1996 Dodge Ram Van problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Ram Van year — the 1996 model ranks #4 of 14 Ram Van years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (8), engine (7), and visibility & wipers (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1996 compare to other Ram Van years?
What are the most common 1996 Dodge Ram Van problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 8 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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”
1996 Dodge Ram Van — common questions
Is the 1996 Dodge Ram Van reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 1996 model at #4 of 14 Ram Van years. It is one of the Ram Van years to avoid.
What are the most common 1996 Ram Van problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (8 complaints), engine (7 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints).
Does the 1996 Dodge Ram Van have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 Dodge Ram Van.
Is the 1996 Dodge Ram Van under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.