Dodge Ram Van Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Dodge Ram Van model year (1992–2003) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Dodge Ram Van Years to Avoid
0 recalls · 28 complaints
11 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Problem score: 50
1 recall · 37 complaints
Top issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Problem score: 40
0 recalls · 22 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 34
Best Dodge Ram Van Years to Buy
1 recall · 3 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Problem score: 6
1 recall · 11 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 16
0 recalls · 15 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 17
Found the right year? Verify that specific Ram Van with a free VIN report.
Dodge Ram Van — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 0 | 15 | 1 | — | 17 | Good |
| 2002 | 1 | 11 | 1 | — | 16 | Good |
| 2001 | 1 | 17 | — | — | 20 | Caution |
| 2000 | 0 | 19 | 3 | — | 25 | Caution |
| 1999 | 0 | 27 | 1 | — | 29 | Caution |
| 1998 | 0 | 28 | 11 | — | 50 | Avoid |
| 1997 | 0 | 22 | 6 | — | 34 | Avoid |
| 1996 | 0 | 28 | — | — | 28 | Caution |
| 1995 | 0 | 18 | — | — | 18 | Caution |
| 1994 | 1 | 37 | — | — | 40 | Avoid |
| 1993 | 2 | 14 | — | — | 20 | Caution |
| 1992 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Good |
All 12 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Dodge Ram Van Shopping Guide by Era
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Ram Van models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Ram Van should I avoid?+
Avoid the 1998 Dodge Ram Van if possible. It has 0 recalls, 28 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 50 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Ram Van to buy?+
The 1992 Dodge Ram Van is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 6. It has only 1 recall and 3 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Ram Van has the fewest problems?+
The 1992, 2002, 2003 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Dodge Ram Van Research
Check a Specific Dodge Ram Van VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →