The Dodge Ramcharger spans 1981–1997 with 15 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1991, 1987, 1988 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1982, 1983, 1984. It delivers up to 13 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 Ramcharger is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1997 across multiple generations.
How to read a Dodge Ramcharger VIN — every digit explained
Every Dodge Ramcharger 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 Ramcharger.
- 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 Ramcharger, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Dodge Ramcharger have?
The Dodge Ramcharger has 15 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1997. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1985 Dodge Ramcharger recalls 2
Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
What's wrong. VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
Fix. A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE, WHICH IS ROUTED FROM THE BODY BRAKE TUBING TO THE FRONT AXLE CONNECTOR, MAY HAVE BEEN TWISTED WHEN INSTALLED. IF THE HOSE IS TWISTED, IT MAY BECOME LOOPED OR COILED UPON ITSELF RESULTING IN ABRASIVE CONTACT DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
Fix. THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ON EACH VEHICLE INVOLVED WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER ROUTING AND, IF NECESSARY, REROUTED TO PREVENT ANY ABRASIVE CONTACT.
1984 Dodge Ramcharger recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
What's wrong. PISTON WITHIN MASTER CYLINDER MAY DEVELOP A SEAL LEAKAGE. THIS DEFECT MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF FRONT WHEEL BRAKES.
Fix. DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
What's wrong. VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
Fix. A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
1983 Dodge Ramcharger recalls 2
Electrical System:ignition:switch
What's wrong. IGNITION SWITCHES INSTALLED IN THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DISTORTED DURING A CRIMPING OPERATION WHICH RESULTED IN THE INTERNAL PLASTIC CONTACT CARRIER OF THE SWITCH CRACKING. PIECES OF A CRACKED CARRIER MAY BREAK AWAY, PERMITTING ABNORMAL SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONTACT AND THE POTENTIAL FOR STARTER ACTUATON WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION.
Fix. ALL SUSPECT IGNITION SWITCHES WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
What's wrong. VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
Fix. A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
1982 Dodge Ramcharger recalls 2
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
What's wrong. CLAMP BOLTS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN CRACKS. EVENTUALLY THESE BOLTS MAY BREAK THROUGH, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.
Fix. DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH BALL JOINT STUD CLAMP BOLTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
What's wrong. VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
Fix. A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
1981 Dodge Ramcharger recalls 1
Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
What's wrong. VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
Fix. A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Best and worst years for the Dodge Ramcharger
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 15 tracked years, the worst years are 1991, 1987, 1988 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1982, 1983, 1984.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Ramcharger | Tires | Average | |
| 1982 Ramcharger | — | Best | |
| 1983 Ramcharger | — | Best | |
| 1984 Ramcharger | — | Best | |
| 1985 Ramcharger | Tires | Average | |
| 1986 Ramcharger | Structure | Average | |
| 1987 Ramcharger | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1988 Ramcharger | Steering | Avoid | |
| 1989 Ramcharger | Structure | Average | |
| 1990 Ramcharger | Seats | Average | |
| 1991 Ramcharger | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 1992 Ramcharger | — | Average | |
| 1993 Ramcharger | — | Average | |
| 1996 Ramcharger | — | Average | |
| 1997 Ramcharger | — | Average |
What are the most common Dodge Ramcharger problems?
The most-reported Dodge Ramcharger problems are Seats (3 reports), Tires (5 reports) and Gasoline (2 reports) — out of 29 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Dodge Ramcharger specifications & dimensions
The 1988–1991 Dodge Ramcharger measures 185″ long on a 106″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 4,105 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 Ramcharger window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988–1991 | 185″ | 80″ | 70″ | 106″ | 4,105 lb |
| 1985 | 184″ | 79″ | 74″ | 106″ | 4,323 lb |
| 1981–1982 | 184″ | 80″ | 73″ | 106″ | — |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Dodge Ramcharger cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Ramcharger holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 91 cu ft of passenger volume and 13 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 Ramcharger 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 Ramcharger get?
The Dodge Ramcharger returns up to 13 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $4,800/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1993 Dodge Ramcharger (5.2L 8-cyl) gets 13 mpg combined and costs about $4,800/yr to fuel, emitting 684 g/mi CO₂ — about $13,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 Ramcharger | 11 | 16 | $4,800 | 684 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1992 Ramcharger | 11 | 15 | $4,800 | 684 | — | 5.2L 8-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 Ramcharger stacks up against the most fuel-efficient cars, or calculate this Ramcharger's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Dodge Ramcharger have? Power & range
The Dodge Ramcharger is offered with 1 powertrain — 5.2L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 5.2L · 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | 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 Ramcharger cost to own?
A Dodge Ramcharger 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 Ramcharger 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 Ramcharger loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $24,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Ramcharger 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.
How much is a Dodge Ramcharger to insure?
A Dodge Ramcharger costs about $1,517 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 6% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (106, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Ramcharger's HLDI loss index. See Dodge insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Dodge Ramcharger safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Ramcharger yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Dodge Ramcharger last?
A well-maintained Dodge Ramcharger 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 4.0/5.
Check your Dodge Ramcharger’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Ramcharger’s VIN free →All Dodge Ramcharger model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Dodge Ramcharger — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Ramcharger | 0 | — | |
| 1996 Ramcharger | 0 | — | |
| 1993 Ramcharger | 0 | — | |
| 1992 Ramcharger | 0 | — | |
| 1991 Ramcharger | 1 recall | — | |
| 1990 Ramcharger | 1 recall | — | |
| 1989 Ramcharger | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 Ramcharger | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 Ramcharger | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 Ramcharger | 1 recall | — | |
| 1985 Ramcharger | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1984 Ramcharger | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1983 Ramcharger | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1982 Ramcharger | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1981 Ramcharger | 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 Ramcharger?
By owner-complaint volume, 1991, 1987, 1988 drew the most reports. 1982, 1983, 1984 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Ramcharger have?
15 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1997. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Dodge recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Ramcharger get?
Up to 13 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Ramcharger last?
A well-maintained Ramcharger typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Ramcharger reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Ramcharger is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Dodge Ramcharger 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 Ramcharger made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Ramcharger'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 ground clearance does the Ramcharger 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.