Dodge RAM VAN Problems by Year
NHTSA has 209 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Dodge RAM VAN, across 9 model years (1995–2003). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (47). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Dodge RAM VAN years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RAM VAN year: 1999. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1999 RAM VAN: 47 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2001 RAM VAN: 33 complaints, 1 recall
- 2000 RAM VAN: 29 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1995 RAM VAN: 14 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2002 RAM VAN: 14 complaints, 1 recall
- 1997 RAM VAN: 16 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Dodge RAM VAN problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 40 | 9 | 0 |
| Structure | 25 | 9 | 0 |
| Steering | 24 | 8 | 1 |
| Power Train | 22 | 7 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 21 | 8 | 3 |
| Suspension | 20 | 7 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 16 | 7 | 0 |
| Tires | 15 | 7 | 1 |
| Visibility | 15 | 7 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 13 | 7 | 6 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Seats | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Dodge RAM VAN model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 RAM VAN | 16 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2002 RAM VAN | 14 | 1 | — | Structure | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2001 RAM VAN | 33 | 1 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 2000 RAM VAN | 29 | 0 | — | Structure | More complaints than other years |
| 1999 RAM VAN | 47 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1998 RAM VAN | 22 | 1 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 1997 RAM VAN | 16 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1996 RAM VAN | 18 | 0 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1995 RAM VAN | 14 | 0 | — | Power Train | Fewer complaints than other years |
More from Dodge: all Dodge models · Dodge VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge RAM VAN years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1999 (47) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RAM VAN year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Dodge RAM VAN?
Electrical System, with 40 complaints across 9 model years.
How many recalls does the Dodge RAM VAN have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.