The Dodge Ramcharger has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1981–1985. On average a defect was admitted 1 years after the car was built, the slowest took 3 years. The most recalled system is Service Brakes, Air (1 campaigns). Owners also filed 13 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Dodge Ramcharger
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Service Brakes, Air 1 Read
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
Structure 1 Read
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
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
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, Hydraulic 1 Read
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
Electrical System 1 Read
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
Suspension 1 Read
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
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 1 years |
| Slowest campaign | 3 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | —% |
| Campaigns on record | 5 |
Which Ramcharger years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Structure | |
| 1984 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1983 | Electrical System | |
| 1982 | Suspension | |
| 1981 | Structure |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Dodge Ramcharger have?
5 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1981–1985. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Ramcharger still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 1 years, and the slowest campaign came 3 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.