1990 Dodge Ram Van Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1990 model year · 380+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 380+ owner reports, the 1990 Dodge Ram Van has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Automatic Transmission Overdrive Failure (A518/46RH/46RE) ($150-$3,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Automatic Transmission Overdrive Failure (A518/46RH/46RE) with 200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

200 owners

On the 1990-2003 Dodge Ram Van, the A518 (renamed 46RH, then 46RE) 4-speed automatic transmission in Ram Vans suffers from overdrive clutch pack failure, particularly under heavy loads or when used for towing. The Van's aerodynamic profile and heavy weight put more stress on the overdrive unit than truck applications. Symptoms include loss of overdrive, harsh 3-4 shift, and transmission overheating. The 46RE (electronic) version also suffers governor pressure solenoid failures causing erratic shifting. Overheating is accelerated in vans due to poor airflow to the transmission cooler.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura ILX

Common Symptoms

Loss of overdrive gear
Harsh or banging 3-4 shift
Transmission overheating on highway
Erratic shifting patterns (46RE electronic)
Transmission stuck in lower gears

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 200+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeReplacement shift solenoid to restore proper gear engagement (Dorman Transmission Shift Solenoid)
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UpgradeTransmission filter kit with gasket for fluid service after solenoid replacement (ATP Transmission Filter Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $3,000

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200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence200 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

180 owners

On the 1990-2003 Dodge Ram Van, the 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8 engines in Ram Vans are prone to a persistent idle surge or hunting condition where RPMs cycle between 500-1500 RPM at idle. This is caused by a combination of vacuum leaks (common at the plenum gasket), failing Idle Air Control (IAC) valve, dirty throttle body, and deteriorating vacuum hoses. The confined engine bay of the van makes these engines run hotter than truck applications, accelerating component degradation. The IAC valve is the most common single cause.

This issue also affects: Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Audi Q5, Audi Q7

Common Symptoms

Engine RPMs cycling up and down at idle
Idle speed fluctuating between 500-1500 RPM
Engine stalling at stop lights
Rough idle that smooths out at higher RPM
Check engine light may or may not be present

How to Fix

Start by checking for stored trouble codes, then inspect for vacuum leaks with special attention to the intake plenum/belly pan gasket, PCV lines, brake booster hose, and all small vacuum hoses; a smoke test is the fastest way to confirm leaks. Remove and clean the throttle body and Idle Air Control (IAC) passage with throttle body cleaner, and replace the IAC valve if cleaning does not stabilize idle, as it is the most common failure on these Magnum engines. If oil is found in the intake or the engine has a persistent vacuum leak from the manifold, replace the plenum gasket/belly pan gasket and intake manifold seals, then clear codes and perform an idle relearn by letting the engine idle with all accessories off for several minutes. Typical repair costs range from about $100-$250 for throttle body service and an IAC valve, $100-$300 for vacuum hose and tune-up related fixes, and $600-$1,200 if the plenum gasket repair is required due to labor access in the van chassis.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeBluetooth OBD-II scanner for reading engine codes and monitoring live data (BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool)
View on Amazon
UpgradeQuality synthetic oil and filter combo for engine maintenance (Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil and Filter Bundle)
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Typical repair cost:$50 - $400

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180+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence180 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Ram Van problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 380+ owner reports, the 1990-1990 Dodge Ram Van has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Overdrive Failure (A518/46RH/46RE), 5.2L/5.9L Engine Idle Surge and Hunting. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Ram Van reliable?

The 1990-1990 Dodge Ram Van has 2 known issues documented across 380+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Automatic Transmission Overdrive Failure (A518/46RH/46RE). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram Van problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Ram Van issues range from $50 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Automatic Transmission Overdrive Failure (A518/46RH/46RE), typically costs $150-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1990-2003 Dodge Ram Van Automatic Transmission Overdrive Failure (A518/46RH/46RE)?

The A518 (renamed 46RH, then 46RE) 4-speed automatic transmission in Ram Vans suffers from overdrive clutch pack failure, particularly under heavy loads or when used for towing. The Van's aerodynamic profile and heavy weight put more stress on the overdrive unit than truck applic… Repairs typically run $150-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-2003 Dodge Ram Van 5.2L/5.9L Engine Idle Surge and Hunting?

The 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8 engines in Ram Vans are prone to a persistent idle surge or hunting condition where RPMs cycle between 500-1500 RPM at idle. This is caused by a combination of vacuum leaks (common at the plenum gasket), failing Idle Air Control (IAC) valve, dirty thro… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.

1990 Dodge Ram Van Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

1990-2003 Dodge Ram Van: Automatic Transmission Overdrive Failure (A518/46RH/46RE)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

1990-2003 Dodge Ram Van: 5.2L/5.9L Engine Idle Surge and Hunting#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Dodge Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Ram Van problems?

Is the Dodge Ram Van reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram Van problems?

What is the 1990-2003 Dodge Ram Van Automatic Transmission Overdrive Failure (A518/46RH/46RE)?

What is the 1990-2003 Dodge Ram Van 5.2L/5.9L Engine Idle Surge and Hunting?