VehicleVerdict

1993 Dodge Ram Van problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1993 Dodge Ram Van — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Ram Van years?

Ram Van NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted56 complaints1989: 1 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 9 complaints1995: 17 complaints1996: 36 complaints1997: 26 complaints1998: 38 complaints1999: 56 complaints2000: 35 complaints2001: 40 complaints2002: 16 complaints2003: 22 complaints
Ram Van NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram Van years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Dodge Ram Van problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes250%
Electrical System125%
Other125%

Does the 1993 Dodge Ram Van have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

93V082000BrakesMay 11, 1993 · 2,000 units

Defect

SOME OF THE ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN UNDERSIZED BRAKE RETURN CHECK VALVE. IN INCIDENTS WHERE HARD BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT IS APPLIED ON LOW FRICTION ROAD SURFACES, LIKE RAIN COVERED STREETS, THE VALVES MAY FAIL, CAUSING THE ABS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CREATES EXCESS BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND MAY CAUSE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON.

Consequence

LACK OF FRONT WHEEL ABS COULD CAUSE THE FRONT WHEELBRAKES TO LOCK, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE RETURN CHECK VALVE WITH THE CORRECT VALVE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CAR WAS IN PARK WITH EM. BRAKE ON, PARKED ON AN INCLINE. DRIVER LEFT CAR RUNNING FOR APPROX. 4 MINS. WHEN SHE RETURNED, SHE DECIDED NOT TO LEAVE AGAIN, SO REACHED IN AND TURNED KEY TO SHUT OF IGNITION. VAN ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN HILL. EMER. BRAKE WAS STILL ON. DRIVER FELL OUT OF CAR. CAR WENT DOWN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 4, 2000 · crash

“EVERY YEAR SINCE OCT. 2000 (BOUGHT THE VAN IN MARCH 2000) WHEN WE USE THE AC THE CHECK GUAGES LIGHT COMES ON, THE OIL PRESSURE DROPS AND THE ENGINE MAKES A TAPPING NOISE. IN OCT. OF 2000 WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE PCM AND THEY REPLACED THAT ALONG WITH AN AC MODULE. TWICE THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 15, 2002 · crash

“EVERY YEAR SINCE OCT. 2000 (BOUGHT THE VAN IN MARCH 2000) WHEN WE USE THE AC THE CHECK GUAGES LIGHT COMES ON, THE OIL PRESSURE DROPS AND THE ENGINE MAKES A TAPPING NOISE. IN OCT. OF 2000 WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE PCM AND THEY REPLACED THAT ALONG WITH AN AC MODULE. TWICE THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 15, 2002 · crash

1993 Dodge Ram Van — common questions

Is the 1993 Dodge Ram Van reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1993 Dodge Ram Van have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Dodge Ram Van. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Ram Van years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram Van years to avoid are 1999, 2001, 1998, 1996, 2000. The cleanest record among Ram Van years belongs to 1991.

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.