1999 Dodge Ram Van problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 56 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Ram Van year — the 1999 model ranks #1 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 electrical system (12), brakes (10), and body & structure (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
56
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
11
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Ram Van years?
What are the most common 1999 Dodge Ram Van problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 12 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 10 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 5 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 5 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“DRIVER WAS MAKING A PANIC STOP WHEN BRAKES TOTALLY FAILED, CAUSING REAR END CRASH. VEHICLE DID NOT STOP.FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP, BUT REAR DID NOT. IT TOOK DEALER 2 WEEKS TO FIX DEFECT. ALSO, THEY HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL CYLINDERS/ SPRINGS/ PADS AND TURN DRUMS. *AK”
“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”
“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…”
“BOTH AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN FRONTAL COLLISION, RESULTING IN SEVERE STRUCTUAL DAMAGE, INCLUDING FIREWALL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE DECLARED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE COMPANY. COULD NOT BE REPAIRED TO A SAFE CONDITION.*AK”
1999 Dodge Ram Van — common questions
Is the 1999 Dodge Ram Van reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 56 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 14 Ram Van years. It is one of the Ram Van years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Ram Van problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints).
Does the 1999 Dodge Ram Van have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Dodge Ram Van.
Is the 1999 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.