1998 Dodge RAM 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 1500 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Dodge RAM 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500. Newest first.
Certain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, and 57-1530. also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. P5007069 and p5007070). all kits were manufactured from april 20, 1999, through september 23, 2004. these assemblies were…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
Remedy
K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. the recall began on april 20, 2006.
Owner complaints
520 complaints66 involved a crash16 involved a fire56 injuries8 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
The seatbelt timer module is failing, resulting in the seatbelts staying locked even when fully retracted. This means sometimes I as the driver as well as my front seat passenger cannot buckle up and drive the vehicle safely. I have not reproduced or confirmed this issue with a dealership or…
The seatbelt timer module is failing, resulting in the seatbelts staying locked even when fully retracted. This means sometimes I as the driver as well as my front seat passenger cannot buckle up and drive the vehicle safely. I have not reproduced or confirmed this issue with a dealership or independent service center. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance agency. A red seatbelt warning light will appear when the seatbelts lock up and goes away when it unlocks.
- Seat belts
The drivers side and passanger side seat belts are locked in the seats. There is no fix, you cant drive truck because you can not use the seat belts, they are made into the seats. No one sells part for it. The seat belts will not extend. The seat belts just stopped working, no warning.
- Structure › Body
I purchased a truck about 6 months ago and I had nothing but problems with it. I had to replaced so many things on it. I was told that the truck only had 72,000 miles on it when I bought it, after driving it for a few months. I encountered problems with it. I ended up running carfax on it and found out the odometer was rolled back two weeks before I purchased it. It had originally 167,000 miles
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. the contact stated the entire dashboard was cracked. The contact stated an occupant sustained an injury due to the sharp dashboard pieces. The contact called piedmont chrysler dodge jeep RAM aev (4015 clemson blvd, anderson, sc 29621, (864) 305-4234) and…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. the contact stated the entire dashboard was cracked. The contact stated an occupant sustained an injury due to the sharp dashboard pieces. The contact called piedmont chrysler dodge jeep RAM aev (4015 clemson blvd, anderson, sc 29621, (864) 305-4234) and was informed that the dashboard could be replaced or a cap cover installed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- Unknown or other
To date, nothing has happened, however a recall was issued saying the secondary hood latch must be replaced, as it can fly open. we were unaware of the recall.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that after his wife was parked the vehicle and attempted to shift the gear shifter into park, the gear shifter instead shifted into reverse. The contact's wife exited the vehicle and the vehicle started rolling backwards. The contact…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that after his wife was parked the vehicle and attempted to shift the gear shifter into park, the gear shifter instead shifted into reverse. The contact's wife exited the vehicle and the vehicle started rolling backwards. The contact used a brick to chock the passenger's side front tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
- Power train
I was driving down the road at about a bout 50 mph down the road and started hearing a noise when letting off the throttle and slowed down a lil gave it some gas then let off again next thing I hear IS the drive shaft hitting the road and the tires sliding across the road and causing me to slide…
I was driving down the road at about a bout 50 mph down the road and started hearing a noise when letting off the throttle and slowed down a lil gave it some gas then let off again next thing I hear IS the drive shaft hitting the road and the tires sliding across the road and causing me to slide across the road locally there was no traffic coming towards me I was able to control the slide of the rear tires to a stop on the side of the road. I got out and was looking what happen the pion nut came off the pion gear locking up the rear differential I think this IS a safety issue because it could have ended up someone getting hurt and or killing someone in a crash. The truck IS very well taking care of and has 108K miles low for its age and there was a recall on this before but on the 05 dodge RAM truck's that was made in 04 IS what someone told me
- Unknown or other
You shouldn't be able to pull the gear shifter from park to reverse without your foot being on the break. Plus the emergency break does not work as well.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. While driving at any speed, the vehicle hesitated, sputtered, and almost stalled. The contact stated that the intake section of the engine had an aluminum plate that became warped with usage. The contact was a mechanic and replaced the gasket several…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. While driving at any speed, the vehicle hesitated, sputtered, and almost stalled. The contact stated that the intake section of the engine had an aluminum plate that became warped with usage. The contact was a mechanic and replaced the gasket several times, but the failure recurred after approximately one year. The dealer (valley dodge, 320 lee jackson hwy, staunton, va 24401, (540) 213-8800) confirmed that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer stated there was no recall and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was 202,156. The vin was unknown.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. While driving approximately 25 mph, the ABS indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to autonation chrysler dodge jeep RAM and fiat at 200 automall dr roseville, ca 95661. And the contact was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed repaired. The failure mileage was 32,000. *Tt*jb
- Power train · Steering
In motion the steering IS very loose. The steering wheel will travel very often from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock and hopefully, I am still going straight. The truck will drift to the right and have to oversteer to get the truck in the travel lane. I replaced steering gear box, ball joints, tie rods…
In motion the steering IS very loose. The steering wheel will travel very often from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock and hopefully, I am still going straight. The truck will drift to the right and have to oversteer to get the truck in the travel lane. I replaced steering gear box, ball joints, tie rods, steering rod, track bar, rack, and pinion. This IS an ongoing problem for a number of years. Transmission plastic part IS broken so there has to be replaced.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. While driving 70 mph, the contact fell asleep and crashed into the median. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the crash. The contact was taken to the hospital by a friend, but there were no injuries…
TL* the contact owned a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. While driving 70 mph, the contact fell asleep and crashed into the median. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the crash. The contact was taken to the hospital by a friend, but there were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and deemed destroyed. The dealer was not contacted and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin and failure mileage were unknown.
- Suspension
Coil spring towers reinforcements - as per the recall for the 1994 and 1995 dodge RAM 1500 pickups (safety recall 835) the coil spring towers of a 1998 has developed cracks in the left side tower. This vehicle has not been off road, strictly on highway and street. This was found during another repair of said vehicle.
- Power train
I was driving on the highway then heard a loud thump and the driver side rear wheel IS pushed out and it no longer engages
- Electrical system
Truck setting still in yard, horns starting blowing without anyone around, pulled fuse to stop. Two shops have been unable to diagnose problem. Horns do not work at all now. Replaced with new horns and still don't work.
- Unknown or other
Was on my way to work and my pinyon nut come off off drive shaft and pinyon gear busted through the rear end housing
- Unknown or other
Dash cap and bezel are cracked so bad that if the air bag deployed, everyone in the vehicle would get a face full of sharp plastic.
- Service brakes
Rear brake line IS well known to fail.
- Unknown or other
The dash on my 98 RAM 1500 IS very cracked and falling in... I also own a 96 RAM 1500 with same problem... also have 2 - 97 RAM 1500 with same problem... this IS very bad... I love dodge rams but the dash IS terrible...
- Unknown or other
The dashboard has fallen apart shortly after buying pickup.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and the steering function intermittently failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnoised that the clockspring malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and the steering function intermittently failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnoised that the clockspring malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 01v153000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 129,915.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 1500. While the vehicle was at a stop light, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
- Steering
There was a loud clunking noise in the front over bumps. I had it inspected and was told the sway bar where it mounts to the frame horn on the passenger side was rusted through. Also, the idler arm bracket IS in danger of falling off because of the severe rust problem. The drivers side frame horn…
There was a loud clunking noise in the front over bumps. I had it inspected and was told the sway bar where it mounts to the frame horn on the passenger side was rusted through. Also, the idler arm bracket IS in danger of falling off because of the severe rust problem. The drivers side frame horn where the gearbox mounts has a large rust hole also. I had the complete frame inspected for rust. There are rust holes in the frame where the transmission support IS mounted to the frame on left and right sides. IS this truck even safe to drive in this rusty condition? it has 146,000 miles on it.. I believe there are many other dodge veichles out there with the same issues. A class action lawsuit IS in order.
- Air bags
My son was driving home from high school band practice when he lost control and hit a tree head on fire department had to brake window to get him and the boy with him out of the truck. Neither air bag went off.i called the 800 number and reported it. Was told truck to old
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
Drove my 1998 dodge RAM 1500 to empty my trash, started back home and had driven less than 1/4 mile when the truck hesitated like it was going to stall out and there was some smoke beginning to come up through dash area on drivers side. thinking I might have a busted radiator hose I immediately…
Drove my 1998 dodge RAM 1500 to empty my trash, started back home and had driven less than 1/4 mile when the truck hesitated like it was going to stall out and there was some smoke beginning to come up through dash area on drivers side. thinking I might have a busted radiator hose I immediately pulled over in the yard of person doing repair work on an old building. When I opened my truck door on drivers side flames shot between the inside of the door and seat. I jumped out of the truck but was not injured. the man saw flames shooting from the truck and I was very fortunate he had a fire extinguisher. he kept spraying the truck under the hood and was able to get the fire under control just as the volunteer fire department truck showed up. There were a lot hot spots and the fireman kept spraying it with water until it finally quit smoking. The main part of the fire was right at the front of the cab of the truck below the motor. You could see the fire burning from the side looking through the wheel wells. They said it had to be caused by a faulty gas line because of the location. all the electrical wiring including the wiring harness was melted. thank goodness the man had the fire extinguisher or the whole truck would have burned. very scary incident especially for a woman.
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.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10224768Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10191455Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10176211This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not function. The horn electrical circuit does not affect the airbag circuit.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 1013900968069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~
- 604820California emissions recall -- reprogram powertrain control module.
Every Dodge RAM 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.