Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1979 Ramcharger.
The 1979 Dodge Ramcharger is documented as having generated only two owner complaints, with tire issues emerging as the primary concern, and it recorded no manufacturer recalls for the model year; this remarkably low complaint count positions the 1979 Ramcharger as one of the more reliably reported editions in the line’s history, suggesting that, despite its age, the vehicle’s overall durability remains noteworthy for researchers examining long‑term dependability trends.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 185 in |
| Overall width | 79.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in |
Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith) |
| Why | Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module |
| When needed | After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement |
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool |
| Also required | The vehicle's four-digit PIN code |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1979 Ramcharger’s own federal record is minimal, with just two complaints logged—one for tires and one for the power train—and a single crash report, with no fire incidents. In the broader context of the available year-by-year data, which only covers 1990 and 1991, the vehicle shows a notable uptick in complaints from 2 to 10 and the emergence of an investigation in 1991, though no recalls were issued and technical service bulletins remained steady at 5 each year. This suggests that while the 1979 model year itself generated very little reported trouble, the generation experienced a growing number of owner-reported issues as it aged into the early 1990s. The target year sits outside the documented trend, so its long-term reliability cannot be directly inferred from the later spike. Given the sparse data, the 1979 Ramcharger appears to be a relatively quiet year, but a buyer should still verify its condition and maintenance history.
All 2 complaints on record, top 2 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 1 of 1 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9002688 | 2013-02-13 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.