Dodge B Series Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 40 consumer complaints across the 4 model years of the Dodge B Series (1994–1998) that have at least 5 complaints. 1998 has the most, with 18. Across all years, the part named most often is electrical system (19 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All B Series model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 18 | 115,480 | 0 | 0 | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 6 | 37,960 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 7 | — | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 9 | — | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Electrical system19 48%
- Brakes5 13%
- Transmission and drivetrain4 10%
- Body and structure3 7.5%
- Steering3 7.5%
- Wheels2 5.0%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.0%
- Engine cooling2 5.0%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1998: “Verizon communications 1998 Dodge b van with 70591miles. While driving, the driver noticed a smell in the vehicle cab and smoke near the glove compartment. He pulled into a verizon parking lot and went inside to call his mechanic. While inside he was informed that his truck was on fire. He saw flames coming from under the hood, grabbed a fire extinguisher, extinguished the fire, and called the fire department. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075082, filed 2004-06, 70,591 miles1996: “Verizon communications 1996 Dodge b van with 37960 miles. The driver drove approx. 2 miles to his first job. Noticed nothing unusual. Parked in front of the customers house,noticed nothing unusual. Drove behind the house to the jobsite and smelled something burning. Exited the truck and saw flames from the right front wheelwell. Had the fire department extinguish the fire. An investigation by an outside contractor,hired by daimlerchrysler was inconclusive as to the cause of the fire, but listed a probable cause as the heater blower motor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075090, filed 2004-06, 37,960 milesOther Dodge models
13,779 complaintsDodge Grand Caravan
13,511 complaintsDodge RAM 1500
12,422 complaintsDodge Caravan
10,523 complaintsDodge Dakota
6,626 complaintsDodge RAM 2500
6,443 complaintsDodge Intrepid
6,223 complaintsDodge Charger
5,732 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology