10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 1
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1996 Dodge Ram Van 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #28

Oct 242001

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer states engine stalled while traveling down a mountain, consumer lost all control of vehicle and went off a 300 ft revene, vehicle finally stopped after striking a tree head on, air bag did not deploy, consumer sustained injuries, a month after purchasing vehicle, recall repairs were completed on vehicle regarding blower and igntion, consumer was later informed of additional recalls that needed to be repaired on vehicle, however consumer was never given any specific details about what was repaired/replaced.

- Monroe, GA, USA

problem #27

Aug 302001

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Northampton, PA, USA

problem #26

Jun 091999

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
While driving vehicle locked up, and consumer lost control of vehicle, causing a major crash, which resulted in vehicle totaled, and 1 fatality. No one determined the cause of the crash.

- Forest City, AR, USA

problem #25

Jun 172000

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
After having trouble with the starter could hear noise coming from the engine. Then vehicle caught on fire without a warning.

- Wichita Falls, TX, USA

problem #24

Nov 011999

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Last year, when I had made 23 payments on my van, it had been in the shop for 23 times. I drive nearly 100 miles to put it in the shop, so 23 X's 200 miles is a lot of mileage that was put on my van just for repairs. The first week we had the van, we called to complain that we couldn't even take it to carwash, because the windows leaked so badly....then the heater quit working, and on and on and I have had it in the shop numerous times for engine and transmission problems. I just feel like noone cares that I am so disappointed in Dodge and my van.

- Rush Springs, OK, USA

problem #23

Nov 011999

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Last year, when I had made 23 payments on my van, it had been in the shop for 23 times. I drive nearly 100 miles to put it in the shop, so 23 X's 200 miles is a lot of mileage that was put on my van just for repairs. The first week we had the van, we called to complain that we couldn't even take it to carwash, because the windows leaked so badly....then the heater quit working, and on and on and I have had it in the shop numerous times for engine and transmission problems. I just feel like noone cares that I am so disappointed in Dodge and my van.

- Rush Springs, OK, USA

problem #22

Nov 011999

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Last year, when I had made 23 payments on my van, it had been in the shop for 23 times. I drive nearly 100 miles to put it in the shop, so 23 X's 200 miles is a lot of mileage that was put on my van just for repairs. The first week we had the van, we called to complain that we couldn't even take it to carwash, because the windows leaked so badly....then the heater quit working, and on and on and I have had it in the shop numerous times for engine and transmission problems. I just feel like noone cares that I am so disappointed in Dodge and my van.

- Rush Springs, OK, USA

problem #21

Feb 252000

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
While traveling vehicle would stall without indicaton. Dealer has been notified. Also, oil pump needed to be replaced. Vehicle is on its third replacement.

- Roundrock, TX, USA

problem #20

Feb 142000

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
Original failure took place on Nov 26, 1997. The oil light came on and oil pressure droppped to zero. The oil pump was replaced under warranty. Then, on Jan 21, 1999 the same scenario happened again. This time the oil pump, connecting rod, crankshaft and gaskets were replaced at my expense as the vehicle was no longer under warranty nor were the parts that had been replaced. Finally, on February 14, 2000 the entire scenario took place again. The oil light came on and oil pressure dropped to zero. It appears that the oil pump will agin need to be replaced. At this point, the dealership is trying to say it is a lack of maintenance and should be repaired at my expense. My concern is that the vehicle has been maintained and that after 3 failures there is a definite problem with the vehicle. The vehicle is currently at the previously mentioned dealership awaiting repairs and the response from Chrysler Corp as to whether or not they will do so at their expense. Any help you can provide would be greatly a

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #19

Dec 101999

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
Intermittently when vehicle makes a left or right turn vehicle will stall out and die. Dealer has been notified.

- Louisville, OH, USA

problem #18

Sep 301999

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500 4WD

  • miles
I am a mechanic and have talked to other mechanics about my problem. The motor in my truck is 3 years old and is rusting from the inside out. I am told that Chrysler has had previous problems like this for many years. I know that many other people like me are having to fix there problems out of our own pockets. My problem is only fixed temporaly it can not be fixed. The next solution would be a new motor. I feel that this is a problem that Chrysler should attend to.

- Dover, PA, USA

problem #17

Apr 161999

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
Engine completely fell apart and was replaced by northe star Dodge in san antonio. Air conditioner has relay problems. Transmission found to have clutch pieces in it by independant used car tester. All windows and doors have air leaks and rain leaks. Vehicle leaks water up throught he floor board when driving in rain. Vehicle also shudders dramatically when going over 40 mph. Carberator has choke problems and is hard to start. Most if not all of these problems were reported to Dodge within 10,000 miles of purchase but due to stalling techiches by fiesta Dodge nothing has ever been remedied.

- Pipe Creek, TX, USA

problem #16

Mar 281999

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
No compression in the #6 cylinder may have caused the vehicle to loose power when going up grades.

- Ellensburg, WA, USA

problem #15

Apr 021999

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
While driving 70 mph vehicle completely shut down without warning. Vehicle has to be put into neutral to restart cause unknown.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #14

Nov 151998

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
Spent $1200 to rebuild entire front end of car due to excessive clunking and looseness after only 40,000 miles of lite street use. Factory installed componants obvoiusly inferior quality or defective. Dailmer Chrysler was willing to assist in the costs of the repair until the bills came in. Daimler Chrysler walked away from the issue. Rear window water leak - suggest other owners to look on passenger side for water ponding adjacent to sill plate at rear of seat. Rear factory sliding window defective. Must replace with alternate selection. Headliner will not fit properly on alternate selection - beware. Dodge Ram owners beware. This owner jumping ship from Dodge/Chrysler products. Only owned this vehical for 11 months.

- Danvers, MA, USA

problem #13

Jul 091998

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
Vehicle stalling for no apparent reason.

- Nanuet, NY, USA

problem #12

Jul 291998

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Within the first 1000 feet of driving engine is very sluggish, usually after vehicle has sat overnight. (qcaw)

- Jacksonvil, FL, USA

problem #11

Jan 291997

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
Engine fire.

- Lawrencebu, IN, USA

problem #10

Jun 011996

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine failed.

- Redlands, CA, USA

problem #9

Mar 291996

Ram Van 1500 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Engine running rough, idle fast.

- South Elgi, IL, USA

Read the next 8 complaints »