1995 Dodge Ram 1500

Introduction The 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that was available with various engine and transmission options. Popular options included the 5.2L V8 engine producing 220 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the 5.9L V8 engine producing 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. While the Ram 1500 is known for its durability, towing capacity, and spacious interior, it has also been reported to have some issues over the years.

Engine

• 5.2L V8 Engine
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, decreased engine power Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ Recalls: #99V095000
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks on top of engine, burning oil smell Solution: Replace valve cover gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+
  • Piston Ring Failure Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust Solution: Engine rebuild Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500+
• 5.9L V8 Engine
  • Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, white smoke from exhaust, overheating Solution: Replace cylinder head gaskets Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+ Recalls: #98V012000, #01V190000
  • Fuel Injector Failure Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idling, loss of power Solution: Replace fuel injectors Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Exhaust Manifold Cracking Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leaks, rattling noise Solution: Replace exhaust manifold Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (A518)
  • Torque Converter Failure Description/Symptoms: Rough shifting, loss of acceleration, overheating Solution: Replace torque converter Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,600+
  • Transmission Slipping Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, delayed engagement, hesitation Solution: Transmission rebuild Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
• 5-Speed Manual Transmission (NV3500)
  • Clutch Failure Description/Symptoms: Slipping, difficulty shifting, grinding noise Solution: Replace clutch Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Shift Fork Wear Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, grinding noise, popping out of gear Solution: Replace shift fork Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Ball Joint Failure Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, difficulty steering, vibration Solution: Replace ball joint Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Leaf Spring Failure Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, difficulty towing Solution: Replace leaf springs Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Rear Suspension
  • Shock Absorber Failure Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, bouncing Solution: Replace shock absorbers Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, flickering lights, electrical problems Solution: Replace alternator Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter Failure Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, clicking noise, smell of burning Solution: Replace starter Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Tail Light Failure Description/Symptoms: Broken or cracked lights Solution: Replace tail lights Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Headlight Failure Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering lights Solution: Replace headlights Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Power Window Failure Description/Symptoms: Windows not opening or closing, grinding noise Solution: Replace window motor or switch Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Radio Failure Description/Symptoms: No sound, distorted sound, display issues Solution: Replace radio Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary While the 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 is generally a reliable vehicle, it is not without its issues. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, valve cover gasket leaks, and piston ring failure in the 5.2L V8 engine; cylinder head gasket failure, fuel injector failure, and exhaust manifold cracking in the 5.9L V8 engine; torque converter failure and transmission slipping in the 4-speed automatic transmission; clutch failure and shift fork wear in the 5-speed manual transmission; ball joint failure and leaf spring failure in the front suspension; shock absorber failure in the rear suspension; alternator failure and starter failure in the electrical system; tail light failure and headlight failure in the exterior; and power window failure and radio failure in the interior. While many of these issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, some, such as engine and transmission problems, can be more severe and costly to repair.