Owners have filed 56 complaints
about the 1999 Dodge RAM VAN with NHTSA between 2000 and 2016.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 88
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM VAN. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
55.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 5
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Front Underhood
627.3%
Frontal
418.2%
Underbody Shields
29.1%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
29.1%
Body
29.1%
Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
29.1%
Recliner
29.1%
Engine
29.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
617.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1132.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
926.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
720.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2000peak 8Mar 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Dodge RAM VAN
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE02082Opened 6 Nov 2002Closed 23 Apr 2003SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
Recalls on the 1999 Dodge RAM VAN
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20041294,392 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector and compromise the sealing integrity of the connector. This may allow development of a high resistance short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire. Correction: Dealer will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage, and replace the connector as necessary. All affected vehicles will also have a shield installed to protect the connector from future battery electrolyte leakage.
Recall 200113410,930 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of C.M.V.S.S. No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The front seat belt retractor may not work properly, it therefore will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractor.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 136,000 milesShelby Township, MICrash1 injured
STEERING
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 MINOR INJURIES TO HER HAND. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED AND HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING LINKAGE FRACTURED DUE TO THE FRAME BEING RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 136,000. MY WIFE AND OTHER DRIVERS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. RESEARCH OF THIS VEHICLE ONLINE SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD FORCE A RECALL FOR REPAIR. MY VAN IS A RAM 1500 AND I HAVE FOUND THIS COMPLAINT FILED UNDER RAM 1500 TRUCKS AND RAM VANS.
NHTSA complaint #10493618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,675 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA WHILE PARKED. THE VAN IS DECLARED A "TOTAL LOSS". DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 30 UNDER HOOD FIRE INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10256506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,979 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. THE DRIVER COMPLAINED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHEN DIAGNOSING THE COMPLAINT THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR AND WIRING WERE BURNT. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10243800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,321 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT A JOBSITE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10243803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,731 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10243798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,769 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. THE DRIVER COMPLAINED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHEN DIAGNOSING THE COMPLAINT THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR AND WIRING WERE BURNT. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10243639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 100,000 milesPalos Hills, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, FRAME AROUND STEERING COMPONENTS VERY RUSTY
NHTSA complaint #10851779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,513 milesIndianapolis, IN
SUSPENSION
SEVERE RUSTING IN UNIBODY CONSTRUCTION. HAS RUSTED SO SEVERELY VAN IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE HAS 133513 MILES ON IT. RUST ON UNDER CARRIAGE IS EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10598603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,513 milesIndianapolis, IN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
SEVERE RUSTING IN UNIBODY CONSTRUCTION. HAS RUSTED SO SEVERELY VAN IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE HAS 133513 MILES ON IT. RUST ON UNDER CARRIAGE IS EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10598603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,462 milesWoodridge, IL
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE VAN THE STEERING BECAME UNCERTAIN, THE VAN WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE WHEEL. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE FRAME IN FRONT OF THE FRONT WHEELS HAD RUSTED AWAY LEAVING NOTHING FOR THE STEERING BOX TO ATTACH TO AND ALLOWING IT TO TURN WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE REMAINED FIXED. THIS PREVENTED THE WHEELS FROM STEERING. I ALSO HAD A BRACKET WHICH WAS PART OF THE STEERING GEAR RUST SO THAT IT BROKE OFF THE FRAME EARLIER. THE CORRESPONDING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DISTURBING AND I AM THANKFUL THAT NO INJURY OR ACCIDENT RESULTED. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES WITH RUST PROBLEMS WHICH AFFECTED THE APPEARANCE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT NOT THE SAFETY IN A CATASTROPHIC MANNER. THIS VAN IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE DRIVEN EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH EVERY OTHER PART OF THE CAR. LOOKING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME SITUATION. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE WARNED BEFORE A TRAGEDY OCCURS.
NHTSA complaint #10585166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,462 milesWoodridge, IL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
WHILE DRIVING THE VAN THE STEERING BECAME UNCERTAIN, THE VAN WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE WHEEL. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE FRAME IN FRONT OF THE FRONT WHEELS HAD RUSTED AWAY LEAVING NOTHING FOR THE STEERING BOX TO ATTACH TO AND ALLOWING IT TO TURN WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE REMAINED FIXED. THIS PREVENTED THE WHEELS FROM STEERING. I ALSO HAD A BRACKET WHICH WAS PART OF THE STEERING GEAR RUST SO THAT IT BROKE OFF THE FRAME EARLIER. THE CORRESPONDING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DISTURBING AND I AM THANKFUL THAT NO INJURY OR ACCIDENT RESULTED. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES WITH RUST PROBLEMS WHICH AFFECTED THE APPEARANCE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT NOT THE SAFETY IN A CATASTROPHIC MANNER. THIS VAN IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE DRIVEN EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH EVERY OTHER PART OF THE CAR. LOOKING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME SITUATION. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE WARNED BEFORE A TRAGEDY OCCURS.
NHTSA complaint #10585166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesBaltimore, MD
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10513825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesShelby Township, MICrash1 injured
STEERING
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 MINOR INJURIES TO HER HAND. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED AND HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING LINKAGE FRACTURED DUE TO THE FRAME BEING RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 136,000. MY WIFE AND OTHER DRIVERS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. RESEARCH OF THIS VEHICLE ONLINE SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD FORCE A RECALL FOR REPAIR. MY VAN IS A RAM 1500 AND I HAVE FOUND THIS COMPLAINT FILED UNDER RAM 1500 TRUCKS AND RAM VANS.
NHTSA complaint #10493618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesWentzville, MO
STEERING
SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I BOUGHT A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 VAN WITH APPROXIMATELY 88,000. AFTER DRIVING ON SEVERAL TRIPS WE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS LOOSE AND WOULD OCCASIONALLY MAKE NOISE. THE FIRST MECHANIC WE TALKED TO SAID THE FRONT OF THE FRAME IS ALMOST 80% RUSTED THROUGH ON ONE SIDE AND WHERE THE STEERING BOX WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WAS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT HE THOUGHT IT WAS UNREPAIRABLE AND HE WAS CONCERNED WITH US EVEN DRIVING IT HOME. WE CONTACTED A SECOND BUSINESS THAT DEALS WITH FRAME ISSUES AMONG OTHER THINGS. THEY WERE ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN MORE THAN A FEW MILES. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH METAL TO WELD TO MAKE IT SAFE AND THE ONLY WAY HE SAW TO FIX IT WAS TO GET ANOTHER FRAME AND BASICALLY REMOVE THE FRAME FROM MY VEHICLE AND ATTACH THE NEW FRAME BUT HE THOUGHT THAT WE WOULD HAVE PROBLEMS FINDING A FRAME THAT WASN'T RUSTED AND IT WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR EVEN IF THEY DID. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS PROBLEM IT APPEARS THAT THE FRAME RUSTING IS COMMON. WE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER THAT HAS ALWAYS LIVED IN MISSOURI AND HE RECEIVED FREE OIL CHANGES FOR AS LONG AS HE OWNED THE VEHICLE FROM ROYAL GATE DODGE. I RECENTLY CALLED THE PAST OWNER ABOUT THE VEHICLE WHEN WE FOUND OUT IT WAS UNSAFE AND HE SAID THEY NEVER EVEN MENTIONED IT. I BELIEVE THAT DODGE KNEW OF THE PROBLEM AND THE DANGEROUS FRAME BUT HAVE YET TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE HELP ME WITH BOTH MY VEHICLE ISSUE AND MAKE SURE THEY ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX, COMPENSATE OR WHATEVER TO GET THESE DANGEROUS VEHICLES OFF THE STREET.
NHTSA complaint #10489551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesWentzville, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY
SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I BOUGHT A 1999 DODGE RAM 1500 VAN WITH APPROXIMATELY 88,000. AFTER DRIVING ON SEVERAL TRIPS WE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS LOOSE AND WOULD OCCASIONALLY MAKE NOISE. THE FIRST MECHANIC WE TALKED TO SAID THE FRONT OF THE FRAME IS ALMOST 80% RUSTED THROUGH ON ONE SIDE AND WHERE THE STEERING BOX WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WAS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT HE THOUGHT IT WAS UNREPAIRABLE AND HE WAS CONCERNED WITH US EVEN DRIVING IT HOME. WE CONTACTED A SECOND BUSINESS THAT DEALS WITH FRAME ISSUES AMONG OTHER THINGS. THEY WERE ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN MORE THAN A FEW MILES. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH METAL TO WELD TO MAKE IT SAFE AND THE ONLY WAY HE SAW TO FIX IT WAS TO GET ANOTHER FRAME AND BASICALLY REMOVE THE FRAME FROM MY VEHICLE AND ATTACH THE NEW FRAME BUT HE THOUGHT THAT WE WOULD HAVE PROBLEMS FINDING A FRAME THAT WASN'T RUSTED AND IT WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR EVEN IF THEY DID. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS PROBLEM IT APPEARS THAT THE FRAME RUSTING IS COMMON. WE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER THAT HAS ALWAYS LIVED IN MISSOURI AND HE RECEIVED FREE OIL CHANGES FOR AS LONG AS HE OWNED THE VEHICLE FROM ROYAL GATE DODGE. I RECENTLY CALLED THE PAST OWNER ABOUT THE VEHICLE WHEN WE FOUND OUT IT WAS UNSAFE AND HE SAID THEY NEVER EVEN MENTIONED IT. I BELIEVE THAT DODGE KNEW OF THE PROBLEM AND THE DANGEROUS FRAME BUT HAVE YET TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE HELP ME WITH BOTH MY VEHICLE ISSUE AND MAKE SURE THEY ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX, COMPENSATE OR WHATEVER TO GET THESE DANGEROUS VEHICLES OFF THE STREET.
NHTSA complaint #10489551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesSterling Heights, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE B-VAN STATION WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND HAD BEEN EATEN AWAY BY CORROSION. IN ADDITION THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A FULL 360 DEGREES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN COLLAPSED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #10467615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesSterling Heights, MI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE B-VAN STATION WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND HAD BEEN EATEN AWAY BY CORROSION. IN ADDITION THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A FULL 360 DEGREES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN COLLAPSED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #10467615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
APRIL 2004 A LOSS OF OIL PRECLUDED PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE AT 46,000 MILES IN MY 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 VAN. MAY 1, 2010 THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WITH 36,000 MILES EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF OIL THAT REGISTERED ON MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE. THREE QUARTS OF OIL WERE REQUIRED TO BRING THE OIL TO NORMAL VOLUME. I HAVE CONTINUED REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND ENGINE MAINTENANCE. THE REBUILT ENGINE I WAS SOLD REPLACED THE FAILED ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FAILED ENGINE I WAS TOLD THAT I FOLLOWED ALL MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. I FEAR THIS IS A RE-OCCURRENCE OF THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM THAT WILL LEAD AND MAY BE INHERENT IN THE ENGINES USED IN THIS VEHICLE. IMPROPER LUBRICATION IN AN ENGINE CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. NHTSA ITEM 610005 AND 606035 SHOWS THAT CHRYSLER/DODGE KNOWS OF A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE THAT LEADS TO OIL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10328996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,675 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA WHILE PARKED. THE VAN IS DECLARED A "TOTAL LOSS". DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 30 UNDER HOOD FIRE INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10256506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,979 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. THE DRIVER COMPLAINED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHEN DIAGNOSING THE COMPLAINT THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR AND WIRING WERE BURNT. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10243800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,321 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT A JOBSITE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10243803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,731 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10243798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,769 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. THE DRIVER COMPLAINED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHEN DIAGNOSING THE COMPLAINT THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR AND WIRING WERE BURNT. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10243639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesSpringfield, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE EXTERIOR METAL ON THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH. THIS WAS NOTICED WHILE BEING INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED, BUT THE CONTACT REPLACED THE METAL BRAKE LINES. UPDATRED 05/02/06.
NHTSA complaint #10154601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyandotte, MICrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1999 DODGE RAM VAN. *TS THE CONSUMER TRIED TO AVOID REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO DIDN'T HAVE ON ANY LIGHTS BY OVER CORRECTING TO THE RIGHT. THE CONSUMER DROVE OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HIT A DITCH. THE CONSUMER THEN ROLLED OVER TWO TIMES AND LANDED ON THE ROOF . (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #10148605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,980 milesClinton Township, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED TO 0 PSIG. IT HAD BEEN APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES SINCE MY LAST OIL CHANGE. WHEN I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION TO CHECK THE OIL, I DISCOVERED MY OIL WAS ABOUT 3 QUARTS LOW. I PURCHASED 3 QTS OF OIL AND INSTALLED IT IN THE ENGINE AND CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS THE REST OF THE WAY HOME (GAUGE DROPPING TO 0 PSI, BUT NO REAL NOTICEABLE CLACKING OF LIFTERS). I EXPERIENCED THIS SORT OF PROBLEM IN 2002 WHEN MY 1999 DODGE RAM VAN (318 CI) WENT ON A TRIP TO NY AND USED ABOUT 12 QUARTS OF OIL WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAD TO FIGHT LIKE CRAZY WITH CHRYSLER TO COVER IT (I ENDED UP HAVING TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE TO GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED). I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT WITH THE VAN WHICH IS NOW ALMOST SEVEN YEARS OLD WITH 55,000 MILES. NOT A VERY DEPENDABLE MACHINE AND PROMISE TO NEVER OWN ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT AS LONG AS I LIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10146680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesBigfork, MT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
/18/05 1999 DODGE RAM VAN 360 CI V-8 I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN THE SUMMER OF 2000. I DRIVE IT VERY LITTLE-CURRENT MILEAGE IS 37,000 AFTER 5 YRS. OWNERSHIP. WE JUST TOOK A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA, AND WENT THROUGH ALMOST A CASE OF OIL! ALSO, THE ENGINE WAS PINGING QUITE A BIT-ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I GOT ON THE INTERNET WHEN I GOT HOME FROM THE TRIP, AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. A COUPLE OF THEM REFERRED TO A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN ISSUED BY DODGE, BUT I COULDN'T FIND IT (PROBABLY NOT AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER). I CALLED KARI DODGE (LOCAL DEALERSHIP) AND DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM-SAID IT WAS COMMON AMONG 1999 AND 2000 318 AND 360 ENGINES. HE SAID THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, AND THAT I SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING IT, BECAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT OUT-AND THE COST WILL BE $540 TO MAKE THE REPAIR. LOOKING BACK IN TIME, I FIRST NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS PINGING AROUND 3 YEARS AGO, ON A PREVIOUS TRIP TO CALIFORNIA (IT'S MOST NOTICEABLE ON EXTENDED HIGHWAY TRIPS-WHICH I DON'T TAKE VERY OFTEN). I WOULD GUESS THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN AROUND 20,000, WHICH WOULD HAVE MEANT THE WARRANTY WOULD HAVE COVERED THE REPAIR. I JUST THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO LOW OCTANE FUEL, SO I STARTED USING HIGHER OCTANE FUEL. THEN, OF COURSE, FROM THAT TIME ON, I HAVE MAINLY BEEN USING THE VEHICLE IN TOWN AND RARELY GO OVER 50 MPH, WHICH MAKES THE PROBLEM LESS NOTICEABLE. I REALLY FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE FOR DODGE. ON TOP OF THAT, IT MAKES ME VERY UNHAPPY THAT A POTENTIALLY ENGINE DAMAGING DEFECT LIKE THIS COULD BE ALLOWED TO EXIST-WITHOUT SOME SORT OF NOTIFICATION TO THE OWNER. I SUPPOSE IF THEY DID THAT MUCH, THEN IT WOULD BE AN ADMISSION OF GUILT ON THEIR PART.
NHTSA complaint #10133295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesRiverdale, IL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE SEAT BACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH BRACKETS, WHICH HELD THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE BROKE. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10119201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,768 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
THE VERIZON VEHICLE HAD AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT AT THE EMPLOYEES HOUSE. THE TRUCK IS A TOTAL-LOSS. THE FIRE APPEARS TO HAVE ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. THE FIRE DESTROYED MOST OF THE UNDERHOOD AREA, THE FRONT OF THE VAN BODY, THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING COLUMN, THE WINDSHEILD, AND THE HEADLINER. VERIZON HAS HAD SIMILAR FIRES IN THIS MODEL VAN AND FEELS THAT THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #10088465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesTipton, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
LEFT MY HOME FOR WORK AND GOT TO THE SECOND STOP FROM MY HOME AND DID NOT HAVE SUFFICEINT BRAKES TO STOP THE VAN. BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. FTER INSPECTING FLUID RESEVOIR, I DETERMINED THE FLUID LEVEL ALMOST EMPTY AND STARTED TO LOOK FOR LEAKAGE AT WHEEL CYLINDERS, ETC. FOUND FLUID BELOW THE ABS VALVING. IT APPEARS THAT THE BATTERY BEING RIGHT ABOVE THE VALVING HAS ALLOWED BATTERY ACID TO DETERIORATE THE BRAKE LINES. AT LEAST 5 LINES APPEAR TO HAVE CORROSIVE DAMAGE. LOOKS LIKE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10088216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,394 milesHanover, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
THE VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS VAN WAS TAKEN TO LEE AUTO MALL WESTBROOK, THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER IN WESTBROOK MAINE FOR REPAIRS. THE ABS MODULE AND CONNECTOR WERE FOUND TO BE MELTED. VERIZON HAS HAD A NUMBER OF UNDERHOOD FIRES WHICH STARTED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA AND FEEL THAT THIS CONDITION IS UNSAFE AND WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #10086705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.