1998 Dodge RAM 2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 2500 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Dodge RAM 2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500. Newest first.
Affinia IS recalling 5,700 aftermarket chassis tie rod assemblies manufactured from march 28, 2006 through march 17, 2008, sold for use on my 1998 and 1999 dodge RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks. the dust seal supplied with the chassis tie rods were manufactured to the wrong specification. as a consequence, the dust seal may prevent the ball stud of…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition remains undetected, the bolt can eventually unseat completely, causing the affected wheel to disengage from the steering mechanism, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Affinia will notify owners and replace the affected chassis tie rod assemblies free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during april 2008. owners may contact affinia at 734-827-5400.
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
225 complaints19 involved a crash3 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Driving down the road going about forty miles per hour and my dash exploded and the air bag deployed
- Wheels
I I purchased new truck tires that self destructed in 4,000 miles. Complete a massive tread separation resulting in freeway speed tire blow out. Veerubber taiga h/t R33. Four out of two failed. Dallas dealer said they were unsafe at any speed upon examination.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
I have a 98 RAM 2500 V10 if I go about 65 mph there IS a massive wobble in the steering wheel but if I speed up to 70 it stops or if I slow down to 60 it stops. There should be a recall on this because all of the RAM trucks that I have had do this exact same thing.
- Seat belts
Seat belt controller failed and caused my batteries to drain. Left us stranded in the middle of nowhere. Once we recharged our batteries we had to unplug the seat belt controller that was causing the draw on the batteries. We could not use our seat belts.
- Unknown or other
The throttle linkage IS a recall. I took it to douglas chrystler jeep dodge RAM dealer in venice, fl and they said they couldn't help me because the recall had already been performed once. Seeing that it IS a safety recall I was under the impression that they would take care of it but when I called they said they can only replace a recall item once. Vehicle lunges forward when I am at a stop light and idles high.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Hazzard: intermittent head lamp operation (low and/or high beam cut-off) cause: unknown. safety issue: keeping the headlamps on while driving (dodge RAM 1998.5 2500 4X4 quad cab slt; 5.9L 24V cummins diesel; 47RE; stock (no fog lights); 170,000 miles). problem: headlamps (low and/or high…
Hazzard: intermittent head lamp operation (low and/or high beam cut-off) cause: unknown. safety issue: keeping the headlamps on while driving (dodge RAM 1998.5 2500 4X4 quad cab slt; 5.9L 24V cummins diesel; 47RE; stock (no fog lights); 170,000 miles). problem: headlamps (low and/or high beam), and occasionally, but not consistently the dashboard lights, cut-off intermittently -- actuating the dashboard mounted headlamp switch (push-pull) restores the lights. trouble shooting/repairs (executed by a certified automotive repair facility): (1) checked multiple grounds (clean and tight); (2) checked fuses; (3) checked output from generator (steady - approx. 14.5 with "no load"; batteries - new 6/18); (4) checked circuits (verified continuity and resistance); (5) replaced steering column mounted multifunction switch; (6) replaced "headlamp/security" relay; (7) replaced headlamp/dashboard lighting combination switch (replaced 22 months ago (167,000) - original failed. note: dashboard above switch - warm to touch. (8) replaced headlamp bulbs (both). note: no diagnostic trouble codes set. next action: replacing the headlamp/dashboard combination switch again. oem replacement switch installed at approximately 167,000 miles may be malfunctioning. a visual inspection of the switch did not indicate signs of overheating. Actuating the switch indicates normal operation. speculation: a "ccd bus communication error" IS occurring; pulse from pcm (?) to headlamp circuit may not yield the level of resistance required resulting in the intermittent "cut-off". technical advice/guidance/assistance either directly from the manufacturer (fiat chrysler automotive), or through the dodge RAM dealership network IS required to correct this hazardous condition.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the entire dashboard cracked and pieces were falling off. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver seat belts would not release out of the buckles and the seat belt warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred periodically. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver seat belts would not release out of the buckles and the seat belt warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred periodically. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500 equipped with four mastercraft courser axt (na) tires, size: 285/75/r16/ (na). The tires were purchased in january of 2018. While driving approximately 65 mph and pulling a trailer, the front passenger tire suddenly blew out. During the incident, the front…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500 equipped with four mastercraft courser axt (na) tires, size: 285/75/r16/ (na). The tires were purchased in january of 2018. While driving approximately 65 mph and pulling a trailer, the front passenger tire suddenly blew out. During the incident, the front passenger rim was destroyed. The contact indicated that the exact tire pressure was checked before starting the trip. The manufacturer and local dealer (elliston repair and tire in fredricktown, ohio were notified. The vin and vehicle failure mileage were unknown. The tire failure mileage was 100.
- Seat belts
Vehicle parked in driveway. Upon getting in vehicle, I found both the driver's side and passenger side seat belts locked in the retracted position. I stopped at a local dealership for part #p56043003ad and was informed this part on national back order. This seat belt timer control module IS necessary for the seat belts to function as designed. Truck can only be driven without seat belts in use.
- Engine · Power train
I was pulling a car from indio ca to phx. Az when it started ticking and smokeing and lost power I pulledover checked the oil and it was 2 quarts low it had never used oil before this it never got hot though I slowed way down and barely made it home.
- Service brakes
Brake line rusted out and failed causing loose of brake in traffic. Once fuel tank was removed this exposed the problem area. Rear wiring harness runs directly against the fuel line trapping road grim, water, salt, causing corrosion at this point.
- Air bags · Structure › Body
The upper interior dash panel cracking into many piece. during accident the panel will come a flying missile of parts hitting occupancies in the compartments and small children. I wand the chrysler corporation to repair it asap. its accident waiting to happened.
- Steering · Suspension
The passenger side lower rear arm support bracket weld are cracking twisting tearing from main frame rail. The frame weld IS tearing horizontally and across same rates. the crack are next to welds an some location tearing circling rotating. the vehicle never operated off-road and mileage IS…
The passenger side lower rear arm support bracket weld are cracking twisting tearing from main frame rail. The frame weld IS tearing horizontally and across same rates. the crack are next to welds an some location tearing circling rotating. the vehicle never operated off-road and mileage IS 171,550 miles. the crack are 65% and vehicle unfit to be operated safety. I was very fortunate I didn't have a accident. the vehicle would have row over on I left side without no warning . I was preforming vehicle brake inspections and I notice rust on the lower rear support hanger which hold the lower arm bracket and coil spring. I am very fortunate that I didn't loan my vehicle to my relatives. I have pictures available. I want the chrysler corporation to repair this asap!!!
- Air bags · Electrical system › Horn · Structure
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500. While driving at any speed, the air bag light remained illuminated and the horn sounded without being promoted. In addition, the contact heard a noise under the vehicle. The contact noticed that the metal parts that held the wheels were corroded and…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500. While driving at any speed, the air bag light remained illuminated and the horn sounded without being promoted. In addition, the contact heard a noise under the vehicle. The contact noticed that the metal parts that held the wheels were corroded and caused the spare tire to detach. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the seat belts would not extend or retract. The contact stated that the the seat belts were tied to the air bag and several electrical sensors in the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. The manufacturer was notified.
- Trailer hitches
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the trailer hitch fractured in the area where the trailer hitch mounts to the frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 00v107000 (trailer hitches). The failure mileage was 158,000.
- Steering
There has not been an incident. the vehicle tends to wander and requires constant adjustment to maintain proper location tin traffic lane. $1000 repairs last a few thousand miles. talking with other owners of similar vehicles indicates this IS a common problem for this vehicle. ma 10/8 updated 12/11/2017*cn
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Driving at highway speed the cruise control would not disengage via the brake or by hitting off on the steering wheel. if I put the clutch in the engine was idling at 2300 rpms. the throttle was stuck on and I could not slow down... I turned the engine off and turning it back on again the problem…
Driving at highway speed the cruise control would not disengage via the brake or by hitting off on the steering wheel. if I put the clutch in the engine was idling at 2300 rpms. the throttle was stuck on and I could not slow down... I turned the engine off and turning it back on again the problem was not reset. my clutch and breaks got a little burnt up making it home that night...as the problem happened when I was in the middle of nowhere. one I made it home I turned the engine off and manually jiggled the throttle linkages on the side of the injection pump. restarted the vehicle and the problem was reset until cruise control was used again.... this was very dangerous to have the throttle sticking at such high speed... So I looked into safety recalls #B15 thinking great my truck IS covered... Only to find out that recall was already performed. also the fuel heater recall was performed and it so happens in the last 4 moth have to do the fuel heater delete because the wiring and plastic piece was all burnt up. looks like these trucks are having a second round of the same or similar safety recall issues. *tr
- Structure
Dashboard IS seriously cracked and broken, chunks are missing, cracks go from front all the way to the windshield, giving vehicle to son next year, worried pieces of plastic may fly into his eyes, and it looks embarrassing also. *tr
- Seat belts
Front seat belts will no longer release therefore cannot be used anymore. requires replacement of seat belt control module and it IS no longer available at dealers or anywhere else. This IS a huge safety issue if you cannot use your seat belts anymore. chrysler should be required to issue a…
Front seat belts will no longer release therefore cannot be used anymore. requires replacement of seat belt control module and it IS no longer available at dealers or anywhere else. This IS a huge safety issue if you cannot use your seat belts anymore. chrysler should be required to issue a recall on all dodge trucks with the seat belts mounted in the seat backs that use this module for proper operation. there are a ton of people posting on the internet having this same seat belt lock up problem. please help!!!! *tr
- Power train · Suspension · Unknown or other
I own a 1998 dodge RAM 2500, I have noticed this problem on multiple dodges and read about it on the internet, the front lower axle mount rots out due to poor design leaving nothing to hold the spring in place my coil mount IS rotted out and there IS barely any left of it, and dodge nor do any auto…
I own a 1998 dodge RAM 2500, I have noticed this problem on multiple dodges and read about it on the internet, the front lower axle mount rots out due to poor design leaving nothing to hold the spring in place my coil mount IS rotted out and there IS barely any left of it, and dodge nor do any auto part stores sell coil mounts to replace it the mount IS welded directly on the axle so the axle housing would need to be replaced, this IS very unsafe if the axle were to give out dew to this. *tr
- Fuel system, diesel · Vehicle speed control
1998.5 24valve cummins diesel, one owner with factory ecm (799) update, never any "chips". on cold start up, everything normal until I go to take off, any application to the accelerator and as if I put the accelerator all the way to the floor, truck will continue to accelerate until either I remove my foot completely off the pedal, or the governor kicks in. *tr
- Service brakes
Went to put brakes on and driver side rear brake line blew and ABS and parking brake light are on. Im going to fix it myself but wish there would be a recall about this issue.
- Tires
Driving on hwy880 north bound just past 238 junction pulling my boat. my boat weighs approx 7000#. I had just merged onto the highway and I was going about 50mph when I noticed a severe vibration. the vibration got worse and all of a sudden a huge piece of tread separated from the rear drivers…
Driving on hwy880 north bound just past 238 junction pulling my boat. my boat weighs approx 7000#. I had just merged onto the highway and I was going about 50mph when I noticed a severe vibration. the vibration got worse and all of a sudden a huge piece of tread separated from the rear drivers side tire. I can say this because I saw it fly past me in the lane to my left. following the tread separation the tire exploded and my truck started to fishtail. I was able to signal and make my way to the right hand shoulder. The tire had 3/4 of the tread missing and had a huge hole in the sidewall. I was able to remove tire and replace with spare. when the tread detached it did some damage to the rear quarter panel. the 2 sidebody support rods in the wheel well where completely torn free. also the wheel well trim was completely torn loose. the metal behind the tire in wheel well was crushed up against the underside of the bed. I brought tire back to 4wheel parts and was told it was just a blowout and that they can be pretty nasty sometimes. I purchased another tire from the same manufacturer. move forward one year to 5/4/13 I have another tread separation while traveling on highway. this time it IS the right rear tire. speed IS approx. 60Mph tire starts to vibrate badly. I immediately start to move to shoulder from number 3 lane when tread separates from tire I see it pass me in right lane. this time the tire does not burst. I replace tire with spare. there IS expensive damage to wheel well area. crushed metal, bent and detached support members and the tread when it detached flew up a long the passenger side of vehicle and left deep scratches in paint and black tire marks. returned to 4wheelparts and was told to contact cooper tire. I am currently waiting for complaint package from them. purchased a new set of 4 tires from 4wheel parts. they gave me credit for 2 defective tires and made me pay for other 2. *tr
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.
- 10148823This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10148822This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at the crimp.
- 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.~
- 618392Some customers may experience a situation in which the rear of the vehicle sits too high to attach their fifth wheel or goose neck trailer to the trailer hitch turnable.
Every Dodge RAM 2500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.