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1998 Dodge RAMProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 483 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge RAM, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 13 safety recalls.

11
CarFlaw IndexYear to avoid8.1× the RAM median · #3 of 22 years by complaints
Safety recalls13Free fix at dealersOwner complaints483124 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage94kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 28, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Dodge RAM has problems

483 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
Service brakes, hydraulic10716
Power train803
Air bags6651
Electrical system481
Engine and engine cooling382
Suspension311
Steering285
Vehicle speed control257
Fuel system, gasoline202
16 other systems13315

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

13 recalls

1998 Dodge RAM 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

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module

Recall 04V-185 · Apr 12, 2004 · 44,588 vehicles

Risk. THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 02V-161 · Jun 14, 2002 · 97,500 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Air bags

Recall 01V-153 · May 8, 2001 · 216,100 vehicles

Risk. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 9 more recalls
–no report yet

Trailer hitches

Recall 00V-107 · Apr 11, 2000 · 357,000 vehicles

Risk. BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine: diesel

Recall 98V-209 · Sep 8, 1998 · 30,747 vehicles

Risk. THIS CREATES A SIGNAL WHICH IS MISINTERPRETED BY THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE, CAUSING A HIGH IDLE SPEED CONDITION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 98V-182 · Aug 6, 1998 · 8,144 vehicles

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 98V-105 · May 14, 1998 · 4,200 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE REDUCED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Disc: rotor

Recall 98V-075 · Apr 8, 1998 · 1,550 vehicles

Risk. THIS FRACTURE CAN RESULT IN CRACK PROPAGATION AROUND THE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLT CIRCULE ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.

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 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 median. How we score

'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1998 Dodge RAM safety ratings

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

1998 Dodge RAM frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What RAM owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10444690 · Jan 20, 2012 · 90,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10325497 · Apr 13, 2010 · 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.…
Complaint 10108778 · Jan 24, 2005

Own a 1998 RAM?

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