AI Damage1987 Dodge Ramcharger: common problems
Owners of the 1987 Dodge Ramcharger filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and steering. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 25% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 25% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 25% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Structure: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.2 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- 5.9 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 4-speed
Drive: AWD, RWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
A steel spring that holds the shoes in place inside the steering coupling unit has broken off during vehicle operation.
Connecting bracket to front crossmember not welded properly at factory, causing failure.
Started vehicle heard a loud pop, then car was engulfed in flames. Tt
Rear axle broke, loss of vehicle control, front wheel drive vehicle. Tt
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Ramcharger has 3 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 4, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Dodge Ramcharger?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, steering, structure. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1987 Dodge Ramcharger?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1987 Dodge Ramcharger from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1987 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.