1985 Dodge Ramcharger recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ON EACH VEHICLE INVOLVED WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER ROUTING AND, IF NECESSARY, REROUTED TO PREVENT ANY ABRASIVE CONTACT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 RAMCHARGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V117000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ON EACH VEHICLE INVOLVED WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER ROUTING AND, IF NECESSARY, REROUTED TO PREVENT ANY ABRASIVE CONTACT.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; FRONT BRAKE HOSE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS CONDITION MAY EVENTUALLY RESULT IN HOSE FAILURE.REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY WILL RESULT AND MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT,PARTICULARLY IN SITUATIONS WHERE MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED.
2. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 RAMCHARGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V115000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEP BUMPERSBUT NOT EQUIPPED WITH FUEL TANK SKID PLATES.SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM; FUEL TANK.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LEAKING FUEL COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE FIRE AND PERSONALINJURY.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1), Seats (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
09/22/2010 · Wheels / tires
DOMINATOR RADIAL A/T SIZE 31X1050R15, DOT U78D, TC21601, R8R1. TIRES WERE PURCHASED ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO FOR A 1985 DODGE RAMCHARGER. THEY WERE USED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS THEN PLACED INTO STORAGE. TIRES WERE REMOVED FROM VEHICLE AND PLACED IN A CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE AREA. IN AUGUST 2010 VEHICLE WAS PLACED BACK INTO OPERATION WITH THESE TIRES. TIRES WERE FINE…
11/08/2006 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
FOGGED WINDSHIELD. *NM
10/10/2000 · Wheels / tires
SIDE WALL CALLASPED WHILE ONLY GOING 30 HPH, RIGHT REAR TIRE, TIRE HAD 5000 MILES ON IT. (DOT NUMBER: VDP6 U6W TIRESIZE: 3312.50R15)
04/22/1997 · Seats
DRIVER'S SEAT TRACKS BROKE. THE BASE OF SEAT CAUSED PRESSURE WHICH APPEARS TO BE THE CAUSE OF SEAT TRACKS BREAKING. *AK