1996 Dodge RAM Van Problems
- Complaints
- 18filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 31,365miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Dodge RAM Van (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 1996 Dodge RAM Van. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 6 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and visibility (3). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 31,365 miles. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 9 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling3 17%
- Brakes2 11%
- Body and structure2 11%
- Tires2 11%
- Electrical system1 5.6%
- Exterior lighting1 5.6%
- Fuel system1 5.6%
Also reported: Steering (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “We submitted a letter to chrysler asking for a "goodwill repair refund" and had a phone call from the customer service center, al williams, stating that the three (3)year warranty had expired. We had explained that our leisure travel van with a Dodge v8 360 engine only on 31,365 on the transmission. He said it did not matter. The chrysler dealership that replace the transmission with a rebuilt transmission from chrysler stated that he had never seen a transmission "chewed up" like ours. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070599, filed 2004-01, 31,365 milesEngine cooling: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #720129, filed 2000-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Moveable side view mirrors slip with shutting doors and with travel at highway speed (>45 MPH). I (owner) attempted to repair initial slippage by tightening screws. Mirrors soon began slipping again, and vehicle was past 36,000 mile warranty. Screw threads are now stripped, mirrors won't maintain position. Dealer recommends purchasing two new mirror assemblies (exact same style) for several hundred dollars. Manufacturer rejected request to pay for installation of replacement mirrors from alternate source. …”
NHTSA complaint #752901, filed 2001-10Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 31,365 and 31,365 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 Dodge RAM Van in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 9 on record; the latest 9 are shown.
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Engine cooling. Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 2013Equipment, Electrical system, Engine cooling. 68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206…
- 10016603Aug 4, 2005Equipment. Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
Other model years of the Dodge RAM Van
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 16 | 50,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 14 | 56,030 | 1 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 33 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 29 | 49,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 47 | 71,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 22 | 111,374 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 16 | 95,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 18 | 31,365 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 14 | 144,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge RAM Van model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Dodge RAM Van have?
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 1996 Dodge RAM Van as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Dodge RAM Van is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 6 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1996 Dodge RAM Van been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Dodge RAM Van reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 31,365 miles and the middle half falls between 31,365 and 31,365 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.