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1998 Dodge RAM VanProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge RAM Van, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints228 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage94kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 20, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Dodge RAM Van has problems

22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system75
Service brakes, hydraulic52
Suspension40
Steering30
Air bags21
Structure20
Tires20
Power train20
Visibility10
6 other systems62

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1998 Dodge RAM Van recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front assembly: power adjust

Recall 98V-076 · Apr 8, 1998 · 3,500 vehicles

Risk. THE SEAT ATTACHMENT STRENGTH WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other RAM Van year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM Van median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Dodge RAM Van, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPE02082 · closed Apr 23, 2003
    No recall
In owners' words

What RAM Van owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDERHOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA WHILE PARKED. CHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 33 UNDERHOOD FIRE INCIDENTS THAT…
Complaint 10275661 · Jul 2, 2009 · 122,648 miles
THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA WHILE PARKED. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 32 UNDER HOOD FIRE…
Complaint 10259118 · Feb 17, 2009 · 49,006 miles
DT: CONTACT COMPLAINED OF BRAKE PROBLEMS SINCE 1999 DUE TO BATTERY ACID LEAKING ONTO THE BRAKE LINES AND CAUSING CORROSION. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL, BUT THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE PROBLEM WA SREPAIRED BY PUTTING A RUBBER TRAY UNDER THE…
Complaint 10126995 · Jun 29, 2005

Own a 1998 RAM Van?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.