Ramcharger is praised for its solid performance, some owners have experienced mechanical issues, such as starting problems after tuning the truck or issues related to timing adjustments.
- Leaking: Complaints have been made about leaks in the driver's side door, particularly affecting new stereo system speakers. This issue can lead to water damage and affect the functionality of electronic components in the vehicle.
- Acceleration: Owners have mentioned that the Ramcharger is not very quick on acceleration, which can be a concern for those looking for a more responsive driving experience. This issue may impact the vehicle's overall performance and driving dynamics.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1988 Dodge Ramcharger highlight areas where potential buyers or current owners may need to pay extra attention. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the vehicle's performance and ensure a better driving experience.
How much is a Ramcharger worth?
A: The average price of a Dodge Ramcharger is $19,853.
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.
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 |
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.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Dodge Ramcharger have?
Ramcharger Two's avail- able 5.9-liter 360 CID V-8 engine develops 185 horse- power at 4,000 rpm and 283 pounds-foot of torque at 1,600 rpm to help you tow up to 6,500 pounds with our optional Trailer Towing Prep- aration Package.
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.
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.
1988 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:
- Steering problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Dodge Ramcharger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Dodge Ramcharger complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Dodge Ramcharger.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- 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
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING SYSTEM PERFORMS ERRATIC ALLOWING TRUCK TO WANDER. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-27
- VIN: 3B4GW02Y0JM
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT PEDISTAL ON DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES BROKE. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-11
- VIN: 3B4GW02Y3JM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: INSIDE OF STEERING COUPLER RUSTS/WEARS/LOOSENS DUE TO IMPROPER SHIELDING OF STEERING SHAFT FROM SNOW/SALT/WATER, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Dodge Ramcharger problems:
Usual Ramcharger issues? | Dodge RamCharger Central
May 20, 2007 ... Where do they rust, what mechanical issues are common, that sort of thing. The truck in question has the TBI 318, 727 tranny, D44 front, 9.25" ...
Dodge Ramcharger Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
Top Dodge Ramcharger Problems · Intermittent stalling or no start · HVAC blower motor fuse may blow · Revised rear brake shoes · Transmission failure due to lack of ...
Common problems with Ramchargers? | Dodge RamCharger Central
Jun 11, 2011 ... I wouldn't be surprised if this truck will go places your Ram will not go. L.Clemons 1988 Ramcharger AW450-318EFI-NP435 4 speed-NP205 ...
1982 Dodge Ram Charger 318: Q&A on Random Stalling Issues
Mar 6, 2010 ... It's more likely the result of a common ... If pumping the pedal does give you brief surges of power, it appears you were fighting two problems...
1988 RAM -Troubleshooting trouble | Dodge RamCharger Central
Jun 7, 2004 ... 8. If the fuel pressure drops rapidly (to below 10 psi in one minute or less) a leak is present in the fuel supply system. 9. If no leaks are ...
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