AI Damage1996 Dodge Mini RAM VAN: common problems
Owners of the 1996 Dodge Mini RAM VAN filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and steering. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 20% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 20% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 20% of all complaints
- 4 Tires 20% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 20% of all complaints
- 6 Visibility 20% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Structure: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Tires: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge mini ram van. The contact stated that the steering shaft failed causing the vehicle to veer to the sides. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced, however the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired.
I have had to either replace or repair two of my hankook milage plus tires since I purchased them six months ago. The latest incident occuring on 2/21/05. I have both tires the one that was replaced and the I had to have repaired.
During summer cruise control shut off between 18 and 25 miles. Cruise control was operative when outside temperatures are cool. Dealer cannot find problem.
Engine failure, engine was replaced for four times by dealer. Reason for failure was unknown. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 14,282 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Mini RAM VAN has 2 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 5, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge Mini RAM VAN?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, steering, structure. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: engine failure or replacement (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1996 Dodge Mini RAM VAN?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1996 Dodge Mini RAM VAN from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1996 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.