VehicleVerdict

2001 Dodge Ram Van problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Ram Van year — the 2001 model ranks #2 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 (5), brakes (4), and visibility & wipers (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

40

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Ram Van years?

Ram Van NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram Van years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Dodge Ram Van problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System513%
Brakes410%
Steering410%
Visibility & Wipers410%
Transmission410%
Other38%
Engine38%
Tires & Wheels38%
Seat Belts25%
Suspension25%
Airbags13%
Body & Structure13%
Fuel System13%
Lighting13%
Latches & Locks13%
Seats13%

Does the 2001 Dodge Ram Van have recalls?

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

07V555000TransmissionDecember 4, 2007 · 576,418 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.

Consequence

EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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 LOCATION. THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. THE ABS MODULE AND WIRING CONNECTOR, TRUCK BATTERY, AND VARIOUS OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS WERE BURNT. VERIZON HAS HAD SIMILAR FIRES IN THIS MODEL VAN AND FEELS THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 15, 2004 · fire

“THE PROBLEM I HAVE HAD IS THAT THE ABS CONTROLS AND VALVES ARE MOUNTED UNDER THE BATTERY AND ACID HAS EATEN THE BRAKE LINES AND ABS VALVES. LUCKILY IT FAILED IN THE PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE ROAD MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 26, 2007

“VEHICLE DOESN'T DEFROST. WINDOWS STEAM UP, IF COLD ENOUGH ICE UP. NO VISIBILITY OUT ALL SIDE WINDOWS. BROUGHT IN WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, THEY REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT. WENT BACK A FEW WEEKS LATER AND WAS TOLD IT IS A "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THIS VEHICLE, "PUT SOME CARDBOARD IN FRONT OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 25, 2003

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM VAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL QUICKLY TO THE LEFT AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. HE WAS UNABLE TO STEER TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A RAILROAD GATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 22, 2007 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM VAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION. THE PART WAS REPAIRED. HE STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER LOCKED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 138,300.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 30, 2008

2001 Dodge Ram Van — common questions

Is the 2001 Dodge Ram Van reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 14 Ram Van years. It is one of the Ram Van years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Ram Van problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints).

Does the 2001 Dodge Ram Van have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Dodge Ram Van. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 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.