10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,689 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 2001 Dodge Ram Van 3500:

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

problem #16

Sep 152005

Ram Van 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,640 miles
The contact stated while driving at low speeds less than 10 mph, the ABS pump activated, causing difficulty in depressing the brake pedal. This occurred on dry road conditions and under normal braking. There were no warning indicators prior to the first incident. He took the vehicle to a nearby garage, who replaced the ABS sensor and the ABS modulator. The garage then took the vehicle to the dealership to have the codes put in for the ABS modulator. The vehicle had the same problem again. The manufacturer was contacted, and they told the contact to take the vehicle to the dealership. No repairs have been made. Updated 1/11/2006.

- Berne, NY, USA

problem #15

Aug 152005

Ram Van 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles
While driving down a hill the brakes went out. The contact was able to get it safely off the highway. This occurred on August 15, 2005. The contact took vehicle to a mechanic. They said that it was due to the way that the van was built. He said that it caused the battery to leak and burn a whole in the brake line. The vehicle is still at the mechanic's shop. The contact was concerned that someone else could have an accident due to the problem with the vehcile's structure.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #14

Jan 012003

Ram Van 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles
On August 30, 2005 the caller's husband was involved in an accident while traveling 25 mph. Upon impact, the airbags did not deploy. The caller's vehicle hit a school bus. There was no indication that the air bag would not deploy. Caller's husband was injured. A police report was taken. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. Caller said a week before the wreck she had the vehicle at the dealer for brakes, she said the brakes locked and the tires made a screeching sound. She did not know if the brakes and the accident were connected. The consumer stated there was another accident prior in which the air bags did not deploy.

- Holt Summit, MO, USA

problem #13

Mar 172005

Ram Van 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The brake pedal went to the floor while traveling on the highway. This caused consumer's vehicle to rear end a tractor trailer, lost control of the vehicle, and flipped twice, landing on the shoulder of the highway. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained head and back injuries, and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The vehicle was towed.

- White Oak, TX, USA

problem #12

Dec 282004

Ram Van 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and rear ended another vehicle. Both air bags did not deploy. No injuries. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. Please fill in additional information.

- Manor, TX, USA

problem #11

Oct 252001

Ram Van 3500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,380 miles
The steering wheel was hard to turn while driving at a low speed. The vehicle wandered across the road. The vehicle has been to the dealer on three separate occasions. The dealer replaced the steering box on two separate occasions and made some other repairs, however the problem continued. The consumer stated the brakes would grab, however the mechanic informed the consumer that was the way ABS worked.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #10

Feb 272003

(reported on)

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
When the brake was applied, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance.

- Lockport, NY, USA

problem #9

Mar 082002

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1500 quad cab, brake failed at 50-60 mph. There was a grinding noise. Dealer determined that bearings on right wheel were grounded to dust, no grease was visible.

- North Brunswick, NJ, USA

problem #8

Feb 012002

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving 10 mph, brakes were applied to avoid a collision, brakes locked up, and vehicle was involved in a front crash. Vehicle was totalled, no injuries.

- Deale, MD, USA

problem #7

Jul 102001

Ram Van 3500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
Total loss of steering and braking. Am in process of replacing power steering pump/brake vacuum pump (one unit) for the second time. At time of loss of steering and braking control was driving downhill with a full size camper on ice. Slid sideways and stopped in snowbank. Am afraid to drive vehicle after second incident. Know several drivers who have experienced same problem with 2001 Dodge Ram.

- Grants Pass, OR, USA

problem #6

Aug 172001

Ram Van 3500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When applying brakes back wheels lock up. It's noticeable mostly in gravel or wet road. Brakes will lock up, and make vehicle slide. Contact dealer, and dealer stated it was a problem with brakes.

- Dillshorn, IN, USA

problem #5

Jun 152001

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
Consumer was traveling 55mph on highway and traffic was moving slowly. There were three lanes of traffic, and he was trying to get into an opening to a clear lane. Applied brakes, and brakes didn't grab at all. Also, airbags didn't deploy, and hit a coach bus. Dealership was aware of problem.

- Abington, MA, USA

problem #4

Nov 152000

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
Braking system performs erratically. Problem with not stopping properly. Dealer / manufacturer were notified, and unwilling to assist in this matter. Please provide any further details concerning this situation.

- Campton, KY, USA

problem #3

Apr 052001

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
While driving could step on the brakes pedal and noise will come from bottom of vehicle, and another noise from fuel tank that makes a lot of noise, like bouncing. Could not be corrected by dealer. The consumer was concerned about the fuel tank noise and states that it should be investigated. There is a cluncking noise on take off or stoping due to trans mount failure.

- Cerritos, CA, USA

problem #2

Feb 062001

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
The ABS is very poor and dangerous in that on tire lock up or skid, the brakes on both rear wheels are released even if only one tire is on snow. This condition provides no stopping power. The consumer would like upgrading the ABS or removing it.

- Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA

problem #1

May 012000

Ram Van 3500 4WD Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle wanders into another lane when letting go of steering. Applying brakes and vehicle pulls to the right. Manufacturer & dealer say that vehicle is within specifications. The parts aren't available for corrections to take place.

- Lindon, UT, USA