The Dodge Rampage spans 1982–1984 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1984, 1983, 1982 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1982, 1983, 1984. It delivers up to 23 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 Rampage is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1982 to 1984 across multiple generations.
How to read a Dodge Rampage VIN — every digit explained
Every Dodge Rampage 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 Rampage.
- 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 Rampage, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Dodge Rampage have?
The Dodge Rampage has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1982–1984. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1984 Dodge Rampage recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
Fix. THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
Suspension
What's wrong. FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Risk. THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Best and worst years for the Dodge Rampage
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 3 tracked years, the worst years are 1984, 1983, 1982 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 Rampage | — | Avoid | |
| 1983 Rampage | — | Avoid | |
| 1984 Rampage | Fuel System | Avoid |
What are the most common Dodge Rampage problems?
The most-reported Dodge Rampage problems are Gasoline (1 reports), Fuel System (1 reports) — out of 1 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 Rampage specifications & dimensions
The 1982 Dodge Rampage. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Dodge Rampage window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 183″ | 67″ | 52″ | 104″ | — |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Dodge Rampage cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Rampage holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
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 Rampage 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 Rampage get?
The Dodge Rampage returns up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,700/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1984 Dodge Rampage (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 Rampage | 21 | 28 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 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 Rampage stacks up against the most fuel-efficient trucks, or calculate this Rampage's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Dodge Rampage have? Power & range
The Dodge Rampage 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 | Manual 4-spd | 2WD | 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.
Can a Dodge Rampage tow? Towing & payload
As a pickup, the Dodge Rampage is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Rampage's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Dodge Rampage cost to own?
A Dodge Rampage 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 Rampage 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 Rampage loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Rampage 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 Rampage to insure?
A Dodge Rampage 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 Rampage's HLDI loss index. See Dodge insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Dodge Rampage safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Rampage yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Dodge Rampage last?
A well-maintained Dodge Rampage typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Dodge Rampage’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Rampage’s VIN free →All Dodge Rampage model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Dodge Rampage — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 Rampage | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1983 Rampage | 0 | — | |
| 1982 Rampage | 0 | — |
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 Rampage?
By owner-complaint volume, 1984, 1983, 1982 drew the most reports. 1982, 1983, 1984 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Rampage have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1982–1984. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Dodge recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Rampage get?
Up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Rampage last?
A well-maintained Rampage typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Rampage reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Rampage is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Dodge Rampage 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 Rampage made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Rampage'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 Rampage 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.