1999 Dodge RAM Van
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM Van › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Dodge RAM Van. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
47 complaints6 involved a crash11 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
Vehicle IS unsafe to drive, frame around steering components very rusty
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
Severe rusting in unibody construction. Has rusted so severely van IS unsafe to drive. Vehicle has 133513 miles on it. Rust on under carriage IS extremely excessive. *tr
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
While driving the van the steering became uncertain, the van would not respond to the wheel. Inspection revealed that the frame in front of the front wheels had rusted away leaving nothing for the steering box to attach to and allowing it to turn when it should have remained fixed. This prevented…
While driving the van the steering became uncertain, the van would not respond to the wheel. Inspection revealed that the frame in front of the front wheels had rusted away leaving nothing for the steering box to attach to and allowing it to turn when it should have remained fixed. This prevented the wheels from steering. I also had a bracket which was part of the steering gear rust so that it broke off the frame earlier. the corresponding loss of control of the vehicle was very disturbing and I am thankful that no injury or accident resulted. I have owned many vehicles with rust problems which affected the appearance of the vehicle, but not the safety in a catastrophic manner. This van IS no longer able to be driven even though there IS nothing wrong with every other part of the car. Looking online I have found many others with complaints about this same situation. Owners of these vehicles should be warned before a tragedy occurs. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1999 dodge RAM b1500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed holes in the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. *tr
- Steering
I am the owner of a 1999 dodge RAM 1500. While my wife was driving approximately 40 mph the power steering failed and lost control of the vehicle without any warning. Being unable to control the vehicle the vehicle headed into oncoming traffic, the contact crashed into a ditch. The driver received…
I am the owner of a 1999 dodge RAM 1500. While my wife was driving approximately 40 mph the power steering failed and lost control of the vehicle without any warning. Being unable to control the vehicle the vehicle headed into oncoming traffic, the contact crashed into a ditch. The driver received minor injuries to her hand. The police were not contacted. The vehicle was later towed and he was informed that the steering linkage fractured due to the frame being rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, there was no response. The failure and current mileages were approximately 136,000. My wife and other drivers could have been killed. Research of this vehicle online shows this IS a common problem and should force a recall for repair. My van IS a RAM 1500 and I have found this complaint filed under RAM 1500 trucks and RAM vans. *Tr
- Steering · Structure › Body
Several months ago I bought a 1999 dodge RAM 1500 van with approximately 88,000. after driving on several trips we took it to the shop because the steering was loose and would occasionally make noise. the first mechanic we talked to said the front of the frame IS almost 80% rusted through on one…
Several months ago I bought a 1999 dodge RAM 1500 van with approximately 88,000. after driving on several trips we took it to the shop because the steering was loose and would occasionally make noise. the first mechanic we talked to said the front of the frame IS almost 80% rusted through on one side and where the steering box was attached to the frame was rusted to the point that he thought it was unrepairable and he was concerned with us even driving it home. we contacted a second business that deals with frame issues among other things. they were also concerned about the vehicle being driven more than a few miles. he said that there was not enough metal to weld to make it safe and the only way he saw to fix it was to get another frame and basically remove the frame from my vehicle and attach the new frame but he thought that we would have problems finding a frame that wasn't rusted and it would be very expensive to repair even if they did. after searching the internet I have found out that I am not alone in this problem it appears that the frame rusting IS common. we purchase the vehicle from the original owner that has always lived in missouri and he received free oil changes for as long as he owned the vehicle from royal gate dodge. I recently called the past owner about the vehicle when we found out it was unsafe and he said they never even mentioned it. I believe that dodge knew of the problem and the dangerous frame but have yet to do anything. please help me with both my vehicle issue and make sure they issue a recall to fix, compensate or whatever to get these dangerous vehicles off the street. *tr
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1999 dodge b-van station wagon. The contact stated that the entire front frame was completely rusted and had been eaten away by corrosion. In addition the contact was able to turn the steering wheel a full 360 degrees. The contact was driving the vehicle when the steering…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 dodge b-van station wagon. The contact stated that the entire front frame was completely rusted and had been eaten away by corrosion. In addition the contact was able to turn the steering wheel a full 360 degrees. The contact was driving the vehicle when the steering column collapsed and the vehicle stopped independently. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was discovered that the entire front frame was completely corroded. The failure and the current mileages were 71,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
April 2004 a loss of oil precluded premature engine failure at 46,000 miles in my 1999 dodge RAM 2500 van. May 1, 2010 the replacement engine with 36,000 miles experienced a sudden loss of oil that registered on my oil pressure gauge. Three quarts of oil were required to bring the oil to normal…
April 2004 a loss of oil precluded premature engine failure at 46,000 miles in my 1999 dodge RAM 2500 van. May 1, 2010 the replacement engine with 36,000 miles experienced a sudden loss of oil that registered on my oil pressure gauge. Three quarts of oil were required to bring the oil to normal volume. I have continued regular oil changes and engine maintenance. The rebuilt engine I was sold replaced the failed engine. Upon inspection of the failed engine I was told that I followed all maintenance procedures and they could not determine the cause of the failure. I fear this IS a re-occurrence of the original problem that will lead and may be inherent in the engines used in this vehicle. Improper lubrication in an engine can lead to premature engine failure. Nhtsa item 610005 and 606035 shows that chrysler/dodge knows of a defect in the engine that leads to oil loss. *Tr
- Electrical system
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. The van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area while parked. The van IS declared a "total loss". Daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem.…
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. The van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area while parked. The van IS declared a "total loss". Daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. Verizon has had 30 under hood fire incidents that occurred after the recall was performed. This IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation and action. *Tr
- Electrical system
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. the van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area while it was parked at a jobsite. daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. verizon has had 29…
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. the van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area while it was parked at a jobsite. daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. verizon has had 29 incidents that occurred after the recall was performed. this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation and action. *Tr
- Electrical system
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. the van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area. the driver complained that the speedometer was not working correctly. when diagnosing the complaint the mechanic discovered that the ABS module connector and wiring were burnt.…
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. the van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area. the driver complained that the speedometer was not working correctly. when diagnosing the complaint the mechanic discovered that the ABS module connector and wiring were burnt. daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. verizon has had 29 incidents that occurred after the recall was performed. this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation and action. *Tr
- Electrical system
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. the van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area. daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. verizon has had 29 incidents that occurred after the recall was performed. this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation and action. *Tr
- Electrical system
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. the van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area. the driver complained that the speedometer and instrument cluster were not working correctly. when diagnosing the complaint the mechanic discovered that the ABS module connector…
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. the van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area. the driver complained that the speedometer and instrument cluster were not working correctly. when diagnosing the complaint the mechanic discovered that the ABS module connector and wiring were burnt. daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. verizon has had 29 incidents that occurred after the recall was performed. this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation and action. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt*: the contact stated the exterior metal on the brake lines rusted through. this was noticed while being inspected by the contact. the dealership was alerted, but the contact replaced the metal brake lines. updatred 05/02/06. *Jb
- Unknown or other
1999 dodge RAM van. *Ts the consumer tried to avoid rear ending another vehicle who didn't have on any lights by over correcting to the right. The consumer drove off the right side of the road and hit a ditch. The consumer then rolled over two times and landed on the roof . (Ohio traffic crash report) *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving on the expressway my oil pressure gauge dropped to 0 psig. it had been approximately 2000 miles since my last oil change. when I stopped at the gas station to check the oil, I discovered my oil was about 3 quarts low. I purchased 3 qts of oil and installed it in the engine and…
While driving on the expressway my oil pressure gauge dropped to 0 psig. it had been approximately 2000 miles since my last oil change. when I stopped at the gas station to check the oil, I discovered my oil was about 3 quarts low. I purchased 3 qts of oil and installed it in the engine and continued to have problems the rest of the way home (gauge dropping to 0 psi, but no real noticeable clacking of lifters). I experienced this sort of problem in 2002 when my 1999 dodge RAM van (318 ci) went on a trip to ny and used about 12 quarts of oil with less than 30,000 miles on the vehicle. two months out of warranty and had to fight like crazy with chrysler to cover it (i ended up having to pay a deductible to get this problem resolved). I am not sure what to do at this point with the van which IS now almost seven years old with 55,000 miles. not a very dependable machine and promise to never own another chrysler product as long as I live. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
/18/05 1999 dodge RAM van 360 ci V-8 I bought the vehicle in the summer of 2000. I drive it very little-current mileage IS 37,000 after 5 yrs. Ownership. we just took a trip to california, and went through almost a case of oil! also, the engine was pinging quite a bit-especially at highway…
/18/05 1999 dodge RAM van 360 ci V-8 I bought the vehicle in the summer of 2000. I drive it very little-current mileage IS 37,000 after 5 yrs. Ownership. we just took a trip to california, and went through almost a case of oil! also, the engine was pinging quite a bit-especially at highway speeds. I got on the internet when I got home from the trip, and found numerous complaints and comments from others who have had similar problems. a couple of them referred to a technical service bulletin that was supposed to have been issued by dodge, but I couldn't find it (probably not available to the consumer). I called kari dodge (local dealership) and described the problem to the service manager. he was very familiar with this problem-said it was common among 1999 and 2000 318 and 360 engines. he said the problem IS caused by a faulty intake manifold gasket, and that I shouldn't be driving it, because engine damage could result. I made an appointment to have them check it out-and the cost will be $540 to make the repair. looking back in time, I first noticed that the engine was pinging around 3 years ago, on a previous trip to california (it's most noticeable on extended highway trips-which I don't take very often). I would guess the mileage on the vehicle would have been around 20,000, which would have meant the warranty would have covered the repair. I just thought the problem was due to low octane fuel, so I started using higher octane fuel. then, of course, from that time on, I have mainly been using the vehicle in town and rarely go over 50 mph, which makes the problem less noticeable. I really feel that this should be a recall issue for dodge. on top of that, it makes me very unhappy that a potentially engine damaging defect like this could be allowed to exist-without some sort of notification to the owner. I suppose if they did that much, then it would be an admission of guilt on their part. *jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
The seat back on the driver's side collapsed while driving 30 mph. vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that both brackets, which held the seat back in place broke. dealer was not notified at this time.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while parked overnight at the employees house. The truck IS a total-loss. The fire appears to have originated in the ABS module area. The fire destroyed most of the underhood area, the front of the van body, the dashboard and steering column, the…
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while parked overnight at the employees house. The truck IS a total-loss. The fire appears to have originated in the ABS module area. The fire destroyed most of the underhood area, the front of the van body, the dashboard and steering column, the windsheild, and the headliner. Verizon has had similar fires in this model van and feels that this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation. *Ak
- Service brakes, air › Supply › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Left my home for work and got to the second stop from my home and did not have sufficeint brakes to stop the van. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. fter inspecting fluid resevoir, I determined the fluid level almost empty and started to look for leakage at wheel cylinders, etc. Found…
Left my home for work and got to the second stop from my home and did not have sufficeint brakes to stop the van. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. fter inspecting fluid resevoir, I determined the fluid level almost empty and started to look for leakage at wheel cylinders, etc. Found fluid below the ABS valving. It appears that the battery being right above the valving has allowed battery acid to deteriorate the brake lines. At least 5 lines appear to have corrosive damage. Looks like a very serious problem. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
The ABS warning light and the brake warning light were illuminated. scan tool data showed codes for"abs pump stalled" were stored and active. replacement of the ABS module and the ABS ehcu were required to repair the vehicle. verizon has had many underhood fires in this model van which…
The ABS warning light and the brake warning light were illuminated. scan tool data showed codes for"abs pump stalled" were stored and active. replacement of the ABS module and the ABS ehcu were required to repair the vehicle. verizon has had many underhood fires in this model van which originated in the ABS module area. verizon feels that this IS an unsafe condition which warrants further investigation and repair by daimlerchrysler.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while parked in a verizon parking facility. the fire originated in the ABS module area. the ABS module and wiring connector, truck battery, and various other underhood components were burnt. verizon has had similar fires in this model van and feels that this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while it was in the repair facility for an instrument cluster intermitten operation complaint. when the technician connected the scan tool to the vehicle he noticed smoke from under the hood. the fire originated in the ABS module area. the ABS module and…
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while it was in the repair facility for an instrument cluster intermitten operation complaint. when the technician connected the scan tool to the vehicle he noticed smoke from under the hood. the fire originated in the ABS module area. the ABS module and wiring connector along with the truck battery were burnt. verizon has had similar fires in this model van and feels that this IS a safety issue that warrants further investigation.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire which originated in the ABS module area. this fire started on a weekend while the vehicle was parked in an enclosed parking building. the ABS module and wiring, truck battery, and various other underhood components were burnt. verizon has had similar fires in this model van and feels this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while being driven which originated in the ABS module area. the ABS module and wiring connector, truck battery, and other underhood components were burnt. verizon has had similar fires in this model van and feels that this IS a safety issue which warrants further investigation.
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.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 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.
- 10191455Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 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.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 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.
- 6092281Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).
- 6092279Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089780Information on erroneous engine miss while performing diagnostics with the diagnostic scan tool (drb III).
- 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634117Subject regarding flash: malfunction indicator lamp illumination for injector circuit fault. *Slc
- 634087Subject regarding remote keyless entry programming procedures. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 633497Subject regarding the outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 629153Subject regarding 46RE shift quality and durability improvements.
- 629151Subject regarding 1999 my engine spark knock.
- 629144Onwers of certain vehicles equipped with 9.25 axle may complain that vehicle speed IS inaccurate.
- 628294This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for steering sensitivity.
- 625650Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement.
- 625597Subject regarding steering wander diagnosis.
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620071Subject regarding additional diagnostic for diagnostic trouble codes caused by an evaporative system leak.
- 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.
- 619511On some vehicles the on-board diagnostic (obd) system may not detect a catalyst failure as required by california emissions regulation. As a result, the obd system may not illuminate the check engine light if a catalyst fails.
- 616731Advance service information regarding revised alignment specifications.
- 616727Subject regarding outside mirror glass replacement.
- 616723Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light to moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
Every Dodge RAM Van model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.