What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (1994–2001) Ram 1500?

Ram 1500 owners have made 2,060 complaints about the 1994–2001 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 42nd out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability, with real interior and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Ram 1500 Generations

Common 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Ram 1500 owners have to deal with.

  1. Cracked Dashboards

    Is your Dodge dashboard falling apart and breaking into pieces? Have you been watching the cracks grow bigger and bigger with each passing month? Do you feel helpless as your dashboard caves in on itself? Trust me, you're not alone.

    Continue reading article "Cracked Dashboards" A common example of a Dodge Ram dashboard

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (1994–2001) Ram 1500 Key Numbers

  1. 8 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 2,060 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 42nd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.

What Ram 1500 Owners Say About This Generation

What the Truck? There Are So Many Dodge Cracked Dashboards

I would be happy to pay the cost of the replacement dash if it was at cost. Some dealers want over $700 just for the part other online dealers will go as low as $400 but you have to ship it. Dodge could sell it to us for $100 and not lose a penny. They would rather make a profit off their faulty product.

2001 Ram 1500 Owner in CA

What the Truck? There Are So Many Dodge Cracked Dashboards

I would be happy to pay the cost of the replacement dash if it was at cost. Some dealers want over $700 just for the part other online dealers will go as low as $400 but you have to ship it. Dodge could sell it to us for $100 and not lose a penny. They would rather make a profit off their faulty product.

2001 Ram 1500 Owner in CA