1998 Dodge Ram 1500

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 520 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 1 time.

Avoid One of the Dodge Ram 1500 years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Dodge Ram 1500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
95,000 milesMedian miles at failure

225 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

98 of the 520 complaints (19%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure · body and frame81
103
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission30
101
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags26
25019
Air Bags · airbags24
1008
Unknown or Other20
102
Seat Belts17
201
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes16
303
Electrical System › Horn15
100
Tires14
201
Structure › Body · body and frame11
000

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 body and frame problems

19% of all complaints

98 of the 520 complaints are about the body and frame.

Share of the 98 body and frame complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
93,000 mi
median of 67 reports
Peak year of filing
2007
24 body and frame complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 1 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the body and frame
None
“I purchased a truck about 6 months ago and I had nothing but problems with it. I had to replaced so many things on it. I was told that the truck only had 72,000 miles on it when I bought it, after driving it for a few months. I encountered problems with it. I ended up running carfax on it and found out the odometer was rolled back two weeks before I purchased it. It had originally 167,000 miles”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 24, 2021 at 82,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated the entire dashboard was cracked. The contact stated an occupant sustained an injury due to the sharp dashboard pieces. The contact called piedmont chrysler dodge jeep ram aev (4015 clemson blvd, anderson, sc 29621, (864) 305-4234) and was informed that the dashboard could be replaced or a cap cover installed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 9, 2020 at 200,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 34 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'981999: 58 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2000: 31 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2001: 48 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2002: 29 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'022003: 56 complaints, 2 about the body and frame2004: 33 complaints, 2 about the body and frame2005: 17 complaints, 2 about the body and frame2006: 18 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'062007: 42 complaints, 24 about the body and frame2008: 27 complaints, 15 about the body and frame2009: 19 complaints, 5 about the body and frame2010: 21 complaints, 14 about the body and frame'102011: 21 complaints, 15 about the body and frame2012: 7 complaints, 2 about the body and frame2013: 12 complaints, 6 about the body and frame2014: 15 complaints, 4 about the body and frame'142015: 10 complaints, 2 about the body and frame2016: 3 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2017: 6 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2018: 5 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'182019: 2 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2020: 3 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2021: 1 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'222023: 0 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2024: 2 complaints, 0 about the body and frameRecall 06E024000 (engine)
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)

Complaints about the 1998 Ram 1500 peaked in 1999, with 58 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 19% of the complaints. In 2024 owners filed 2 so far.

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling06E024000
Filed Mar 15, 200644,386 vehiclesK&n Engineering, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Risk. A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy. K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

17 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1998 Ram 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 5body and frame 4engine 4electrical system 3airbags 1
31-006-19Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-005-19Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

3100319Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

3100519Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 20, 2019body and frame

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 22, 2024FL

The seatbelt timer module is failing, resulting in the seatbelts staying locked even when fully retracted. This means sometimes I as the driver as well as my front seat passenger cannot buckle up and drive the vehicle safely. I have not reproduced or confirmed this issue with a dealership or independent service center. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance agency. A red seatbelt warning light will appear when the seatbelts lock up and goes away when it unlocks.

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 22, 2024TN

The drivers side and passanger side seat belts are locked in the seats. There is no fix, you cant drive truck because you can not use the seat belts, they are made into the seats. No one sells part for it. The seat belts will not extend. The seat belts just stopped working, no warning.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 24, 202182,000 milesCT

I PURCHASED A TRUCK ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND I HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAD TO REPLACED SO MANY THINGS ON IT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRUCK ONLY HAD 72,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT, AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A FEW MONTHS. I ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS WITH IT. I ENDED UP RUNNING CARFAX ON IT AND FOUND OUT THE ODOMETER WAS ROLLED BACK TWO WEEKS BEFORE I PURCHASED IT. IT HAD ORIGINALLY 167,000 MILES

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 9, 2020200,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT STATED AN OCCUPANT SUSTAINED AN INJURY DUE TO THE SHARP DASHBOARD PIECES. THE CONTACT CALLED PIEDMONT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AEV (4015 CLEMSON BLVD, ANDERSON, SC 29621, (864) 305-4234) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD COULD BE REPLACED OR A CAP COVER INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 1, 2020KY

TO DATE, NOTHING HAS HAPPENED, HOWEVER A RECALL WAS ISSUED SAYING THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MUST BE REPLACED, AS IT CAN FLY OPEN. WE WERE UNAWARE OF THE RECALL.

Power Train
Filed Aug 6, 202098,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HIS WIFE WAS PARKED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER INSTEAD SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT'S WIFE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT USED A BRICK TO CHOCK THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 13, 2019108,000 milesNC

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT A BOUT 50 MPH DOWN THE ROAD AND STARTED HEARING A NOISE WHEN LETTING OFF THE THROTTLE AND SLOWED DOWN A LIL GAVE IT SOME GAS THEN LET OFF AGAIN NEXT THING I HEAR IS THE DRIVE SHAFT HITTING THE ROAD AND THE TIRES SLIDING ACROSS THE ROAD AND CAUSING ME TO SLIDE ACROSS THE ROAD LOCALLY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC COMING TOWARDS ME I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE SLIDE OF THE REAR TIRES TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I GOT OUT AND WAS LOOKING WHAT HAPPEN THE PION NUT CAME OFF THE PION GEAR LOCKING UP THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE ENDED UP SOMEONE GETTING HURT AND OR KILLING SOMEONE IN A CRASH. THE TRUCK IS VERY WELL TAKING CARE OF AND HAS 108K MILES LOW FOR ITS AGE AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BEFORE BUT ON THE 05 DODGE RAM TRUCK'S THAT WAS MADE IN 04 IS WHAT SOMEONE TOLD ME

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Jan 3, 2019155,000 milesGA

YOU SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO PULL THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITHOUT YOUR FOOT BEING ON THE BREAK. PLUS THE EMERGENCY BREAK DOES NOT WORK AS WELL.

Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2018202,156 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED, SPUTTERED, AND ALMOST STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTAKE SECTION OF THE ENGINE HAD AN ALUMINUM PLATE THAT BECAME WARPED WITH USAGE. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE GASKET SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR. THE DEALER (VALLEY DODGE, 320 LEE JACKSON HWY, STAUNTON, VA 24401, (540) 213-8800) CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,156. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 7, 201832,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AND FIAT AT 200 AUTOMALL DR ROSEVILLE, CA 95661. AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. *TT*JB

Power Train
Filed May 30, 2018180,000 milesNH

IN MOTION THE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL TRAVEL VERY OFTEN FROM 3 O'CLOCK TO 9 O'CLOCK AND HOPEFULLY, I AM STILL GOING STRAIGHT. THE TRUCK WILL DRIFT TO THE RIGHT AND HAVE TO OVERSTEER TO GET THE TRUCK IN THE TRAVEL LANE. I REPLACED STEERING GEAR BOX, BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING ROD, TRACK BAR, RACK, AND PINION. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. TRANSMISSION PLASTIC PART IS BROKEN SO THERE HAS TO BE REPLACED.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 4, 2018WA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY A FRIEND, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Suspension
Filed Mar 18, 2018227,000 milesGA

COIL SPRING TOWERS REINFORCEMENTS - AS PER THE RECALL FOR THE 1994 AND 1995 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUPS (SAFETY RECALL 835) THE COIL SPRING TOWERS OF A 1998 HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE LEFT SIDE TOWER. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN OFF ROAD, STRICTLY ON HIGHWAY AND STREET. THIS WAS FOUND DURING ANOTHER REPAIR OF SAID VEHICLE.

Power Train
Filed Dec 3, 20171,700,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THEN HEARD A LOUD THUMP AND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL IS PUSHED OUT AND IT NO LONGER ENGAGES

Electrical System
Filed Nov 30, 2017110,000 milesNC

TRUCK SETTING STILL IN YARD, HORNS STARTING BLOWING WITHOUT ANYONE AROUND, PULLED FUSE TO STOP. TWO SHOPS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. HORNS DO NOT WORK AT ALL NOW. REPLACED WITH NEW HORNS AND STILL DON'T WORK.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 27, 2017190,739 milesNC

WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND MY PINYON NUT COME OFF OFF DRIVE SHAFT AND PINYON GEAR BUSTED THROUGH THE REAR END HOUSING

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 3, 201750,000 milesGA

DASH CAP AND BEZEL ARE CRACKED SO BAD THAT IF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE WOULD GET A FACE FULL OF SHARP PLASTIC.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 11, 2017166,977 milesIA

REAR BRAKE LINE IS WELL KNOWN TO FAIL.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 27, 201716,000 milesTX

THE DASH ON MY 98 RAM 1500 IS VERY CRACKED AND FALLING IN... I ALSO OWN A 96 RAM 1500 WITH SAME PROBLEM... ALSO HAVE 2 - 97 RAM 1500 WITH SAME PROBLEM... THIS IS VERY BAD... I LOVE DODGE RAMS BUT THE DASH IS TERRIBLE...

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 30, 2016TX

THE DASHBOARD HAS FALLEN APART SHORTLY AFTER BUYING PICKUP.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 22, 2016129,915 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOISED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V153000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,915.

Air Bags
Filed May 4, 2016169,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 23, 2015140,000 milesMI

THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT OVER BUMPS. I HAD IT INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THE SWAY BAR WHERE IT MOUNTS TO THE FRAME HORN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED THROUGH. ALSO, THE IDLER ARM BRACKET IS IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE RUST PROBLEM. THE DRIVERS SIDE FRAME HORN WHERE THE GEARBOX MOUNTS HAS A LARGE RUST HOLE ALSO. I HAD THE COMPLETE FRAME INSPECTED FOR RUST. THERE ARE RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SUPPORT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES. IS THIS TRUCK EVEN SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS RUSTY CONDITION? IT HAS 146,000 MILES ON IT.. I BELIEVE THERE ARE MANY OTHER DODGE VEICHLES OUT THERE WITH THE SAME ISSUES. A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS IN ORDER.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 24, 20151,740,000 milesTX

MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM HIGH SCHOOL BAND PRACTICE WHEN HE LOST CONTROL AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BRAKE WINDOW TO GET HIM AND THE BOY WITH HIM OUT OF THE TRUCK. NEITHER AIR BAG WENT OFF.I CALLED THE 800 NUMBER AND REPORTED IT. WAS TOLD TRUCK TO OLD

Power Train
Filed Aug 8, 201541,000 milesMI

WHEN BACKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE, I NOTICED AN OILY SUBSTANCE IN THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, I COULD SEE THERE IS A LEAK EMANATING FROM THE DRIVE-SHAFT AND DIFFERENTIAL WHERE THE PINION SEAL IS LOCATED. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE PINION SEAL FOR THE 2009 AND 2010 MODEL YEARS THAT DOES NOT COVER MY 2008 DODGE RAM 1500. I BELIEVE THE RECALL NEEDS TO EXTEND TO THE 2008 MODEL YEAR ALSO.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Aug 8, 2015141,000 milesVA

DROVE MY 1998 DODGE RAM 1500 TO EMPTY MY TRASH, STARTED BACK HOME AND HAD DRIVEN LESS THAN 1/4 MILE WHEN THE TRUCK HESITATED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT AND THERE WAS SOME SMOKE BEGINNING TO COME UP THROUGH DASH AREA ON DRIVERS SIDE. THINKING I MIGHT HAVE A BUSTED RADIATOR HOSE I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER IN THE YARD OF PERSON DOING REPAIR WORK ON AN OLD BUILDING. WHEN I OPENED MY TRUCK DOOR ON DRIVERS SIDE FLAMES SHOT BETWEEN THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR AND SEAT. I JUMPED OUT OF THE TRUCK BUT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MAN SAW FLAMES SHOOTING FROM THE TRUCK AND I WAS VERY FORTUNATE HE HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. HE KEPT SPRAYING THE TRUCK UNDER THE HOOD AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE FIRE UNDER CONTROL JUST AS THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT TRUCK SHOWED UP. THERE WERE A LOT HOT SPOTS AND THE FIREMAN KEPT SPRAYING IT WITH WATER UNTIL IT FINALLY QUIT SMOKING. THE MAIN PART OF THE FIRE WAS RIGHT AT THE FRONT OF THE CAB OF THE TRUCK BELOW THE MOTOR. YOU COULD SEE THE FIRE BURNING FROM THE SIDE LOOKING THROUGH THE WHEEL WELLS. THEY SAID IT HAD TO BE CAUSED BY A FAULTY GAS LINE BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION. ALL THE ELECTRICAL WIRING INCLUDING THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THANK GOODNESS THE MAN HAD THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER OR THE WHOLE TRUCK WOULD HAVE BURNED. VERY SCARY INCIDENT ESPECIALLY FOR A WOMAN.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 25, 2015150,000 milesMO

DRIVING APPOROXIMATELY 35 MPH WAS GOING TO MAKE LEFT TURN WENT TO SLOW DOWN TO MAKE THE TURN AND THE BRAKES WERE VERY SOFT AND I MISSED THE TURN. GOT HOME AND LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK TO SEE A LARGE AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING OUT FROM AROUND THE HARD BRAKE LINES ON THE FRAME BY DRIVERS REAR TIRE. THE LINES WERE VERY CORRODED.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2015134,000 milesID

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V153000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. MA 08/13/15

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jun 14, 2015120,000 milesMA

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, THESE RUBBER BRAKE LINES ALMOST KILLED ME BARRELING THRU A DOWNHILL RED LIGHT. FIXED BAD PART,THEN HIT GUARD RAIL,DAMAGED FRONT GRILLE,BUMPER AND FENDER WHEN THE OTHER LINE POPPED WHILE DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THIS IS A NOTORIOUS PROBLEM WITH DODGE TRUCKS. I'M NOT AS ANGRY ABOUT THE FILLER NECK WHICH ROTTED AND FILED TANK W RUST CHUNKS,REPLACED FUEL PUMP. BUT I THINK MORE PPL NEED TO B AWARE OF THIS BRAKE PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS, AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED, THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS, AND I MIGHT SCRAP IT BECAUSE IT'S PROBLEMS 120K MILE TRUCK I CAN'T EVEN GET 700$ FOR AFTER THE $ I'VE INVESTED TO KEEP IT SAFE. I THINK THE BRAKES NEED TO BE RECALLED WITH THESE TRUCKS. OWNERS LIKE ME JUST LET THEM SIT BECAUSE THEY ROSY SO EASY THEIR NOT WORTH FIXING ANYMORE, I REGULARLY MAINTENENCE MY VEHICLES,THESE ARE EXPENSIVE TO KEEP SAFE, THANK YOU. SCOTT KIMBALL.120K 98 RAM

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 25, 2015NC

1998 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEAT BELT ISSUES. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THREE YEARS AGO, THE SEAT BELT ON BOTH SIDES WOULD NOT PULL DOWN OUT OF THE SEAT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1000. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WENT TO A JUNK YARD AND PURCHASED A SEAT BELT MODULE FOR $35. 00. *JB UPDATED 08/24/15*JB

Structure
Filed Mar 17, 201539,000 milesTX

HE DASH STARTED CRACKING NOT THAT LONG AFTER WE GOT THE TRUCK. IT WAS NOT EVEN PAID OFF WHEN IT STARTED COMING APART WAS USED. WE EVENTUALLY PUT A MAT DASH COVER ON IT TO KEEP THE PARTS FROM FLYING AROUND. IT HAS VIRTUALLY DISSOLVED SINCE THEN. VERY POOR MATERIAL WAS USED ON THESE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 31, 201593,000 milesKY

I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY DOWNTOWN STREET WHEN I TURNED A CORNER AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. AS I TURNED I FELT AN AWFUL JAR. I WAS PULLING A 12' EMPTY TRAILER. I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE MY TRAILER LIFT UP ABOUT 3-4 FT. IT STAYED ON THE BALL HITCH BUT BOUNCED TERRIBLY. I ALSO SAW A TIRE ROLLING ACROSS THE ROAD FORTUNATELY NOT HITTING ANY OTHER CAR. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED AROUND MY TRUCK. I ACCOUNTED FOR ALL 4 TIRES ON MY TRUCK AND THE TWO ON MY TRAILER. I THOUGHT I MUST HAD RUN OVER ONE LAYING IN THE STREET. THEN I NOTICED MY SPARE WAS MISSING AND SAW THE METAL PIECE WHERE CABLE GOES THROUGH LAYING IN THE ROAD. THE CABLE BROKE OFF WHICH DROPPED THE SPARE INTO THE ROAD WHICH MY TRAILER RAN OVER. HAD I BEEN GOING FASTER OR ON A BUSIER HIGHWAY THERE PROBABLY WOULD HAD BEEN MORE DAMAGE. ONLY DAMAGE I INCURRED WAS MY TRAILER MESH FLOOR BROKE WELD AND NOW IT IS BENT FRAME. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR A RECALL MUST AT LEAST MAKE PEOPLE AWARE TO HAVE THIS CABLE CHECKED PERIODICALLY AND REPLACED IF NEEDED. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 24, 201478,000 milesFL

SEAT BELT CONTROL MODULE WILL NOT RELEASE RETRACTED BELTS TO ALLOW DRIVER OR PASSENGER TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND ILLEGAL TO PROPERLY OPERATE. MODULE IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED OR CARRIED BY ANY NATIONAL PARTS WAREHOUSE. DODGE ADVISED FOR ME TO CALL A DEDICATED SUPPLIER OF PARTS FOR OLDER VEHICLES AND WAS TOLD THESE WERE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ON A DATABASE ANY LONGER. THERE ARE SEVERAL BLOGS WITH OWNERS STATING SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR TRUCKS AND DODGE HAS NOT RECALLED THIS SAFETY ITEM OR ACCOMMODATED ANYONE WITH THESE PROBLEMS AS OF DATE. *TR

Structure
Filed Dec 13, 201470,000 milesKS

DASH BREAKING APART, LEAVING SMALL AND LARGE SHARDS OF VERY SHARP PLASTIC POINTING TO PASSENGERS/DRIVER. *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 30, 2014100,000 milesLA

THE PIVOT POINT IN THE STEERING SYSTEM ALLOWS THE WHEELS IF NOT IN PERFECT CONDITION, THE OPPORTUNITY TO TURN INWARDS. THIS INWARD MOTION THE FRONT WHEELS PERFORM AT 40 MPH-50MPH IS UNACCEPTABLE. ALSO THE DASHBOARD CRACKS LIKE PEANUT BRITTLE, ALLOWING PIECES OF SHARP HARD PLASTIC TO FLY INTO THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH AS PER STANDARD NO. 219 IS NOT MEETING REGULATIONS. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, METAL IS NOW EXPOSED TO THE PASSENGERS DUE TO THIS CRACKING AND BREAKING APART. DO SOMETHING BEFORE PEOPLE GET SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE CHRYSLER WANTS TO MAKE MONEY. HELP US. THIS IS A LEMON 2ND GENERATION RAM MODEL AND NO ONE IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Oct 25, 2014150,000 milesIL

THE FUEL RAIL CONNECTOR HOSE {OR CROSSOVER HOSE} FAILED AND GAS LEAKED OUT ON TOP OF THE ENGINE CATCHING FIRE. *T

TiresCrash
Filed Sep 3, 2014330,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING ALONG ON HIGHWAY 70 AND HAD THE TIRE SEPARATE AND EXPLODE. I THEN WENT IN AND HAS THE TIRE REPLACED. THIS THEN AGAIN HAPPEN A SECOND TIME WITHIN 500 MILE BUT I WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE THE EXPLOSION. YOU CAN SEE THOUGH THE TREAD WHERE THE STEEL BELTS ARE SHOWING AND STICKING OUT THOUGH THE TREAD. SAME MAKE MODEL AND LIFE OF TIRE. ~4 YEARS OLD AND ~40000 MILES. THE TIRE IS 5 YEAR 60000 MILE TIRE. MY WEAR IS ONLY HALF LIFE. I REPLACED THE FIRST TIRE UNDER THERE PRORATING BUT THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPEN I TRY TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THEY IS NOT JUST ISOLATED INCIDENT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE TIRE ARE GOOD, IT YOUR PROBLEM NOT MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. THEY SAID THEY WILL ONLY PRORATE AND WILL NOT INVESTIGATE IN TO ISSUE OF IT POSSIBLY BEING A MANUFACTURER FAULT. *TR

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 21, 2014165,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT MADE CONTACT WITH ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED AN INJURY TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO REMEDY WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000. UPDATED 8/28/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE AIR BAG MODEL NECESSARY FOR THE REPAIR IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS WITHOUT A HORN. THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. UPDATED 11/6/2014 *JS

Suspension
Filed May 6, 2014240,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING BRACKET ON BOTH SIDES WAS EXCESSIVELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

Structure
Filed May 4, 2014109,000 milesFL

UPPER DASH TOTALLY GONE AND BEZEL AROUND CLUSTER CRACKED AND FALLING APART. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 15, 2014157,000 milesPA

I HAVE A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500 THE HOLE DASH IS FALLING IN CRACKS ALL OVER WITH A FEW BIG HOLES I'VE SEEN THAT THIS IS A DODGE ISSUE THAT DODGE HAS NOT FIXED OR HAS NOT MADE ATTEMPTED TO FIX. *TT

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Mar 31, 2014120,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNING AND MELTING THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Mar 17, 2014211,077 milesMI

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A 45MPH ROAD AND THE TRUCK WAS NOT SHIFTING SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE SHUT IT OFF TURNED IT BACK ON THE CHECKED ALL THE GEARS AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE THEN I TRIED DRIVING AGAIN AND IT STALLED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WILL NOT START AND THE ENGINE MAKES A WEIRD RUMBLE NOISE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Feb 21, 2014160,000 milesCT

MY 1998 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB IS LOCATED IN NEW ENGLAND WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTING BECAUSE OF THIS, THE MOST DANGEROUS ASPECT, HOWEVER IS THE COIL SPRING FRONT MOUNTS, OR BUCKETS THAT HOLD THE BOTTOM SPRINGS TO THE FRONT AXEL ASSEMBLY. DODGE HASN'T OFFERED TO RECALL DODGE TRUCKS TO REPAIR THIS DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW, WHEREBY THE COIL MOUNTS WERE INSUFFICIENTLY COATED, AND IMPROPERLY DESIGNED TO TRAP SALTY WATER IN THEM TO ACCELERATE THE OXIDATION PROCESS. THIS IS NOT UNLIKE THE SAFETY ISSUE FORD WINDSTAR MINIVANS HAD WITH THEIR AXLES THAT TRAPPED SALTY WATER DURING WINTER AND CAUSED THEM TO ROT OUT AND SNAP CAUSING INJURY AND DEATH. MY CLOSE FRIEND WHO OWNS A MID 1990'S DODGE RAM TRUCK, WHO HAD HIS COIL SPRING BUCKET ACTUALLY FAIL CAUSING HIS FRONT END TO LUNGE FORWARD, HE WAS DRIVING SLOWLY WHEN IT HAPPENED SO HE WASN'T INJURED. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY DATA ON INJURIES RELATED TO FAILURE OF THE COIL SPRING MOUNTS, THAT DOESN'T MEAN THEY HAVEN'T OCCURRED. DODGE SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO AT THE VERY LEAST, PROVIDE A KIT TO TRUCK OWNERS THAT REPAIRS THIS PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 18, 2014178,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF ONE MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 30, 2014140,000 milesTX

TRUCK WAS PARK BOTH TIMES..ONE TIME OVER NIGHT..THEN SECOND TIME PARKED AT WORK FOR 8 HOURS..WENT TO GET INTO TRUCK, NOTHING HAPPEN , NO SEAT BELT WAS WORKING.. WHY THERE NO RECALL ON SOMETHING LIKE SEAT BELT A BIG SAFETY ISSUE?? THERE WAS NOTHING I DID WRONG. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 10, 2014105,000 milesHI

I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL OF DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRINGS THAT DISABLED AIRBAGS IN CERTAIN DODGE PRODUCTS (SAFETY RECALL 982)(NHTSA IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 01V-153). THE RECALL INCLUDED VEHICLES IN THE VIN LAST 8 DIGITS WS501493 TO WS771681. MY 1998 DODGE RAM 1500 HAS A LAST EIGHT DIGITS OF [XXX]. THUS, IT DOES FALL WITHIN THE RANGE OF RECALLED VIN NUMBERS. HOWEVER, FOR SOME REASON MY TRUCK IS NOT DESCRIBED AS ONE OF THOSE RECALLED. HOWEVER, I HAVE AN AIRBAG LIGHT THAT IS ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK IT SEEMS TO ME THAT BOTH OF THESE ARE INDICATIONS OF A DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRING JUST AS ON THE RECALLED VEHICLES. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND WHY MY VEHICLE MAKE MODEL AND YEAR IS NOT DESCRIBED AS RECALLED EVEN THOUGH THE LAST EIGHT VIN DIGITS FALLS WITHIN THE RANGE OF THOSE RECALLED FOR THIS DEFECT. CAN THE RECALL OF THIS BE STUDIED FURTHER AND EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MY VEHICLE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 26, 2013115,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE FRONT END OF THE FRAME FRACTURED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 4, 2013MI

1998 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STRAPS HOLDING GAS TANK THAT CAUSED FUEL PUMP DAMAGE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, DUE TO RUST.

Steering
Filed Sep 13, 2013130,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN REVERSE, HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECOME ABNORMALLY LOOSE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE FORWARD BUT HE TURNED THE WHEEL RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE WENT LEFT. THE CONTACT THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 11-04-13 *BF UPDATED 11/8/2013 *JS

Complaints 1-50 of 520, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20141000Routine
20126987100Above average
2011689470Above average
2010488430Above average
2009670220Above average
2008554860Do not drive
2007517780Do not drive
20067921281Do not drive
20051,1737165Do not drive
20041,0998291Do not drive
20031,1715126Do not drive
20028156141Fatalities reported
20011,1123351Fatalities reported
2000513380Above average
19996101191Fatalities reported
1998 — this page5201168Fatalities reported
19973611141Fatalities reported
19962981174Fatalities reported
19952131140Above average
1994116170Routine
19936010Routine
19920100Routine
19917000Routine

Compare every Ram 1500 year →

1998 Dodge Ram 1500: questions buyers ask

Is the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Ram 1500 years to avoid: an unusual share of its 520 complaints describe fires, crashes or deaths for a car of its age. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (19%).

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500?

The body and frame: 98 of the 520 complaints (19%) are about it. The typical report comes at 93,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 have?

1 safety recall on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 15, 2006. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 95,000 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 93,000 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500?

The manufacturer filed 17 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (4), the engine (4) and the electrical system (3). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

8 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 15, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.