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Dodge Ram 1994-2008: Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

A recall or technical service bulletin could result in your Dodge Ram needing minor to significant service work and/or repairs.

By Charlie Gaston - June 24, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2008).

An automotive recall is a safety measure that is either ordered by the manufacturer of the vehicle or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Recalls are announced publicly and all vehicle owners must be notified in writing that a recall is taking place. Any repairs to a vehicle that are conducted as a result of a recall are paid by the manufacturer; however, in some cases, the owner can pay for the repairs out-of-pocket and then request to be reimbursed by the dealer at a later time. Unlike a recall, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is not mandatory and repairs are not necessarily paid by the manufacturer or dealer. However, in some cases, such as if a vehicle is still under warranty or the dealer chooses to pay for the cost of a repair as a goodwill gesture to a loyal customer, the dealer will perform the service work at no cost to the customer. In most cases, a TSB is seen as a recommendation for an issue that has been identified within a wide pool of model year vehicles; ultimately, it is up to the owner to make the suggested repairs on his or her own.

General Safety Information

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Only a 17-character VIN can accurately identify a vehicle that has been included in a national recall campaign. To find your VIN, check the base of the windshield on the driver's side of your truck and inside the door jam. Contact your dealer with your VIN.

Figure 1. Your VIN can decode your truck's complete history.

Recalls

The Dodge Ram series has suffered a number of recalls across all model years.

  • The 1994 Dodge Ram was plagued by recalls. With 23 recalls in total, the biggest culprits were decreased lighting visibility, unpredictable acceleration while driving (engine), locks and latches that do not properly engage, as well as a failing powertrain, weak suspension and uneven steering.
  • The 1999 Dodge Ram received 14 recalls.
  • The main culprits were the headlights due to poor visibility at night, a short circuit in the brakes, disabled air bags and non-retractable seat belts.
  • The 2000 Dodge Ram received 56 complaints about the transmission; however, no recalls were issued.
  • The highest number of recalls issued for the 2000 model year were in reference to exterior lighting problems and the electrical system.
  • There were 16 recalls for the 2001 model year; again, the recalls centered on the exterior lighting, electrical system, brakes, engine, tires and wheels, as well as the suspension.
Figure 2. Weak suspension was included in one recall.

Technical Service Bulletins

  • The 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 has received a number of TSBs, most notably for the steering wheel, suspension, service brakes and engine.
  • The fuel system, power train, electrical system, and air bags were also deemed faulty.
  • A staggering 92 TSBs were issued in total for the 1994 Dodge Ram 1500.
  • The next four years saw the same components receive new updates and recommendations based on previous TSBs.
  • By 1998, the number of TSBs jumped to a staggering 138.
  • TSBs were issued for the parking brake as well as previously identified components, such as a faulty steering wheel, failing electrical system and a low performing powertrain.
  • The 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 also saw a slight dip in the number of TSBs that were issued. The year-end total was just 117.
  • Similar to previous model years, the 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 received complaints pertaining to the steering wheel, suspension, service brake (but no longer the parking brake), engine, fuel system and a number of other (repeating) faulty components.
  • The 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 saw another dip in the number of TSBs that were issued.
  • Issues relating to the steering wheel appeared to have been resolved, as no new TSBs were issued, while the suspension, service brakes, engine and other components continued to be dogged by complaints.
  • For the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, consumers experienced problems with the suspension, service and parking brake, engine and fuel system.
  • Issues related to the steering also resurfaced in the 2001 model. This time the culprit was a faulty gear box.

Common Questions

Do I have to follow a TSB and have repairs made?

No, you do not. However, it's highly recommended that you have any recommended repairs made to your truck in a timely manner.

If I am asked to pay for repairs covered under a recall, what should I do?

Have your dealer check your VIN in the system. It should come up as part of the recall. If it does not, you will need to pay for the cost of your repairs out of your own pocket.

How will I know if my Dodge Ram is part of a recall?

Your local dealer will contact you by mail notifying you of what to do next, which will include bringing your truck into the dealership for repair. If only a TSB has been issued for your Dodge Ram, you will not receive any correspondence from your dealer.

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