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Dodge Pickup Problems

The Dodge Pickup designation covers various Ram trucks before the Ram brand separation, offering workhorse capability. With 266 complaints and no fatalities in this dataset, these trucks served commercial and personal use reliably. The Dodge trucks of this era featured the legendary Cummins diesel option. They represent honest American trucks built for work.

266
Total Complaints
0
Total Recalls
11
Model Years
0
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

1996 1995
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1976 1992 1997

Common Problem Categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 52
Suspension 28
Structure 28
Fuel System, Gasoline 26
Engine And Engine Cooling 22

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2002 2 0 0 0 Good
2001 6 0 0 0 Good
2000 6 0 0 0 Good
1999 12 0 0 0 Good
1998 42 0 2 0 Below Average
1997 4 0 0 2 Good
1996 86 0 2 8 Avoid
1995 74 0 2 0 Avoid
1994 20 0 0 2 Average
1992 10 0 0 0 Good
1976 4 0 0 0 Good

Dodge Pickup Years to Avoid

The 1996 model year had more complaints as the second-generation Ram aged without significant updates. The 5.9L Magnum V8 had plenum gasket issues causing lean conditions and rough running. The 46RE/47RE automatic transmissions were prone to torque converter and overdrive failures. Fuel pump failures stranded owners, particularly in hot climates. The dashboard plastic cracked and deteriorated in sunlight. Rust was significant on 1994-1997 trucks, particularly in wheel wells and cab corners. These later second-gen trucks show their age.

Best Dodge Pickup Years

The 2002 Dodge Pickup, representing the third-generation Ram, offered improved refinement and reliability. The 2002 had the revised interior and updated powertrains. The Cummins diesel in 2002 is highly sought after with proven longevity. The 5.9L Magnum V8 issues were addressed by this time. Buy 2000-2003 for the best second/third generation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions