1995 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 5.9L gasoline from North America

Summary:

A fine vehicle that has to be watched and maintained carefully

Faults:

The steering box had to be replaced at 47000 miles due to a design flaw in the assembly. The lower bearing was a bushing that elongated and destroyed the lower seal allowing steering fluid to leak out.

The headlight switch failed and had to be replaced at 82000 miles.

I experienced two separate occasions of zero oil pressure. The problem at 77000 miles required replacement of the sending sensor. At 137000 miles, the pressure was fine when starting vehicle, then when driving the pressure would drop to zero until full operating temperature was reached, then pressure would rise to normal 39-42 PSI. I dropped the oil pan and discovered that Chrysler went to a shielded oil pump screen that collected oil particles that could not drop into the oil pan after engine was shut off. The accumulation of particles in this screen resulted in the total shutdown of oil flow through the engine. I believe I caught this before serious damage was done to my engine. I have heard of others with the same problem who have been told that the oil pump failed by their dealer.

General Comments:

I feel that Dodge produces a fine truck that has some flaws due to cost costing efforts in manufacturing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th September, 2003

17th Jan 2004, 13:36

I own a Dodge Ram pick-up 1500 Laramie, automatic transmission 4x4, 78,000 miles, 5.9L with automatic transmission. I just recently started to have a problem with my oil pressure. It started a week ago. When my truck is in idle the pressure gage reads just over 40 P.S.I "This is normal for my truck". When the engine reaches a grand and one half R.P.M' S the oil pressure will drop to zero. I don't have an oil leak. The dipstick always reads full.

I press the accelerator and the pressure kicks right back up as I approach two grand. This is the only point I will lose pressure. I have done a bit of research and have found many answers. Here are a couple of things I found that could be the cause of the problem failing oil pump, failing of sending sensor, broken pressure gauge and a clogged oil pump screen. During my research, I did not find a case were the R.P.M' S made a difference. I am looking for a professional opinion. I want to know what to expect when I bring it in for repair. I was just wondering whether I should take it to the dealer or maybe shop elsewhere. Even with all these problems I still love this truck!

The power is unbelievable! I have never been stuck despite the New England whether.

I have seen many trucks stuck in snow, but, mine keeps plowing through the snow. I even go off-road and could not expect any better performance. The truck rides like a Cadillac compared to trucks I have recently test drove. I could never give up this truck it is my baby. Despite how much I love my truck there has been some issues.

I have had a myriad of recalls and problems covered by warranty. I will list a few, probably already known by owners of Dodge Ram Trucks.

I had to have the transmission totally rebuilt, cataletta converter failed, hood latch, a steering sleeve to prevent loss of control, sway bar failed, and my doors would fill with water.

1995 Dodge Ram Pickup SLT 5.9L V8 from North America

Summary:

I am going back to Chevy

Faults:

Seats have not held up to there end of the deal.

Transmission went at 111,000 miles completely.

Fuel filter clogged at 117,000 miles.

Drive shaft had condensation build up at 80,000 miles.

Power window motor on driver side at approx. 97,000 miles went out.

Power window motor on passenger side at approx. 103,000 miles went out.

Power window contact switch went out at approx 107,000 miles.

Fan clutch went out at approx. 113,000 miles.

Alternator went at about same time as fan clutch.

At 123,000 miles the thermostat broke. Luckily it was stuck open.

General Comments:

The seats need to be improved on in future models, but lets get the mechanics right before hand.

Transmission. What can you say? It happens around 100,000 miles on all American trucks. We will just have to live with that one.

Fuel filter was really a upset. It would have been okay except that the filter was inside the tank and we all know how much a tank of gas cost in these hogs.

The drvie shaft came factory with a small hole in the rear of it. That was not good for me when I drive through water a lot. This let water in and then caused vibration when traveling at high speeds. Solution! Spend 250.00 on new drive shaft with no hole at rear.

Power windows is a nice feature when they work. Of course both driver and passenger side went out in the middle of summer. That was wonderful. If they would have went out in the winter it would be when the window was completely down the way luck works.

Please notify dodge to change the positioning of the thermostat. That was a royal pain to get to and replace. Take the alternator off and breather also.

Final comment. Do not purchase a dodge ram unless you are able to work on a vehicle yourself. If I had to pay for all of these problems I would not be able to afford the computer I am typing on right this moment.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd December, 2002

17th Feb 2006, 09:23

I've been reading a lot about the transmission problems that everyone seems to be hitting around 100k. My only suggestion is to buy a stick next time. I had three automatics go in my 1995 3/4 ton 4x4 w/a cummins (I only had to pay for one of them, the other two were still under warranty). When I traded it I got a standard, and with nearly 200k on the odometer it still shifts smoothly. And this is on a nearly identical truck, a '96 3/4 ton 4x4 cummins. So, all I can say is that we should all use our left leg a little more often. :)

17th Feb 2006, 14:29

I agree.

Also change the tranny fluid regularly.