2001 Dodge Ram Van: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (17% of complaints); the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram van. When the vehicle was started, a loud abnormal noise was detected coming from the vehicle. The contact unplugged the battery and the noise stopped. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the anti-brake system failed. The vehicle was also taken to chrysler dodge jeep ram southwest (7980 w tufts ave, littleton, co 80123, (303-578-6099) where the contact was informed that they did not have the tools to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,683.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2018
“2001 dodge ram van 1500 has major frame rot on passenger side front frame going to bumper. To repair it would be costly and we can't afford another vehicle and a mechanic told me if it breaks we will lose steering control. I have seen the same on other ram vans also. Why isn't there a recall or fix for this problem. The van has 169,000 miles and is a conversion van.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2016
“I have found multiple recalls on the same make, model, year that address issues all affecting my vehicle yet they do not show on a VIN search of open recalls. Most of these recalls affect brakes both in increased longevity in stopping and leaking at the rear axle, headlights in terms of federal standards on luminosity, tire size concerning load size ( have had more then six blowouts in 15,000 miles), air bags disabling due to sound dampener and the corresponding lights on the dashboard lighting ineffectually due to these issues.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Difficult to get the gearshift out of park. A recall has been done on the ignition/parkshift interlock for an issue "the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative.". The dealership service technician said that the part that has failed is not the same as the part that was replaced under the recall and wants over $2,000 for a new steering column or over $1,000 for a junkyard steering column. Chrysler customer assistance center agrees with the dealership but nobody can explain how the ignition/park shift interlock is not related to the ignition/park shift interlock. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2014
“While driving van, heard a loud bang in front end. Noticed that front sway bar brackets broke off frame do to frame rot. After further inspection, upper a frame brackets are separating from frame mounts due to frame rot. Also, frame connecting front bumper and radiator so rusted that I can push a screwdriver through frame. *js”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram van. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift out of park until after several abrupt attempts. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer or a local mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 105,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram van b1500. The contact stated that while turning left at approximately 5 mph, the steering column separated from the frame. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and found that the steering column frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 184,000.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram van b350. The contact stated that the horn and cruise control were nonoperational. He also stated that the air bag light would sporadically illuminate, similar to the failure described in NHTSA campaign id number: 01v153000 (air bags). The dealer was notified who informed the contact that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted who confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was approximately 105,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram van. The contact stated that the driver seat became "unhinged" from the brackets that held it in place, making the seat unstable. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were approximately 130,000.”Owner report · Seats · Nov 2009
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Ram Van years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Ram Van by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Dodge Ram Van reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Dodge Ram Van. The most complained-about area is electrical system (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Ram Van problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Dodge Ram Van have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.