What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (1994–2002) Ram 2500?

Ram 2500 owners have made 519 complaints about the 1994–2002 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 24th out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability, with some interior and body concerns.

Compare With Other Ram 2500 Generations

Common 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Ram 2500 owners have to deal with.

  1. Cracked Dashboards

    Is your Dodge dashboard falling apart and breaking into pieces? Have you been watching the cracks grow bigger and bigger with each passing month? Do you feel helpless as your dashboard caves in on itself? Trust me, you're not alone.

    Continue reading article "Cracked Dashboards" A common example of a Dodge Ram dashboard

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (1994–2002) Ram 2500 Key Numbers

  1. 9 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 519 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 24th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.

Recent 2nd Generation (1994–2002) Ram 2500 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. When the engine is running, your vehicle's alternator helps charge the battery and supplies additional power to the vehicle's electrical systems.

    But for 86,000 Dodge Ram (and RAM) trucks it's also supplying something else – electrical shorts and fires. #notafeature

    "Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) says the problem occurs with the alternator near maximum amperage in hot temperatures, conditions more likely to be experienced with corporate fleet vehicles compared to typical consumer driving."…

    keep reading article "Ram HD Truck Alternators Providing a Charge and Then Maybe a Flame, Too"