AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Model year

1989 Dodge RAM

Pickup, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 8, 1995 to Oct 15, 2003.

Recalls (0)Complaints (28)Investigations (0)Bulletins (12)
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints285.6 times the median 1989 pickup
Severity index21.4Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1989 Dodge RAM peaked in 1995, with 9 filed

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

02.557.510199591998200120042007201020132016201920222026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

32% of complaints about the 1989 Dodge RAM name seat belts

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

Seat belts
9
Fuel system
7
Powertrain
3
Tires
3
Seats
2
Steering
2
Electrical system
1
Engine and cooling
1
Structure
1
Suspension
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 1989 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 1989 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.

28 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

  1. Filed Oct 15, 2003Failure Oct 11, 2003Seneca, SCTires

    WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER. CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. TIRE SIZE P26570R16. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10043926
  2. Filed Feb 28, 2002Tuza, AZElectrical system, Fuel system, Other

    AFTER FUELING VAN THERE IS NO REGISTRATION ON THE DASHBOARD OF FUEL GAUGE. MECHANIC HAS REPLACED FUEL GAUGE AND NEEDLE 3 TIMES, HOWEVER IT STILL MALFUNCTIONED. *AK CONSUMER STATED ELECTRICAL WORK WAS DONE TO THE GAS GAUGE.*JB

    NHTSA complaint 8004726
  3. Filed Aug 26, 2001Failure Aug 25, 2001Modesto, CAFuel system, Tank assembly

    FUEL TANK HAS PULLED AWAY FROM HOLD AND FUEL LEAKS ON THE GROUND FROM SMALL HOLD ON TOP OF FUEL TANK. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 751139
  4. Filed Jan 11, 2001Failure Jan 10, 2001Sarasota, FLFuel system, Fuel injection system

    VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THEN TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THAT LEAK WAS COMING FROM FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WHERE"O" RING WORE OUT.THEY CHARGED CONSUMER FOR REPAIRS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 878033
  5. Filed Sep 20, 2000Failure Jan 14, 2000Lakeside, AZTiresCrash1 injured

    QUOTE FROM POLICE REPORT : "INVESTIGATION AT THE SCENE SHOWED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE OF VEHICLE #1 LOST TREAD AND BLEW, CAUSING THIS ACCIDENT". THIS INCIDENT DOES NOT FIT THE "PROFILE" PUT FORTH BY FIRESTONE, I.E. NOT A FORD EXPLORER, NOT DRIVEN OFF RAOD, NOT USED IN EXTREME HEAT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 15 )

    NHTSA complaint 732045
  6. Filed Aug 30, 2000Brandon, FLTires

    THIS IS THE NORMAL TYPE VAN AND TIRES FOR CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, DAYCARES...THIS TIRE HAS BLOWN 7 TIMES WHEN VANS WERE AT HWY SPEEDS WITH FULL LOADS...DUNLOP HAS REFUSED TO PAY DAMAGES OR ADMIT THIS TIRE HAS PROBLEM...WE THANK GOD OUR YOUTH WERE NOT INJURED...BUT SOMEONES WILL BE IF THIS IS NOT CORRECTED( DOT NUMBER: DAIL821 TIRE SIZE: LT22575R16 )

    NHTSA complaint 729560
  7. Filed Oct 18, 1999Failure May 21, 1999Moneta, VAEngine

    VEHICLE KEEPS CUTTING OFF DUE TO SOME TYPE OF PLUGS THAT WEREN'T PUT INTO THE VEHICLE. ALSO, VEHICLE ISN'T PULLING, AND THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 851013
  8. Filed Sep 28, 1999Failure Aug 20, 1999Newaygo, MIAutomatic transmission

    AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO THE GOVERNOR STICKING WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 848852
  9. Filed Jun 5, 1999Failure Jun 4, 1999Houston, TXFrame and members, Lower ball joint

    FRONT MAIN CROSSMEMBER STRUCTURALLY FAILED, ALLOWING RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET TO BREAK FREE.

    NHTSA complaint 707232
  10. Filed Mar 18, 1999Failure Dec 29, 1997Chardon, OHSteering wheel/handle bar, Gear box (other than rack and pinion), Shaft sectorCrash

    WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK ABOUT 45-50 MPH, THE STEERING COUPLING BROKE DOWN BY THE AXLE. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE, AND DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP.THE STEERING SHAFT AND BOX WERE REPLACED BY A DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 835964
  11. Filed Aug 7, 1998Failure Aug 6, 1998North Lake, ILFuel system, Fuel pump

    WHILE FILLING VEHICLE WITH GAS TANK FUEL TANK EXPLODED, CAUSING FUEL TANK TO DEVELOP A HOLE . POSSIBLE CAUSE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP FAILURE. DEALERS WILL NOT ADDRESS PROBLEM. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 826415
  12. Filed Nov 5, 1997Failure May 1, 1991Staten ISL, NYBuckle assembly, Recliner

    SEAT BELT LATCH STRIPPED.

    NHTSA complaint 605553
  13. Filed Jul 21, 1997Rochester, MIRecliner

    WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED 2 INCHES AT THE BASE AND THE BACK PORTION 8 TO 10 INCHES. PLATE THAT SUPPORTS BACK PORTION OF SEAT BROKE INTERNALLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 814725
  14. Filed Jun 24, 1997Culloden, GABuckle assembly

    CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR SEAT BELT BUCKLE(S) AT LEAST (3) MONTHS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 807212
  15. Filed Mar 24, 1997Failure Mar 13, 1997Heshey, PAGear box (other than rack and pinion)Crash

    STEERING GEAR BOX: MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, HEARD LOUD BUMP, LOST STEERING AND RAN INTO GUARD RAIL. TOOK IN FOR REPAIRS AND DEALER SAID THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE STEERING BOX, STEEL HAD CRYSTALIZED AND CAUSED IT TO BREAK. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 810325
  16. Filed Mar 18, 1997Brunswick, GARearview mirrors/devices

    THE REMOTE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS CANNOT BE ADJUSTED BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE GEAR. WHEN ADUSTING THE MIRRORS, ONE CAN HEAR THE MOTOR RUNNING, BUT THERE IS NO MOVEMENT OF MIRRORS. PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED BY DEALER. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 810110
  17. Filed Jan 7, 1997Failure Dec 27, 1996Blytheville, ARBuckle assembly

    PASSENGER'S SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BUCKLE RED RELEASE BUTTON WILL NOT LATCH, BUCKLE WILL NOT STAY CLOSED. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 807200
  18. Filed Feb 28, 1996Shallotte, NCWebbing

    THE CONSUMER FELT THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AS HE WAS DRIVING. THEN THE SEAT BELT WOULDN'T RELEASE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 979864
  19. Filed Jan 22, 1996Failure Jan 1, 1991EL Prado, NMRetractor, Buckle assembly

    PASSENGERS SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. *DSH

    NHTSA complaint 500803
  20. Filed Dec 18, 1995Failure Oct 1, 1995Weiser, IDBuckle assembly

    PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH AND LOCK. TT

    NHTSA complaint 976754
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

12 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 …
  • 210797 Mar 21, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON TRANSMISSION COOLER REVERSE FLUSHING WITH COOLER BYPASS KIT INSTALLED. *NLM
  • 070397 May 9, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT USAGE. *NLM
  • 0900401 May 18, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, GREY OIL SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST OR BREATHER TUBE, OR MECHANICAL KNOCKING. *TT
  • 2100601 Mar 16, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
  • 0800600REV Dec 29, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
  • 080600 Feb 25, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
  • 081698 Apr 17, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK
  • 070397 May 9, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC
  • 230397 Feb 14, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DIFFICULT TO CLEAN LIGHT COLORED "CHALKY" RESIDUE FROM PLASTIC BODY COMPONENTS THAT ARE MOLDED IN BLACK. *TW
  • 190393 Apr 1, 1993 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    STEERING COLUMN COUPLER SERVICE. *TW
  • 090994R Nov 1, 1994 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    OIL LEAK DIAGNOSIS OF THE REAR MAIN BEARING AREA. *TW
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.
About service bulletins