1998 Dodge Ram 1500 body & structure problems
Owners reported body & structure problems in 102 complaints for the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500, 16% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 102 16% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 96,000 miles 70 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When body & structure problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 8 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 9 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 15 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 9 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 13 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 3 |
What the data shows
Of the 70 body & structure complaints that report mileage, the median is about 96,000 miles, and 17% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries.
What owners wrote
Engine compartment hood insulation pad was ignited directly above the power steering pump and smoldered uncontrollably until it was extinguished.
I had my dodge ram 1500 4x4 for only 2 years before the paint started fading on the hood, top of cab & top of bed. Now it is 2004 and the trucks looks terriable . Embarrassing to drive. Dealership said there is nothing they can do, no recalls on paint for 1998 truck and no warranty. After you pay all that money for a truck and expected the best quality due to the price. I have spoke with several dealerships and this seems to be a common problem.
Other problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500
- Brakes 72 complaints
- Air bags 63 complaints
- Transmission 45 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 44 complaints
- Engine 38 complaints
- Suspension 36 complaints
- Seat belts 34 complaints
- Electrical system 32 complaints