1999 Dodge Van from North America - Comments

When I bought the van at 8000 miles, there was a ticking sound in the valves. After driving the van for an additional 7000 miles, the engine dropped a valve. Dodge replaced the engine at no cost after investigating the cause of the problem. The 318 has some problems with oil distribution, it wasn't being pumped to the upper valve trains with equal pressure.

This 318 already has some running problems like, skipping, spark knocking, lunging, low power, low power is a characteristic of the 318. The 318 has never run with too much vigor and I bought another, that was my fault. All in all, I say don't buy an automobile with a Dodge or Chrysler 318 engine.

The Chevrolet 5.7L (350 cubic Inch) is the best running and has a higher tolerance for abuse.

I like my conversion van with all it's accessories and good seating arrangements.

I have always wondered why dodge doesn't make 60-40 hinged side doors. The way these doors are made equal in size is causing real big problems with entering the conversion van. A person has to open both doors to get in because the front passenger seat obstructs the front hinged side door. Even without this being a conversion, the same problem exist, you can't enter from the side, without opening both doors unless you are a contortionist.

I am sure the engineers are listing, yea right.

I have to agree with your comments. I have a Dodge Ram 3500 cargo van that is used only for work. I think it is the same design since the 70's with some minor changes. I am a big guy 6'3" and it is a very uncomfortable vehicle. The hump for the front wheels protrudes into the floor to much, you can't even put both feet flat on the floor. The rear doors only open up to 4' which doesn't give you a whole lot of room to load things. The van is very unstable at highway speeds even without strong winds. I can't complain about the engine I put 51,000 miles. in one year and it runs strong. I owned a Ford E350 before this and rented a 2003 Chevy for 2 months waiting for the Dodge to arrive. I would definitely spend the extra money on the Chevy if I had a chance, but it is a company vehicle and I didn't buy it.

How were you able to get Dodge to put in a new engine in your van?. We have a 1995 Dodge Van Wagon, and for the past 5 years it has been giving us all sort's of problems. We have tried to get Dodge to help us, but they refuse, if you can tell me how you were able to get a hold of someone please let me know at, SCRIBLESCRABLE68@AOL.COM.