The Dodge Mini Ram spans 1984–1988 with 3 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 25 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Dodge Mini Ram is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1984 to 1988 across multiple generations.
How to read a Dodge Mini Ram VIN — every digit explained
Every Dodge Mini Ram carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Dodge and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Mini Ram.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Mini Ram, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Dodge Mini Ram have?
The Dodge Mini Ram has 3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–1988. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1985 Dodge Mini Ram recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE METAL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE MAY CRACK AT THE FUEL PUMP END DUE TO VIBRATION. THE CRACK MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. (THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE CONNECTS THE FUEL PUMP TO THE FUEL FILTER.)
Fix. A FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. THIS WILL RESTRICT TUBE VIBRATION AND PREVENT CRACKS.
1984 Dodge Mini Ram recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE METAL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE MAY CRACK AT THE FUEL PUMP END DUE TO VIBRATION. THE CRACK MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. (THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE CONNECTS THE FUEL PUMP TO THE FUEL FILTER.)
Fix. A FUEL TUBE RETAINING CLIP ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. THIS WILL RESTRICT TUBE VIBRATION AND PREVENT CRACKS.
Best and worst years for the Dodge Mini Ram
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Dodge Mini Ram — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Dodge Mini Ram problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Dodge Mini Ram — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Dodge Mini Ram specifications & dimensions
The 1988 Dodge Mini Ram measures 191″ long on a 119″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,848 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Dodge Mini Ram window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 191″ | 71″ | 70″ | 119″ | 2,848 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Dodge Mini Ram cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Mini Ram holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 97 cu ft of passenger volume and 17 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Dodge Mini Ram tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Dodge Mini Ram get?
The Dodge Mini Ram returns up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,500/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1988 Dodge Mini Ram (2.2L 4-cyl) gets 23 mpg combined and costs about $2,700/yr to fuel, emitting 386 g/mi CO₂ — about $2,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Mini Ram | 21 | 26 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Mini Ram | 20 | 24 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Mini Ram | 21 | 24 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Mini Ram | 20 | 24 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Mini Ram | 21 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Mini Ram stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Mini Ram's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Dodge Mini Ram have? Power & range
The Dodge Mini Ram is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.2L · 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Dodge Mini Ram cost to own?
A Dodge Mini Ram holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used Mini Ram is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Mini Ram loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $12,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Mini Ram ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Dodge Mini Ram safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Mini Ram yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Dodge Mini Ram last?
A well-maintained Dodge Mini Ram typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Dodge Mini Ram’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Mini Ram’s VIN free →All Dodge Mini Ram model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Dodge Mini Ram — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Mini Ram | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 Mini Ram | 0 | — | |
| 1986 Mini Ram | 0 | — | |
| 1985 Mini Ram | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 Mini Ram | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Mini Ram?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Dodge Mini Ram.
How many recalls does the Mini Ram have?
3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–1988. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Dodge recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Mini Ram get?
Up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Mini Ram last?
A well-maintained Mini Ram typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Mini Ram reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Mini Ram is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Dodge Mini Ram warranty?
New Dodge models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Dodge dealer.
Where is the Dodge Mini Ram made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Mini Ram's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Dodge may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Mini Ram weigh?
The Mini Ram's curb weight is around 2,848 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Mini Ram have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.