“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed. The brake indicator light also illuminated. The brakes also failed intermittently.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 13, 2010 at 115,000 miles
“While driving,the consumer tried to avoid another vehicle that was coming inside of the lane. When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and hit a guard rail and flipped into a ditch. Both air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained head injuries. The driver went to the hospital on his own.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 24, 2005
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)
Complaints about the 1998 Ram peaked in 1999, with 145 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 98V075000 in April 1998; 98 more have come in since. In 2012 owners filed 2 so far.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation
Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports USA, LLC
Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module04V185000
Defect. ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.
Risk. THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Filed Jun 14, 200297,500 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.
Risk. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROD ENDS AND BALL STUDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Filed May 8, 2001216,100 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Risk. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Filed Feb 12, 2001701,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."
Risk. IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH.
Risk. BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.
Filed May 6, 19998,883 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.
Risk. THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
Filed Jan 7, 199946,193 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND VANS USED FOR CONVERSION. IF A HEAVY OBJECT IMPACTS THE METAL CASING OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT, THE MODULE COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY THE AIR BAGS.
Risk. UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AECM WITH A MODULE THAT INCORPORATES REVISED HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel98V207000
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.9L - 24 VALVE DIESEL ENGINE. THE LOW PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BETWEEN THE FILTER AND THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP CAN FRACTURE.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOW PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel98V209000
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.9L - 24 VALVE DIESEL ENGINE. AN INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE CONDITION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR.
Risk. THIS CREATES A SIGNAL WHICH IS MISINTERPRETED BY THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE, CAUSING A HIGH IDLE SPEED CONDITION.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT ERRONEOUS SPEED SENSOR SIGNALS.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH BOLTS THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED. THE BOLTS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE CAB AND THE CORE SUPPORT TO THE FRAME.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE CAB TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BOLTS WITH PROPERLY HARDENED BOLTS.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings98V182000
Filed Aug 6, 19988,144 vehiclesChrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EITHER A 8.0L V-10 ENGINE OR A 5.9L V-8 HEAVY DUTY GASOLINE ENGINE. AN EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELD ATTACHING SCREW IS TOO CLOSE TO THE UNDERBODY FUEL LINE. THE LINE CAN RUB AGAINST THE SCREW, POSSIBLY CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD ATTACHING SCREW AND REPLACE IT WITH RUBBER ADHESIVE. THE CHASSIS FUEL LINE WILL BE INSPECTED FOR SIGNS OF WEAR AND ANY TUBES INDICATING WEAR WILL BE REPLACED.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE BRAKE ROTOR MATERIAL STRENGTH IS NOT SUFFICIENT CAUSING A HUB FATIGUE FRACTURE.
Risk. THIS FRACTURE CAN RESULT IN CRACK PROPAGATION AROUND THE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLT CIRCULE ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE ROTORS AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE ROTORS.
All 17 campaigns on file, newest first.
Technical service bulletins
137 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1998 Ram. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 43electrical system 17body and frame 13fuel system 12transmission 12suspension 8throttle and acceleration 7visibility 5
1100605Warranty extensionDec 21, 2005engine
ILLUMINATED MIL AS THE RESULT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0420 - CATALYST EFFICIENCY, OR MAY HAVE FAILED A CALIFORNIA SMOG OR STATE I/M TEST BUT WITHOUT AN ILLUMINATED MIL, OR A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CATALYTIC CONVERTER EXTENDED WARRANTY TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TT
VEHICLES LISTED ON THIS BULLETIN ARE EQIPPED WITH REAR HEIGHT SENSING PROPORTIONING VALVE THAT ADJUST BRAKE PRESSURE TO THE REAR BRAKES BASED UPON DISTANCE BETWEEN FRAME AND REAR AXLE. *AK
What owners reported
Newest filings
Structure
Filed Jan 28, 2012193,000 milesAL
THE SPARE TIRE MECHANISM THAT HOLD THE TIRE UNDER THE BED BROKE. THIS FAILURE WAS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE IT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, MY SPARE TIRE FELL ONTO THE STREET AND ROLLED. LUCKILY I WAS IN A 35 MPH AREA, BUT CARS STILL HAD TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF THE ROLLING TIRE. HAD I BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. *TR
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Jan 20, 201290,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM VAN WITH AFTERMARKET BENDIX BRAKES (MODEL NUMBER: 13481).THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND, CAUSING THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE OR THE BRAKES IN REGARD TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 13, 2010115,000 milesOH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKES ALSO FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY BUT THE FAILURES WERE CAUSING BY AN ELECTRIC COMPONENT. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 115,000.
Structure1 injured
Filed Mar 8, 201074,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HE NOTICED THE DASH BOARD OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED BADLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WEATHER WAS NOT HOT AND WAS NOT A FACTOR WITH THE VEHICLE DASH BOARD DEFECT. THE CONTACT HAD PIECES OF THE DASHBOARD FLY INTO HIS EYES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THERE HAD BEEN NO REPAIRS DONE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jul 8, 2009132,216 milesIL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTING FAIL TO DIM WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. PRIOR TO THE FAILURES, SHE NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD NOT DIM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,216. UPDATED 07/28/09. *LJ UPDATED 07/30/09.*JB
Air Bags
Filed Oct 1, 2008124,000 milesNY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR RANDOMLY ILLUMINATES AND THE AIR BAG CHIME WILL BEGIN TO SOUND. THE HORN IN THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND PROVIDED THEM WITH INFORMATION HE FOUND ONLINE REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V153000 (AIR BAGS). HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRINGS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES IN THE HORN AND THE AIR BAGS. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED AND WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 10/20/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/21/08. *JB
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/StudsCrash
Filed Apr 25, 2008OH
1998 DODGE RAM TIRE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TIRE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP IN THE CENTER LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. *KB THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO STRUCK MY ANOTHER VEHICLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0246-90) *JB
Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2007119,800 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND AN ALARM SOUNDS FOUR TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. EVENTUALLY, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DIMS. THE CONTACT WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THERE ARE TWO AIR BAG RECALLS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 01V153000 AND 99V002000); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER ONE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,800.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Mar 22, 200669,013 milesOR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET ON 70 MPH IT BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE'S SPEED KEPT ACCELERATING, THE ENGINE REVVED. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED VERY HARD TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. AFTER SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE IT WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SHUT OFF; AND TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. UPON INSPECTION THE PROBLEM WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL VALVE THAT WAS LOCATED UNDER THE BATTERY. ACID FROM THE BATTERY LEAKED DOWN ONTO THE CRUISE CONTROL VALVE CAUSING IT TO STICK. THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL. UPDATED 04/11/06. *JB
Power Train › Automatic TransmissionFire
Filed Apr 6, 2005NV
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. *AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 4, 200585,000 milesMI
THE RPMS INCREASED, AND THE GEARS POPPED ON THE VEHICLE ON THEIR OWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP FOR CHECK UP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Mar 2, 200559,900 milesAZ
THE TODDLER WAS STRAPPED IN THE BOOSTER SEAT BY THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS IN THE REAR OF THE QUAD CAB. CONSUMER HAD TO HIT BRAKES SUDDENLY TO KEEP FROM BEING INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES THE SEAT BELT ALLOWED THE TODDLER TO STRIKE HIS HEAD ON THE FRONT SEAT. DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WORKED PROPERLY.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONSULTED BUT DOES NOT HAVE A REMEDY. *TC
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 26, 2005MA
TRUCK HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS REPLACED MANY PARTS FOR LEAKS AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ENGINE LIGHT CONSISTENTLY COMES ON EVEN AFTER REPAIRS. TRUCK BUCK WHEN ACCELERATING LOOSES ENGINE POWER. WOULD LIKE IT FIXED I READ OTHER COMPLAINTS AND THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO THE TRUCK AND HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CANT SEEM TO FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE. PROBLEM HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *JB
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 24, 2005TX
WHILE DRIVING,THE CONSUMER TRIED TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS COMING INSIDE OF THE LANE. WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A GUARD RAIL AND FLIPPED INTO A DITCH. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. THE DRIVER WENT TO THE HOSPITAL ON HIS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Sep 3, 2004NY
HOOD LATCH POPPED OPEN WHILE DRIVING. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER, CLOSED THE HOOD, AND DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. *AK
Suspension › Rear
Filed Jun 23, 200499,000 milesTX
ALL WARRANTY SERVICE AT CLIFFS AUTOSVR-GOODYEAR-SPRINGTOWN.*MR THE VEHICLES REAR END HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WEAR. *NM
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 24, 2004GA
ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AND IT WAS T-BONED BY CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WHICH WAS TRAVELING 45-50 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED SOME SOFT TISSUE INJURIES TO THE BACK. *AK
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed May 19, 2004CA
CONSUMER STATED THAT ONE OF CABLES THAT HELD THE TAILGATE FROM FALLING BROKE. IT JUST SNAPPED OFF. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE CABLE HAD SOME RUST DAMAGE. *AK
Tires › Sidewall
Filed May 14, 200420,000 milesMA
GOODYEAR, WRANGLER, P265/75R16 , DOT#4B73D5DR1900 SIDEWALL SEPARATION ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN SEPARATION OCCURRED. TIRES HAD LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON THEM. *AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 6, 2004CA
CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. IN THE PROCESS, THE VEHICLE HOPPED UP AND DOWN. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER MALFUNCTIONING. *AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 8, 2004GA
VEHICLE CHANGED GEARS ON ITS OWN. THEN, ENGINE RACED. CONSUMER FELT VEHICLE WAS GOING TO TAKE OFF. *AK
Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 200463,898 milesND
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT ROUGHLY 64,000 MILES AND I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN AT 108,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jan 15, 2004110,000 milesOK
RIGHT EXHAUST MANAFOLD BOLTS STRIPPED, CAUSING EXHAUST LEAK AND INSIDE OF CATLETIC CONVERTER LOOSE AND CAUSING EXTREAM RATTLE, WORSE AT IDLE IN GEAR.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 200448,000 milesCA
CLEAR COAT FAILURE ON CAB AND UNDER WINDOWS.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 200486,000 milesWV
TAIL GATE SUPPORT STRAP BROKE,RELATIVE WITH 1996 DODGE HAD BOTH SUPPORT STRAPS BREAK RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO TAILGATE
Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 200497,210 milesNY
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. JUST GO TO JASPER.COM. THEY SAY THAT 1995 TO 2001 DODGE TRUCK TRANSMISSIONS HAVE A HIGH RATE OF FAILURE DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. SEEMS THAT DODGE PUT TO LOW A VOLUME PUMP IN ALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS. LOCAL TRANSMISSION REBUILDERS TELL ME THAT YOU CAN NOT LET THE TRUCK IDLE BECAUSE THE TRANNY GETS NO LUBRICATION AT LOW RPM'S. SO DURING THE WINTER WHILE YOU ARE WAITING FOR THE WINDSHEILD TO CLEAR OFF TO DRIVE IN THE NORTHEAST WHERE IT SNOWS. YOU ARE DAMAGING YOUR TRANNY. THE TRANNY OVER HEAT LIGHT NEVER CAME ON JUST THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT.DODGE SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE A LIST OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD DODGE TRANNY PROBLEMS. ONE IS MY BROTHER-IN-LAW.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200450,100 milesTX
MY HUSBAND ORDERED THIS TRUCK IN LATE 1997. WE PURCHASED IT NEW AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WE HAVE FACED IS THE TRANSMISSION. MID-APRIL 1998 THE FIRST PROBLEMS OCCURED WITH SLIPPAGE, THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES WERE REPLACED, ONE MONTH LATER THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT AND REPAIRS WERE MADE. NOW AT 51,000 MILES AND VERY LITTLE DRIVING FOR THE LAST 2 YRS (SINCE MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN SICK WITH CANCER) IT HAS BLOWN AGAIN. THE FRONT SEALS ARE LEAKING PROFUSELY. THE REAR WINDOW WAS LEAKING SO BADLY AT ONE POINT THE ENTIRE CEILING INSIDE WAS SOADED. THE ABS COMPUTER WENT WACKY ON US EARLY ON ALSO. THE SEATBELT HAS BEEN TWISTED SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WE HAVE NOT SUCCESSFULLY FIXED IT. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. I WILL NOT LIKELY BUY ANOTHER DODGE EVER AGAIN. MERCEDES TAKES THE CAKE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 200460,000 milesWA
AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED ILLUMINATING ON AND OFF. EVENTUALLY IT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. *PH THE CONSUMER LATER FOUND OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS VOLUNTARILY REPLACING THE CLOCK SPRING ON VEHICLES WITH MILEAGE LESS THAN 70000 MILES (RECALL# 02V293). THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS ONLY FOR VANS. *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 13, 2004TX
WHILE TRAVEL AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and FittingsFire
Filed Dec 15, 200360,000 milesTX
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THEN , DRIVER NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO SEVERE DAMAGE. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 24, 200342,103 milesIL
CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.*AK THE INTAKE MANIFOLD RUPTURED WHICH CAUSED THE OIL TO BE SUCKED OUT OF THE OIL PAN, AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE ON THE GASKET, THE BEARING ON THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED, PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DID NOT REGISTER CORRECTLY. *JB *NM
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › SwitchFire
Filed Nov 6, 2003150,000 milesGA
WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 28, 200375,000 milesCA
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED LOWER ARM INJURIES. *AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 23, 200356,000 miles00
THE BOLT THAT HOLDS FIFTH GEAR IN PLACE DISLODGED AND THE GEAR CAME OFF THE SHAFT. VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE IN THE OTHER FOUR GEARS BUT FIFTH GEAR WAS INOPERABLE. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Sep 12, 2003WV
VEHICLE'S PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR SHOWS INACCURATELY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH
Air Bags › Side/WindowCrash
Filed Sep 3, 2003OH
CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING ON WET PAVEMENT 30-35 MPH VEHICLE SLID INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Sep 3, 2003OH
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30-35 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT WAS INVOLVED IN HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. *AK
Unknown or OtherCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 15, 2003AZ
THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND RAN A STOP SIGN. *AK THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE SIDE AND REPEATEDLY FLIPPED OVER. THE PICKUP SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND BOTH LANDED IN SEPARATE DIRECTIONS. THE PASSENGER WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. NEITHER DRIVER OR PASSENGER WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. BOTH SUSTAINED INJURIES. *PH *JB
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 28, 2003OR
WHILE SHIFTING THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING LEFT TO RIGHT. *AK
Child Seat › Base
Filed Jun 16, 2003PA
WHILE PLACING THE CHILD INSIDE OF CAR SEAT SPRING ATTACH TO THE HARNESS SNAPPED. *AK
Structure › Frame and MembersCrash
Filed Jun 16, 2003AZ
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE WAS T-BORNE AND THE FRAME BENT.*AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 10, 2003MI
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE FIFTH GEAR GAVE OUT. *AK
Unknown or Other
Filed May 28, 2003AK
THE STABLED ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE STABLED HARNESS WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT COME OUT AT ALL. *TT
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Apr 21, 200332,000 milesAK
THE VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO A COOLANT LEAK. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM
Trailer Hitches
Filed Mar 18, 2003CA
THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE TRAILER HITCHES. THE DEALER STATED THE TECHNICIAN WAS SICK AND THE PART WHICH WAS NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TS *JB
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Jan 29, 200397,000 milesNV
VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED. SCC PH
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 21, 2003ME
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN CAUSING LOST OF POWER STEERING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PH
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 9, 200367,500 milesMI
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE ATTEMPING TO DRIVE FROM A RED LIGHT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Nov 28, 2002MI
OIL PUMP FAILURE, ENGINE DESTROYED. DT
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Nov 8, 2002LA
UPON STARTING VEHICLE AND MOTOR IS COLD, VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. MECHANIC STATES LIP SEAL IS WEARING CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO SHIFT PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Complaints 1-50 of 483, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Ram years to avoid: owners filed 483 complaints, 3.0 times as many as a typical Ram year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (20%).
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Dodge Ram?
The brakes: 98 of the 483 complaints (20%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (12%), vibrates or shakes (4%) and overheats (3%). The typical report comes at 97,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Ram have?
17 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 01V040000, covered 701,000 vehicles. 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 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 74,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 97,000 miles.
Are there service bulletins for the 1998 Dodge Ram?
The manufacturer filed 137 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (43), the electrical system (17) and the body and frame (13). They include a warranty extension, 1100605, filed Dec 21, 2005. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
3 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: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.