Summary
The Dodge Ram Van has 12 recalls spanning the 1985-2001 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a 2000 model year fire risk where the power seat connector under the driver's seat can develop a high-resistance short circuit that cycles the breaker and builds enough heat to ignite.
On 2001 models, the ignition and shift interlock system can fail, allowing the shifter to move out of Park without the key in the ignition, or letting the key be removed while the vehicle is not fully in Park. The 1998 model year has two separate fire concerns: aftermarket batteries can leak electrolyte onto the anti-lock brake module connector, eventually causing a fire, and power seat weld defects on driver-side front seats leave the seat inadequately anchored during a crash. These two seat weld issues on 1998 vehicles describe the same underlying defect.
Going back through the 1990s, 1997 diesel-equipped models have a throttle control linkage that can corrode, stick open, and prevent the driver from controlling engine speed. On 1996 vehicles, loose fasteners securing the generator cartridge fuse to the power distribution center can arc and start an engine compartment fire. The 1995 model year has an airbag control module that corrodes when water or road salt reaches the floor near the module, which can trigger an unintended driver-side airbag deployment. The 1988 model year, on vehicles with the optional 700-amp battery, has a front vent cap that the hood panel can knock loose, releasing hydrogen gas that can ignite or explode near any ignition source. The 1986 model has a brake master cylinder that may have cracked during production and can fail completely during braking, with no warning beforehand. The 1985 model has a labeling issue related to tire and rim selection requirements.
