1994 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.
What could happen: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1994 RAM 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V024000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.
Consequence: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1994 Dodge RAM 3500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (19), Hydraulic (17), Electrical system (14), Suspension (11), Transmission / drivetrain (10).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/02/2020 · Transmission / drivetrain
IN A HARD RAIN OR EVEN WASHING UP UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK THE 4WD SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT WILL SAY IT'S TRYING TO TRANSFER OVER TO 4WD AND WHEN IT TRIED WITH ME I WAS RUNNING AROUND 55 MPH! IT JERKS THE [XXX] OUT OF THE TRUCK WITH A LOUD HAMMER NOISE! IT WILL CAUSE A PERSON TO WRECK IF YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING IT ! IT WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2019 AND STARTED THE…
12/15/2017 · Airbags
2 OUT OF THE 3 MAIN TRANSPIRATION AND DELIVERY SERVICE VEHICLES THAT I PERSONALLY USED TO GET TO THE JOB SITE AND TO DELIVER HEAVY METAL STRUCTURES ARE IN VERY BAD SHAPE, PARTICULARLY DODGE RUM 1994 PLATE NUMBER (74R 300). THE MAIN PROBLEMS ON THIS TRUCK ARE THE BAD BRAKES, ESPECIALLY WHEN CARRYING HEAVY METAL MATERIALS. ABS LIGHT ON, NO HORN, BROKEN SPEEDO…
12/01/2017 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK.... INQUIRED ABOUT GENERAL RECALLS... CONTACT HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DODGE DEALERSHIP AFTER CATCHING FIRE DUE TO RECALL... DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING... DEALERSHIP HAD INVESTIGATIONS TEAM COME OUT TO INSPECT TRUCK AFTER FIRE... TRUCK HAD BEEN REPAIRED AFTER FIRE... DEALERSHIPHAS DEAD ENGINE CABLE ... T…
09/18/2015 · Fuel system
PULLING INTO TRAFFIC VEHICLE SUDDENLY HAS NO POWER AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE NEARLY CAUSED A ACCIDENT. THROTTLE BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DODGE DEALER. DODGE SAYS THIS IS DUE TO A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WHICH HAS BEEN ON BACK-ORDER SINCE MAY. WE RECEIVE A E-MAIL FROM DODGE CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE APPROXIMATELY EVERY 2 WEEKS SAYING THANKS FOR…
05/28/2015 · Seat belts
TLA* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED, BUT FAILED TO STOP WHEN PULLED FORCEFULLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THREE POINT SEAT BELT SYSTEM IN THE FLOORBOARD WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICL…
04/15/2015 · Electrical system · fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR AND WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V135000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER…
03/21/2014 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED . THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD TO APPLY THE BREAKS AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM SHAKING . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED MANY TIMES.. UPDATED 05/12/2014*LJ
10/14/2011 · Brakes
BRAKE LINE RUSTED INTO BETWEEN FUEL TANK AND FRAME. *TR