10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Dodge Ram Van 2500 engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Dodge Ram Van 2500 Owner Comments

problem #16

Sep 142003

Ram Van 2500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine caught on fire without warning.

- Venice, FL, USA

problem #15

Feb 072003

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
I have a 1996 Dodge Ram van 2500 with a 3.9 liter engine in 117000 miles I had to have 2 timing chains installed and now it is on its 3rd timing chain why?

- Dale City, VA, USA

problem #14

Apr 052002

(reported on)

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, consumer discovered that crankshaft was misaligned and knocked bearings out of the rods. Dealer installed remanufactured engine in truck at 54,000 miles, the remanufactured engine had a knock in it from day one of installation, consumer took truck back to dealer, dealer replaced pan and bearings.

- Vanben, AR, USA

problem #13

Mar 012001

Ram Van 2500 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While changing the motor oil, I noticed the rear of the motor wet with oil. Traced oil leak via mechanic back to the rear of the heads on both sides. Losing approx 1/2 qt of oil between changes.

- Randolph, NJ, USA

problem #12

Jan 011998

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
While driving vehicle completely stopped without warning, none of gauges went out. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said it was sludge that build up. 10 months later, campshaft went out.

- Deltona, FL, USA

problem #11

Feb 142000

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
Original failure took place on Nov 26, 1997. The oil light came on and oil pressure droppped to zero. The oil pump was replaced under warranty. Then, on Jan 21, 1999 the same scenario happened again. This time the oil pump, connecting rod, crankshaft and gaskets were replaced at my expense as the vehicle was no longer under warranty nor were the parts that had been replaced. Finally, on February 14, 2000 the entire scenario took place again. The oil light came on and oil pressure dropped to zero. It appears that the oil pump will agin need to be replaced. At this point, the dealership is trying to say it is a lack of maintenance and should be repaired at my expense. My concern is that the vehicle has been maintained and that after 3 failures there is a definite problem with the vehicle. The vehicle is currently at the previously mentioned dealership awaiting repairs and the response from Chrysler Corp as to whether or not they will do so at their expense. Any help you can provide would be greatly a

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #10

Dec 271998

Ram Van 2500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Initial transmission problem started @ 38000 just out of warranty. Dealer said they couldn't help. I never thought of contacting manufacturer. Trans. Diagnosis complete at 72500 mis, dealer say rebuild, R+R at 89300mis. Brake mastercylinder lid was leaking causing insufficiet fluid level lead to pad and shoe failure. Transmission failure led to lifter failure in the engine. Trans would long shift putiing strain on engine causing a higher rev. Ultimately weakening 2 lifters. I am now hearing a noise and feeling jolts on the steering wheel turning left. Problem is unknown at this time.

- Oakford, PA, USA

problem #9

Apr 061999

(reported on)

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
Driving at approximately 70 mph engine piston rings, failed causing vehicle to stall on the highway.

- Walnut, CA, USA

problem #8

Apr 161998

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
The engine oil pan had burned due to a lack of oil. Vehicle had stopped running. Took to dealer. Mechanic had to replace old engine bearings with new engine bearings.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #7

Jul 061998

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
There are 2 extra pieces on camshaft on engine. No plate (lifter keeper). This causes the engine to sound/run like a diesel. Rockale assembly rods cut into camshaft, leaving 1/2 groove. Taken to dealer for repairs. The mechanic change oil & filter which was full of shaving 3 times but the engine not right..et.

- Destrehan, LA, USA

problem #6

Jul 101996

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Cylinder head cracked resulting in failure.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #5

May 281997

(reported on)

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
Gasket split.

- Canby, OR, USA

problem #4

Oct 071996

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
Oil was leaking.

- Canby, OR, USA

problem #3

Sep 291996

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Outer ring of balancer came apart, causing water pump/water hose to break and blow out front left tire.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #2

Jun 291996

Ram Van 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Crankshaft sensor failed.

- Bearden, AR, USA

problem #1

Nov 091996

Ram Van 2500

  • miles
During vehicle operation at 10 mph the crankshaft pulley& belt fell off, causing a loss of power steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired. The same problem took place a 2nd time.

- Toledo, OH, USA

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