The Dodge Ram Van spans 1981–2003 with 10 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2001, 2003, 2002 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers up to 23 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Dodge Ram Van is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2003 across multiple generations.
How to read a Dodge Ram Van VIN — every digit explained
Every Dodge Ram Van carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Dodge and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Ram Van.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Ram Van, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Dodge Ram Van have?
The Dodge Ram Van has 10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2003. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2002 Dodge Ram Van recalls 1
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. 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.
2001 Dodge Ram Van recalls 1
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. 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.
1998 Dodge Ram Van recalls 1
Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH POWER SEAT OPTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ATTACHING RISER WELDS WERE NOT CORRECT.
Risk. THE SEAT ATTACHMENT STRENGTH WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER FRONT SEAT RISE WITH A RISER THAT WAS MIG WELDED.
1993 Dodge Ram Van recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
What's wrong. SOME OF THE ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN UNDERSIZED BRAKE RETURN CHECK VALVE. IN INCIDENTS WHERE HARD BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT IS APPLIED ON LOW FRICTION ROAD SURFACES, LIKE RAIN COVERED STREETS, THE VALVES MAY FAIL, CAUSING THE ABS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CREATES EXCESS BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND MAY CAUSE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON.
Risk. LACK OF FRONT WHEEL ABS COULD CAUSE THE FRONT WHEELBRAKES TO LOCK, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE THE RETURN CHECK VALVE WITH THE CORRECT VALVE.
Best and worst years for the Dodge Ram Van
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 23 tracked years, the worst years are 2001, 2003, 2002 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Ram Van | — | Best | |
| 1982 Ram Van | — | Best | |
| 1983 Ram Van | — | Best | |
| 1984 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1985 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1986 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1987 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1988 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1989 Ram Van | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1990 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1991 Ram Van | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1992 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1993 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1994 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1995 Ram Van | Power Train | Average | |
| 1996 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1997 Ram Van | — | Average | |
| 1998 Ram Van | Electrical System | Average | |
| 1999 Ram Van | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2000 Ram Van | Structure | Average | |
| 2001 Ram Van | Structure | Avoid | |
| 2002 Ram Van | Structure | Avoid | |
| 2003 Ram Van | Air Bags | Avoid |
What are the most common Dodge Ram Van problems?
The most-reported Dodge Ram Van problems are Air (9 reports), Other (15 reports) and Seats (29 reports) — out of 4,600 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Dodge Ram Van specifications & dimensions
The 1988 Dodge Ram Van measures 176″ long on a 112″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,734 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Dodge Ram Van window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 176″ | 71″ | 67″ | 112″ | 2,734 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Dodge Ram Van cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Ram Van holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 91 cu ft of passenger volume and 13 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Dodge Ram Van tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Dodge Ram Van get?
The Dodge Ram Van returns up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,700/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2003 Dodge Ram Van (3.9L 6-cyl) gets 14 mpg combined and costs about $4,450/yr to fuel, emitting 635 g/mi CO₂ — about $11,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Ram Van | 13 | 15 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 3.9L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 Ram Van | 13 | 15 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 3.9L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 Ram Van | 13 | 15 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 3.9L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 Ram Van | 17 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1999 Ram Van | 17 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1998 Ram Van | 17 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1997 Ram Van | 18 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1996 Ram Van | 18 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1995 Ram Van | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1994 Ram Van | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.9L 6-cyl | |
| 1993 Ram Van | 14 | 16 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.9L 6-cyl | |
| 1992 Ram Van | 14 | 16 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 3.9L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 Ram Van | 17 | 22 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 Ram Van | 16 | 20 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 Ram Van | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 Ram Van | 17 | 21 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 3L 6-cyl |
The 2003 Dodge Ram Van (5.2L 8-cyl) gets 14 mpg combined and costs about $4,450/yr to fuel, emitting 635 g/mi CO₂ — about $11,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Ram Van | 13 | 15 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 2002 Ram Van | 11 | 16 | $4,800 | 684 | — | 5.9L 8-cyl | |
| 2001 Ram Van | 12 | 17 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1994 Ram Van | 12 | 16 | $4,800 | 684 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1993 Ram Van | 11 | 16 | $4,800 | 684 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1992 Ram Van | 11 | 15 | $4,800 | 684 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1991 Ram Van | 11 | 15 | $4,800 | 684 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl |
The 1999 Dodge Ram Van (2L 4-cyl) gets 23 mpg combined and costs about $2,700/yr to fuel, emitting 386 g/mi CO₂ — about $2,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Ram Van | 19 | 29 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 Ram Van | 19 | 29 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 Ram Van | 19 | 29 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 Ram Van | 19 | 29 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 Ram Van | 19 | 30 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 Ram Van | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 Ram Van | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 Ram Van | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Ram Van | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Ram Van | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Ram Van | 21 | 26 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Ram Van | 20 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Ram Van stacks up against the most fuel-efficient cars, or calculate this Ram Van's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Dodge Ram Van have? Power & range
The Dodge Ram Van is offered with 3 powertrains — 3.9L 6-cyl, 5.2L 8-cyl, 2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.9L · 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | RWD | Regular |
| V8 | 5.2L · 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Dodge Ram Van cost to own?
A Dodge Ram Van holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used Ram Van is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Ram Van loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Ram Van ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Dodge Ram Van to insure?
A Dodge Ram Van costs about $1,517 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 6% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (106, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Ram Van's HLDI loss index. See Dodge insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Dodge Ram Van safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Ram Van yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Dodge Ram Van last?
A well-maintained Dodge Ram Van typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Dodge Ram Van’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Ram Van’s VIN free →All Dodge Ram Van model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Dodge Ram Van — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 2002 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 2001 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 2000 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 1999 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 1998 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 1997 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1996 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1995 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 1994 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1993 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 1992 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1991 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 1990 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1989 Ram Van | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1987 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1986 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1985 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1984 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1983 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1982 Ram Van | 0 | — | |
| 1981 Ram Van | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Ram Van?
By owner-complaint volume, 2001, 2003, 2002 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Ram Van have?
10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2003. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Dodge recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Ram Van get?
Up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Ram Van last?
A well-maintained Ram Van typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Ram Van reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Ram Van is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Dodge Ram Van warranty?
New Dodge models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Dodge dealer.
Where is the Dodge Ram Van made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Ram Van's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Dodge may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Ram Van have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.