1998 Dodge RAM
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1998 Dodge RAM. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
17 recalls name the 1998 Dodge RAM. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. these headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall began on august 1, 2006. owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. the recall will begin on september 27, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. owner notification began july 29, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. note: the RAM pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11TH vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11TH vin position) from may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. the driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. owner notification began june 18, 2001. also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the primary latch IS not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. owner notification began september 17, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with optional trailer hitch. the trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material with insufficient strength.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brackets built without proper material could fatigue and fracture in the area where the trailer hitch mounts to the frame.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the trailer hitches and replace any trailer hitch showing signs of fatigue cracking. if no evidence of cracking exists, the dealer will install two reinforcement brackets.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, V10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Vehicle description: vans and vans used for conversion. if a heavy object impacts the metal casing of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), located under the driver seat, the module could inadvertently deploy the air bags.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the aecm with a module that incorporates revised hardware and software on all affected vehicles.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9L - 24 valve diesel engine. the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube located in the engine compartment between the filter and the high pressure pump can fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can allow fuel to leak. in the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. these vehicles may have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. the bolts were used to attach the cab and the core support to the frame.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9L - 24 valve diesel engine. an intermittent high engine idle condition can occur due to a malfunction of the vehicle speed sensor.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This creates a signal which IS misinterpreted by the engine control software, causing a high idle speed condition.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine controller software to correct erroneous speed sensor signals.
Vehicle description: light duty trucks equipped with either a 8.0L V-10 engine or a 5.9L V-8 heavy duty gasoline engine. an exhaust system heat shield attaching screw IS too close to the underbody fuel line. the line can rub against the screw, possibly causing fuel leakage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the underbody heat shield attaching screw and replace it with rubber adhesive. the chassis fuel line will be inspected for signs of wear and any tubes indicating wear will be replaced.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the front seat belt buckles were not properly riveted to the support strap.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat belt assembly would have reduced strength, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front outer seat belt buckles with buckles that have been properly riveted.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. the brake rotor material strength IS not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This fracture can result in crack propagation around the wheel mounting bolt circule ultimately resulting in a wheel separation.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and if necessary, replace these rotors.
Owner complaints
483 complaints79 involved a crash6 involved a fire52 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure · Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
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
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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.
- Structure
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…
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.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Interior lighting
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
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM. while driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator randomly illuminates and the air bag chime will begin to sound. the horn in the vehicle has also stopped working. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and provided them with information he…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM. while driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator randomly illuminates and the air bag chime will begin to sound. the horn in the vehicle has also stopped working. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and provided them with information he found online regarding nhtsa campaign ID number 01v153000 (air bags). he was informed that the vin was not included in the recall, although the failures were identical. the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the vehicle IS currently at the dealer and they stated that the clock springs were the cause of the failures in the horn and the air bags. the air bag system was completely disabled and would not deploy in the event of a crash. the failure mileage was 124,000 and current mileage was 125,000. updated 10/20/08. *lj updated 10/21/08. *Jb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
1998 dodge RAM tire fell off while driving. Consumer states that the tire fell off while driving on the highway. This caused the vehicle to stop in the center lane of the highway. *kb the lug nuts were missing. The vehicle was also struck my another vehicle. (Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0246-90) *jb
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM. the contact stated that the air bag indicator light illuminates and an alarm sounds four times intermittently. eventually, the air bag light dims. the contact will have the vehicle inspected. there are two air bag recalls (nhtsa campaign ID numbers…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM. the contact stated that the air bag indicator light illuminates and an alarm sounds four times intermittently. eventually, the air bag light dims. the contact will have the vehicle inspected. there are two air bag recalls (nhtsa campaign ID numbers 01v153000 and 99v002000); however, the manufacturer stated that his vehicle was not included in either one. the current mileage was 120,000 and failure mileage was 119,800.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle with the cruise control set on 70 mph it became stuck. The vehicle's speed kept accelerating, the engine revved. the brake pedal had to be depressed very hard to get the vehicle to slow down. after slowing down the vehicle it was put into…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle with the cruise control set on 70 mph it became stuck. The vehicle's speed kept accelerating, the engine revved. the brake pedal had to be depressed very hard to get the vehicle to slow down. after slowing down the vehicle it was put into neutral. the vehicle was then shut off; and taken to a dealership. upon inspection the problem was the cruise control valve that was located under the battery. acid from the battery leaked down onto the cruise control valve causing it to stick. the dealer disconnected the cruise control. Updated 04/11/06. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving vehicle stalled. driver was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to dealer. mechanic determined that transmission and engine needed to be replaced due to wear and tear. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The rpms increased, and the gears popped on the vehicle on their own. Took vehicle to repair shop for check up, and results showed that a new transmission needed to be replaced.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
Truck has been nothing but problems replaced many parts for leaks and transmission problems engine light consistently comes on even after repairs. Truck buck when accelerating looses engine power. Would like it fixed I read other complaints and they had the same problem. I put a lot of money into…
Truck has been nothing but problems replaced many parts for leaks and transmission problems engine light consistently comes on even after repairs. Truck buck when accelerating looses engine power. Would like it fixed I read other complaints and they had the same problem. I put a lot of money into the truck and have not yet been able to fix problem because they cant seem to figure out the cause. Problem has been on going since vehicle was purchased. *jb
- Seat belts › Rear/other
The toddler was strapped in the booster seat by the lap and shoulder belts in the rear of the quad cab. Consumer had to hit brakes suddenly to keep from being involved in a collision. after applying the brakes the seat belt allowed the toddler to strike his head on the front seat. dealer…
The toddler was strapped in the booster seat by the lap and shoulder belts in the rear of the quad cab. Consumer had to hit brakes suddenly to keep from being involved in a collision. after applying the brakes the seat belt allowed the toddler to strike his head on the front seat. dealer stated that the seat belt worked properly.*ak the consumer stated that the fire department was consulted but does not have a remedy. *tc
- Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.…
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. the driver sustained head injuries. the driver went to the hospital on his own. the vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. please provide additional information. *jb
- Air bags
Air bag light started illuminating on and off. Eventually it remained illuminated. *ph the consumer later found out that the manufacturer was voluntarily replacing the clock spring on vehicles with mileage less than 70000 miles (recall# 02v293). the consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told that the recall was only for vans. *nm
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Hood latch popped open while driving. Was able to pull over to the shoulder, closed the hood, and drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection. mechanic informed consumer that this vehicle was not recalled. *ak
- Suspension › Rear
All warranty service at cliffs autosvr-goodyear-springtown.*mr the vehicles rear end had to be replaced due to wear. *nm
- Air bags
Another vehicle turned in front of consumer's vehicle and it was t-boned by consumer's vehicle which was traveling 45-50 mph. upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. driver sustained some soft tissue injuries to the back. *ak
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Consumer stated that one of cables that held the tailgate from falling broke. it just snapped off. Consumer was told by the mechanic that the cable had some rust damage. *ak
- Tires › Sidewall
Goodyear, wrangler, p265/75r16 , dot#4b73d5dr1900 sidewall separation on front passenger's side. consumer was driving at highway speed when separation occurred. Tires had less than 20,000 miles on them. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer depressed the brakes to come to a stop. In the process, the vehicle hopped up and down. Vehicle was serviced, and the problem was due to the rear brake adjuster malfunctioning. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical · Power train · Seat belts · Service brakes, hydraulic
My husband ordered this truck in late 1997. We purchased it new and have had numerous problems with the vehicle. the biggest problem we have faced IS the transmission. mid-april 1998 the first problems occured with slippage, the transmission cooling lines were replaced, one month later the torque…
My husband ordered this truck in late 1997. We purchased it new and have had numerous problems with the vehicle. the biggest problem we have faced IS the transmission. mid-april 1998 the first problems occured with slippage, the transmission cooling lines were replaced, one month later the torque converter went and repairs were made. now at 51,000 miles and very little driving for the last 2 yrs (since my husband has been sick with cancer) it has blown again. the front seals are leaking profusely. the rear window was leaking so badly at one point the entire ceiling inside was soaded. the ABS computer went wacky on us early on also. The seatbelt has been twisted since we purchased the vehicle and we have not successfully fixed it. The extended warranty we purchased has gone out of business. I will not likely buy another dodge ever again. mercedes takes the cake.
- Power train
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…
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. you are damaging your tranny. the tranny over heat light never came on just the service engine light.dodge says there IS nothing wrong. I have a list of other people who have had dodge tranny problems. one IS my brother-in-law.
- Unknown or other
Tail gate support strap broke,relative with 1996 dodge had both support straps break resulting in damage to tailgate
- Unknown or other
Clear coat failure on cab and under windows.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10018993Illuminated mil as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have failed a california smog or state i/m test but without an illuminated mil, or a rattling sound from the underside of the vehicle. Catalytic converter extended warranty to replace the catalytic converter.
- 10004538Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure. This bulletin replaced 18-030-03. This bulletin replaced 18-030-03a dated 10/17/03. To also include 2005 RAM truck.
- 10003544Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure.
- 10000308Engine knock or rattle sound when climbing a long grade and towing a heavy trailer.
- 6092297Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knoc condition during acceleration (under load).
- 6092295Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load).
- 6089735This bulletin mentions that the front wheel bearing grease IS evident on the bearing seal area.
- 6089721A condition with the fuel gauge reading full for an excessive period of time.
- 6089713Customers may complain of radio interference to / from two way radio receivers.
- 6089148Concerns on incorrect fault mature time - dtc $B7 leak detection pump solenoid circuit. *Nlm
- 6089142Concerns with vehicle bucking. *Nlm
- 6089118Concerns with water leaking into vehicle through side cowl panel. *Nlm
- 6089117This bulletin involves upper rear corner of front door contacts upper front corner of cargo door
- 6089112This bulletin involves oil canning noise coming from box area. *Nlm
- 6089106Information on thin or blotchy paint inspection procedure. *Nlm
- 6089105Information on body gap and flushness requirements. *Nlm
- 6088991This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation, inhibitor programming. *Nlm
- 6088962Customer may complain of steering wander. *Nlm
- 6088932Concerns with obd II misfire indicator. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088845Vehicle may experience remote keyless entry transmitter batteries discharge prematurely. *Nlm
- 6088839This bulletin involves dead battery from ignition off draw (iod). *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088830Concerns with ash receiver lamp degrades from blue-green to bright white. *Nlm
- 6088771Concerns with park brake release handle does not fully return to rest position. *Nlm
- 635734Information on tampering with VP44 fuel pump on cummins diesel engines.
- 635732Information on tampering with VP44 fuel pump on cummins diesel engine.
- 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634112Revision of flash process for new engine control module (ecm) from cummins. *Slc this bulletin supersedes bulletin 18-019-02 dated june 17, 2002.
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 633990Subject regarding crankcase breather overflow. *Slc
- 628237Customer may complain of high oil consumption, grey oil smoke coming out of the exhaust or breather tube, or mechanical knocking.
- 625650Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement.
- 623143Some vehicles may experience cold idle engine warming *slc
- 623130Vehicles may experience oil pan gasket leaks.*slc
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 621892Subject regarding performance enhancements, hard starting and / or idle speed fluctuations for severe cold weather environments.
- 621886Subject regarding radio connector repair kit.
- 620071Subject regarding additional diagnostic for diagnostic trouble codes caused by an evaporative system leak.
Every Dodge RAM model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.