Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1995 Dodge Ram
The 1995 Dodge RAM has a moderate number of complaints and 16 recalls, mostly related to lighting issues and several mechanical components. Given the age of this vehicle, some potential problems may not be fully represented in the data. Buyers should closely assess the condition of key systems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1995 Dodge Ram has 16 NHTSA recall campaigns and 610 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E050000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMPS/MISSING AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E060000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V040000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HOOD LATCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V037000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/THROTTLE CABLE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V135000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/IGNITION SWITCH/WIRING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V214000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/SUSPENSION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V115000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V023000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/AIR BAG NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V199000 CHRYSLER/FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V084000 CHRYSLER/TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V068000 CHRYSLER/BRAKES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #96V230000 CHRYSLER/STEERING COLUMN NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #95V088000 Steering — Steering Wheel/Handle Bar NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #95V056000 Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 131 complaints
- Power Train 84 complaints
- Electrical System 68 complaints
- Suspension 55 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 43 complaints
- Steering 42 complaints
Of the 610 complaints on file, 67 report a crash and 33 a fire; across all 610 complaints, owners report 42 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Hydraulic system leaks
How to check: Inspect undercarriage and lines for fluid leaks
Cooling line connector failure
How to check: Look for signs of fluid leaks around transmission
Ignition switch overheating
How to check: Check for signs of melted wiring near ignition
Front shock tower cracks
How to check: Inspect front shock absorbers for cracks or separation
Airbag electronic control corrosion
How to check: Check for water intrusion signs near airbag module
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine knocking or other noises
Red flag: Loud knocks or unusual sounds
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check responsiveness and for transmission hesitation
Red flag: Rough shifts or delay changing gears
- 03
City driving
What to check: Feel for suspension stability over bumps
Red flag: Excessive bouncing or rattling
- 04
Braking
What to check: Test braking power and for pedal softness
Red flag: Weak braking or pedal sinking
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration and steady operation
Red flag: Engine struggles or loss of power
- 06
Highway cruising
What to check: Listen for unusual noises at higher speeds
Red flag: Whining or grinding sounds
- 07
Return to idle
What to check: Observe for steady idle without stalling
Red flag: Idle fluctuation or stalling
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ignition switch been replaced?
- Are all recall repairs completed?
- Any issues with transmission overheats?
- Has the braking system been serviced?
- Any recent suspension work done?
- Does the airbag system function properly?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recalls completion paperwork
- Vehicle history report
- Title certificate
- Repair invoices
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1995 Dodge Ram at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1995 Dodge Ram? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.