5.0

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
19,733 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.

1999 Dodge Ram Van 3500 engine problems

engine problem

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1999 Dodge Ram Van 3500 Owner Comments

problem #17

May 012010

Ram Van 3500

  • 46,000 miles

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

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.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #16

Dec 292005

Ram Van 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,980 miles
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.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

problem #15

Mar 202005

Ram Van 3500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,782 miles
The engine bloc developed a crack.

- Newtown, CT, USA

problem #14

Mar 032003

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

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

Replacement of intake gasket/ catalytic converter has gone bad/ tie rod went bad. Mr the consumer experienced some belt squealing in the engine compartment. The belt was replaced under warranty. The consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer because of an engine noise. The tires were discovered to be worn.

- Watertown, WI, USA

problem #13

Feb 282003

Ram Van 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles
The vehicles engine bolt loosened and a screeching noise was produced. The dealer was notified. All 20 valve cover bolts had loosened. They loosened an additional two times after properly torqued. Loosened valve cover bolts caused oil to leak out of engine.

- Patuxent River, MD, USA

problem #12

Feb 252003

Ram Van 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,702 miles
The intake air plenum had caused knocking in the engine, poor performance, and oil contamination. The dealer found the engine vacuum in the crankcase bed leaking. Mr scc

- Livermoore, CA, USA

problem #11

Mar 012003

Ram Van 3500

  • miles

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

Consumer complained previously to dealer about water and salt splashing onto motor due to lack of a motor guard. Dealer advised consumer that if guard was installed warranty would be voided. The vehicle's fuel rails were corroded and the consumer was very concerned they will break, and spew gas over engine and cause a fire.

- Canfield, OH, USA

problem #10

Jan 012002

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
Vehicle is leaking oil. In a month vehicle had to be filled with 9 quarts of oil. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer noted that gasket on had blowen.

- Cookstation, MO, USA

problem #9

Jul 022001

(reported on)

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
The radiator is not bolted into the vehicle, it was tied down with some kind of plastic twine, crankshaft seal leaked.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #8

Jul 022001

(reported on)

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
The radiator is not bolted into the vehicle, it was tied down with some kind of plastic twine, crankshaft seal leaked.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #7

Mar 012001

Ram Van 3500

  • miles

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

Consumer was traveling 70mph on highway and without prior warning vehicle stopped. Consumer heard a noise, and vehicle just went out. Vehicle had to be towed.

- Clearfield, UT, USA

problem #6

Nov 011999

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer has had to replace transmission 4 times and motor once since purchase because piston had hole in it. Dealer cannot say why.

- Lisbon, ME, USA

problem #5

Feb 012001

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle pulled from side to side. While pulling to one side, when applying brakes, vehicle pulled to other side. Contacted dealer, and dealer did not know what caused it. Heads have cracked twice and dealer will not acknowledge problem.

- Mckinleyville, CA, USA

problem #4

Jun 132000

(reported on)

Ram Van 3500 6-cyl

  • miles
The oil dip stick does not accurately read, the oil can be low without proper indentification of the problem. Updated 04/23/07.

- Goose Cree, SC, USA

problem #3

Feb 182000

Ram Van 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Excessive loss of engine coolant; one quart is lost every 700 miles. Vehicle has been to three dealers, but problem still occurs.

- Sterling, AK, USA

problem #2

Dec 091999

(reported on)

Ram Van 3500

  • miles
When driving above 40mph, engine would start to make a pinging & knocking sound. The noise would be loud. Took to dealer & was informed by mechanic the problem was not fixable. Need to use regular gas. Vehicle been to dealers 12 times or more for same problem.

- Morganton, NC, USA

problem #1

Aug 061999

Ram Van 3500 4WD

  • miles
Crankshaft, traded for another truck

- Huntsville, MO, USA

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