1996 Dodge RAM Van
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM Van › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Dodge RAM Van. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
18 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
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…
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. we have made several phone calls to chrysler asking for a letter stating exactly why they were denying our request for a "goodwill repair refund". we have had no calls returned and can not reach their customer number because it IS always busy. on line "ask" questions never respond to a question.
- Tires › Tread/belt
Dunlop, at, p255/70r15, dot dbm2ga2428, replacement equipment with 1000 miles on a 1996 RAM 250 van. driver rear tire had tread separation at 65 mph. on 6, august 2002 passenger rear tire had tread separation at 65 mph, mileage was 6000 miles. *ak all the tires now have tread seperation and the…
Dunlop, at, p255/70r15, dot dbm2ga2428, replacement equipment with 1000 miles on a 1996 RAM 250 van. driver rear tire had tread separation at 65 mph. on 6, august 2002 passenger rear tire had tread separation at 65 mph, mileage was 6000 miles. *ak all the tires now have tread seperation and the dealer sent them back to dunlop which only pro-rated the defective tires. consumer feels that dunlop should replace the tires at equal value because he could have lost his life or been injured due to the defect. *scc
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving at highway speeds transmission went out. vehicle was no longer driveable.*ak
- Structure › Body
Vehicle was supposed to be a three quater tone vehicle, but after further review consumer found out that vehicle was half tone. when contacting dealer, dealer noted that they knew about it. it was manufactured that way because of better handling.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
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…
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. note: I previously owned a 1987 dodge van which suffered the same problem, although not quite as severely. the problem IS clearly due to a long-term failure of chrysler to address an obviously defective design. absence of working side view mirrors represents a significant safety hazard, although in this case no accident has yet resulted.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Replacement tires on a dodge, RAM van, 3500 1996, tire size lt22575r16, and tire mileage 15,000. while driving 65 mph on highway tread separated on left rear tire. no collison or injuries occurred. *Ak damage was done to the right rear quarter panel, firestone steeltex, dot number vd1l1xd419. *slc
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Steering wheel and column IS extremely loose which has resulted in severe problems maneuvering vehicle. Problem becomes more pronounced when making a right or left turn ,cause has not yet to be determined. No collisions or injuries have occurred due to the problem. *Ak consumer was informed that…
Steering wheel and column IS extremely loose which has resulted in severe problems maneuvering vehicle. Problem becomes more pronounced when making a right or left turn ,cause has not yet to be determined. No collisions or injuries have occurred due to the problem. *Ak consumer was informed that there had been a recall regarding the dodge minivans steering problems, however consumers vehicle did not fit recall because it was a full size van. *slc
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Consumer states that in owners manual vehicle IS equipped with a shift interlock system which would prevent vehicle from being removed from park without applying brakes. Consumer received notification that vehicle, in fact, IS not equipped with this safety feature. please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Transmission lines that connected to radiator were leaking transmission fluid which could result in a fire hazard. consumer received a recall notice, unknown campaign number, regarding this issue. Previously had repair work performed. *ak transmission cooler connector was repaired on recall. *yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust pipe cracked completely around weak point in pipe caused by oxygen sensor mount
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission locked into 2ND gear and stalled while going 60 mph on the highway. Power steering was lost and getting the van across 3 lanes of city traffic while losing speed was very difficult. Complete transmission needed to be replaced w/ repairs at owners cost. Only 6 months over 3 yr.…
The transmission locked into 2ND gear and stalled while going 60 mph on the highway. Power steering was lost and getting the van across 3 lanes of city traffic while losing speed was very difficult. Complete transmission needed to be replaced w/ repairs at owners cost. Only 6 months over 3 yr. Warrenty and only 12,000 miles on the 36,000 mile warrenty. Chrysler would not take resposiblity even when we had the van into a chrysler dealer the month before complaining that something was wrong with the transmission. They returned the van saying there was no problem. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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…
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. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Making routine stop engine will begin to surge for at least 20 seconds, causing the consumer to press hard on brakes until they squeak, resulting in loss of control. Dealer has reprogrammed computer 3 times and replaced idle speed motor. Defect IS still occurring. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
The brake pads and calipers wear out too quickly. has been to dealer twice. Vehicle only has 50,000 miles on it. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield
The rear passenger's side door window exploded spontaneously overnight. The dealer has done nothing. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Brake light solenoid failed.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Master cylinder failed.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline · Structure › Body · Structure › Body › Door · Vehicle speed control
While driving, could hear wind noise coming through the door on driver's side, continued driving, later, checked door, door lock post where normally welded to frame/covered with sheet metal, came off. dealer rewelded door post back to frame. *ak had to be redone again 6 months later. water leak…
While driving, could hear wind noise coming through the door on driver's side, continued driving, later, checked door, door lock post where normally welded to frame/covered with sheet metal, came off. dealer rewelded door post back to frame. *ak had to be redone again 6 months later. water leak at rear seam. while cruise control was activated at 68 mph, vehicle accelerated to 78 mph and was climbing. while driving in extreme heat, the clutch fan engages, there IS a loss of power, and there IS very low fuel economy. *slc
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.…
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate IS low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue IS unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation IS being closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use 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.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging 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 reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169247Use 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.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 1013900968069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~
- 10016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089030This bulletin involves reverse buzz (46RE) *nlm
- 6089000Information on transmission cooler reverse flushing with cooler bypass kit installed. *Nlm
- 6088991This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation, inhibitor programming. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088803Information regarding no start - engin failed to crank. *Nlm
- 6088763Concerns with clunking noise in front suspension. *Nlm
- 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620066Subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 619512Customer satisfaction notification to correct a statement in the vehicle's owners manual. This statement indicates that certain vehicles are equipped with an interlock brake system. This IS incorrect.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 610616Some customers may comment on a squeaking / clicking noise from rear leaf springs.
- 610005Experiencing spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 607913Subject regarding spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak.
- 607905Experiencing squeaking noise from rear leaf springs.
- 607681Subject regarding accelerated brake lining wear, front versus rear.
- 606160Brief information on the use of asbestos fiber brake linings.
- 604975Vehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear IS selected.
- 604709Experiencing error when reading airbag control module (acm) active diagnostic trouble codes (dtc)when using the drbiii and the 1994 - 1997 supercard 2 (ch8361).
- 603635Subject on flash programming failure recovery.
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