AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Model year

1985 Dodge RAM

gasoline, built in Mexico. Owner complaints on file from Mar 7, 1995 to Jun 2, 2010.

Recalls (0)Complaints (10)Investigations (0)Bulletins (2)
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints1010.0 times the median 1985 vehicle
Severity index20.0Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1985 Dodge RAM peaked in 1998, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0123199519983200120042007201020132016201920222026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

20% of complaints about the 1985 Dodge RAM name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
2
Brakes
2
Steering
2
Electrical system
1
Fuel system
1
Powertrain
1
Seat belts
1
Structure
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 1985 Dodge RAM

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Look up a VIN at NHTSA
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1985 Dodge RAM

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

10 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jun 2, 2010Failure Apr 19, 2010Kent, OHLinkagesCrash

    1985 DODGE RAM 3500 PICKUP, STEERING LINKAGE BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STRIKE A CONCRETE WALL. *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0190-91. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10334847
  2. Filed Jun 12, 2002Failure May 12, 2002Dublin, CAService brakes, Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

    POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE CAUSING VEHICLE TO PROLONG THE STOP. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 8011678
  3. Filed Jun 25, 1998Failure Nov 1, 1997Norco, CAService brakes, Air

    BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO BRAKE VACUUM PUMP AND HOSES HAVING OIL IN THEM. ACCORDING TO NHTSA'S RECORDS RECALL 97V06800 SHOULD COVER THIS VEHICLE, CHRYSLER CLAIMS IT DOES NOT APPLY.

    NHTSA complaint 537491
  4. Filed Apr 23, 1998Pickens, SCSteering wheel/handle bar

    CONSUMER NOT SATISFIED WITH RECALL REPAIR WORK, STEERING SHAFT COULD COME LOOSE, THE REPAIR WAS TO ATTACH TWO PLASTIC STRAPS AROUND STEERING SHAFT.

    NHTSA complaint 534487
  5. Filed Jan 9, 1998Failure Jun 21, 1996Wayside, WIHoses/lines/piping/fittings, Engine

    ENGINE FAILURE/BURNING DUE TO DEFECTIVE HOSES AND FITTINGS IN AMSOIL BY-PASS KIT, RECALLED AFTER INCIDENT.

    NHTSA complaint 516906
  6. Filed Jul 1, 1997Failure Jun 21, 1996Wayside, WIIgnition, Engine, Fuel system, HosesFire

    SPARK PLUG/WIRES FAILED.

    NHTSA complaint 603362
  7. Filed Mar 11, 1997Failure Mar 1, 1997Aurora, CODifferential unit

    WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 25 MPH THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP BECAUSE THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE GEARS IN FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SHEARED OFF. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 809823
  8. Filed Dec 6, 1996Failure Nov 27, 1996Kennewick, WARear/other

    THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AT ABOUT 45MPH, AT WHICH TIME FOUR LAP SEAT BELTS FAILED TO HOLD THE PASSENGERS IN PLACE, THEY DISCONNECTED/CAME APART. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 806000
  9. Filed Jun 8, 1995Failure Jun 8, 1995Spokane, WAHinge and attachments

    FRONT DOORS ARE ALMOST FALLING OFF DUE TO WEAK WELDING OR LACK OF RESTRAINT ON FRONT DOOR HINGES (OTHER VEHICLE FROM 486925). *AK

    NHTSA complaint 468585
  10. Filed Mar 7, 1995Failure Jan 21, 1995SAN Francisc, CAUnknown or other

    IN ORDER TO TAKE THE COOLING SYSTEM LEVEL THE BIKE SHOULD BE 90 DEGREES BUT THERE IS NO SUPPORT TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING ON YOU. TT

    NHTSA complaint 961339
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
All investigations
Service bulletins

2 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 9002688 Feb 13, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the …
  • 190393 Apr 1, 1993 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    STEERING COLUMN COUPLER SERVICE. *TW
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.
About service bulletins