VehicleVerdict

1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Mini Ram Van years?

Mini Ram Van NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted12 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 12 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 2 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 7 complaints1997: 2 complaints1999: 1 complaints
Mini Ram Van NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mini Ram Van years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks1100%

Does the 1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

88V107000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 1988 · 4,000 units

Defect

FUEL TANKS MAY BE CONSTRUCTED OF IMPROPER MATERIAL.

Consequence

FUEL COULD LEAK AT THE TANK SEAM WHICH, IN PRESENCE OFAN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE SUSPECT FUEL TANKS.

88V010000Fuel SystemJanuary 26, 1988 · 375 units

Defect

FUEL TANKS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING TANK MANUFACTURE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WITH THE POTENTIAL FORA FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FUEL TANKS AS NECESSARY.

1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van — common questions

Is the 1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.