KnownCarProblems2001 Dodge Ram Van Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Dodge Ram Van, most often about the electrical (15% of complaints, typically around 22,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Ram Van model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2001 Dodge Ram Van problems
Electrical
5 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 22,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring.
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. The van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area. Daimlerchrysler issued safety recall d20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. Verizon has had 29 incidents that occurred after the recall was performed.…
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while parked in a verizon parking location. The fire originated in the ABS module area. The ABS module and wiring connector, truck battery, and various other under hood components were burnt. Verizon has had similar fires in this model van and feels that this is an unsafe…
Transmission
4 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram Van. While driving approximately 15 MPH in rainy weather, the contact turned the steering wheel quickly to the left and the steering column locked. He was unable to steer to the right and crashed into a railroad gate. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. Months later…
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…
Visibility and wipers
4 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Vehicle doesn't defrost. Windows steam up, if cold enough ice up. No visibility out all side windows. Brought in while still under factory warranty, they replaced the thermostat. Went back a few weeks later and was told it is a "characteristic" of this vehicle, "put some cardboard in front of the radiator". I tried it…
Vehicle doesn't defrost. All windows steam up and then ice up. Including front window leaving almost zero visibility. Took to lake Dodge, in (feb. 2004) and was told it was the recirculation doors rs that were sticking and needed to be lubed up. Seemed to help until dec. 2004. Windows steamed up and iced up again. Was…
Steering
4 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: linkages.
I have a Dodge van 1500 with 22000 miles. The tie rod ends failed, and the ball joints are in the process of failing. I replaced the tie rod ends and will have to replace the ball joints soon.
Tl 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.
Wheels and tires
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: valve.
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…
Engine
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: cooling system, engine.
Vehicle doesn't defrost. Windows steam up, if cold enough ice up. No visibility out all side windows. Brought in while still under factory warranty, they replaced the thermostat. Went back a few weeks later and was told it is a "characteristic" of this vehicle, "put some cardboard in front of the radiator". I tried it…
2001 Dodge conversion van developed a problem with the engine.** answer required***. There was a noise and upon pulling over and turning the vehicle off, the vehicle would not restart. The consumer was informed that a new engine was needed.
Brakes
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
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…
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…
Other or unspecified
3 complaints · 9%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Dodge Ram Van recalls
Transmission: column shift
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Safety belt cinching latch plate
Summary
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
Questions about the 2001 Dodge Ram Van
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Dodge Ram Van?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (5 complaints, typically around 22,500 miles); transmission (4 complaints); visibility and wipers (4 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Ram Van have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 4, 2007 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Dodge Ram Van?
- It is the most complained-about Ram Van model year since 2000, with 33 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other Dodge Ram Van years
- 2000
- 2001