1998 Dodge Ram problems
The 1998 Dodge Ram has 644 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (21%) concerns brakes. After that come air bags (10%) and transmission (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 644 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 21% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 94 and 9
- Injuries and deaths
- 65 and 3
- Typical mileage
- 74,000 miles 39 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 11 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 7 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 7 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 4 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 39 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 74,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 94 complaints mention a crash; 9 complaints mention a fire; 65 injuries reported; 3 deaths reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1998 ranks 3rd most-complained-about out of 18 model years of the Dodge Ram with enough data (450 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 13 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
When applying the brakes on wet pavement/gravel/snow or ice, anti-lock brakes locked up and vehicle kept moving without stopping. Driver was involved in a rear end crash because of the brakes. The problem was reported to the dealership. Dealer tried to correct the problem numerous times. However, problem continues to exist..et.
While stopping at traffic light was rearended by another vehicle causing a chain reaction collision, and air bags did not deploy. 2 passengers and driver were injured. Vehicle was totaled.
Had cruise control on at 60MPH. Road wet/slick. Vehicle started hydroplaning. Made funny noises. Lost traction. Spun around & front end hit guard rail. Air bags did not deploy. Driver has bruises from seat belt. Passenger not restrained. Hit windshield. Emergency room treatment.
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.
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. Updated 07/30/09.