CarRecallWatchThe 1998 Dodge RAM has 13 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 483 complaints with NHTSA, including 79 crashes, 6 fires, 52 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes, Hydraulic (129 reports).
1998 Dodge RAM recalls
Most common 1998 Dodge RAM problems
Problem areas named in the 483 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 129 |
| Power Train | 90 |
| Air Bags | 66 |
| Electrical System | 49 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 39 |
| Suspension | 37 |
| Steering | 29 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 26 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 25 |
| Tires | 19 |
What owners report
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
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.
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.
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.
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
1998 Dodge RAM questions
Does the 1998 Dodge RAM have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls for the 1998 Dodge RAM: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module; Vehicle Speed Control; Air Bags; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch; Trailer Hitches. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge RAM?
Based on 483 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes, Hydraulic (129), Power Train (90), Air Bags (66).
How do I check if a recall on my 1998 Dodge RAM has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.