1998 Dodge RAM Van
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM Van › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Dodge RAM Van. 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 Van. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with power seat option. The driver's side front seat attaching riser welds were not correct.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The seat attachment strength would not be sufficient in the event of a vehicle crash increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's side power front seat rise with a riser that was mig welded.
Owner complaints
22 complaints5 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
Some dodge RAM vans have a latent defect in the frame that IS very dangerous. As far as I can tell, there IS no recall even though the internet IS littered with complaints, incidents and accidents due to failure of the frame in one spot. I believe that the ac runoff IS vented directly into the…
Some dodge RAM vans have a latent defect in the frame that IS very dangerous. As far as I can tell, there IS no recall even though the internet IS littered with complaints, incidents and accidents due to failure of the frame in one spot. I believe that the ac runoff IS vented directly into the frame which, over time results in the eventual failure of the frame at the point where the suspension and steering are located - this results in loss of control of the vehicle. There IS no easy way to correct this problem short of replacing the whole frame. Dodge denies that this IS a problem and blames this defect on road salt and conditions. This would be a valid assertion if the rest of the vehicle had rot problems elsewhere on the vehicle. Including the much more volatile body parts, which are in some cases, still solid and in good condition. This problem IS prevalent in several years of this model truck. This problem IS easy to check for and needs to be addressed by dodge simply because the vans are getting older and this problem will be occurring more frequently. *tr
- Steering · Suspension · Unknown or other
While backing out of my parking space and turning the steering wheel I heard a loud pop/thump. Subsequently while driving down the road at 15mph the steering went out and the vehicle was uncontrollable. I had the vehicle towed to a repair shop. The cause of the break down was the front passenger…
While backing out of my parking space and turning the steering wheel I heard a loud pop/thump. Subsequently while driving down the road at 15mph the steering went out and the vehicle was uncontrollable. I had the vehicle towed to a repair shop. The cause of the break down was the front passenger side frame had rusted and cracked. This IS where the steering IS connected to. No repair was possible. I have contacted alternate repair sources of dealers, body shops, welders and metal fabricators without any success to get anyone willing or able to repair the frame. The vehicle IS considered non-drivable and non-fixable.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The vehicle IS a motor home, built into a 19-foot dodge van 3500 by the home and park company in ontario, canada (www.roadtrek.com). They call their motor home 'roadtrek'. we live in michigan and had driven to oklahoma when the incident happened. we were on I-44 at mile 262 going west when we…
The vehicle IS a motor home, built into a 19-foot dodge van 3500 by the home and park company in ontario, canada (www.roadtrek.com). They call their motor home 'roadtrek'. we live in michigan and had driven to oklahoma when the incident happened. we were on I-44 at mile 262 going west when we stopped to switch drivers. the new driver, before setting out, found that the brakes were gone: pedal on the floor. inspection revealed that all the brake fluid was on the ground. the vehicle was towed to claremore ok for repairs, where the right front brake line was found to be ruptured due to abrasion. Inspection revealed the front brake line on the left side was similarly abraded but not yet worn through. both lines were replaced and we resumed travel. the exact same thing happened to us in 2004, where the brakes failed after we had parked the vehicle in our assigned site in a campground. in that case only the right side line was replaced. had these incidents occurred in fast, heavy traffic or on a steep hill we would not have survived and possibly caused injury to others. The first time it happens you figure it's a fluke. But after a second time, it's a design flaw. I have photos of the abraded brake line on the left front side of the vehicle as well as the invoices of the work done. I can send those if desired.
- Electrical system · Service brakes, electric
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. The van had an underhood fire that originated in the ABS module area while parked. chrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. verizon has had 33 underhood fire incidents…
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. The van had an underhood fire that originated in the ABS module area while parked. chrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. verizon has had 33 underhood fire incidents that occurred after the recall was performed. this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation and action by nhtsa. *Tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. The van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area while parked. daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. Verizon has had 32 under hood fire…
This vehicle belongs to verizon communications. The van had an under hood fire that originated in the ABS module area while parked. daimlerchrysler issued safety recall D20 in 2004 to address this problem but the recall repair has not corrected the problem. Verizon has had 32 under hood fire incidents that occurred after the recall was performed. This IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation and action. *Tr
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM van. while pulling into a parking space at an unknown speed, the contact felt a hard vibration and heard a loud bang. he exited the vehicle to locate the origin of the sound, but was unsuccessful. he re-entered the vehicle to continue to park when another…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge RAM van. while pulling into a parking space at an unknown speed, the contact felt a hard vibration and heard a loud bang. he exited the vehicle to locate the origin of the sound, but was unsuccessful. he re-entered the vehicle to continue to park when another loud sound occurred. the steering did not respond. he exited the vehicle again and located a failure with the steering control arm and its components. the contact also noticed that the entire front end was completely rusted. he called a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. the dealer stated that there body shop would not repair the vehicle because they did not want to be responsible for any liability. they further stated that they may be able to locate a collision repair shop to perform the repair work. the contact has not yet been able to locate a shop to perform the needed repairs. the vehicle IS currently at the dealer. the failure and current mileages were 140,000.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Vehicle: 1998 dodge b1500 RAM van problem: at less than 40,000 miles I was told by a tire dealer that my upper ball joints were shot and that I should take the vehicle repair shop to have them replaced before the front end could be aligned. at 60,000 miles I finally decide to have it repaired.…
Vehicle: 1998 dodge b1500 RAM van problem: at less than 40,000 miles I was told by a tire dealer that my upper ball joints were shot and that I should take the vehicle repair shop to have them replaced before the front end could be aligned. at 60,000 miles I finally decide to have it repaired. not only was the ball joints bad, but one side had come loose in the upper control arm, and destroyed the threads and was floating free in the control arm. I consider this to be a serious saftey hazard. I am interested if this IS a common complaint with this vehicle or not. by doing some research on the internet I see multiple complaint on other dodge vehicles. thank you for your attention. joseph scheibenpflug
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: contact complained of brake problems since 1999 due to battery acid leaking onto the brake lines and causing corrosion. there was a recall issued for this make/model, but this specific vehicle did not fall under the recall campaign. the problem wa srepaired by putting a rubber tray under the battery. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while being driven. the fire originated in the ABS module area. the ABS module and wiring connector, truck battery, and various underhodd components were burnt. verizon has had similar fires in this model van and feels that this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While at a dodge dealer for instrument cluster repair the verizon vehicle had an underhood fire which originated in the ABS module area. the ABS module and wiring connector, truck battery and other underhood components were burnt. verizon has had similar fires in other vans of this model and believes this IS a safety issue which warrants further investigation.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The verizon communications vehicle had an underhood fire which originated in the ABS module area. the ABS module and wiring connector were burned along with the truck battery and other underhood components. Verizon has had similar fires in other vehicles and feels this IS an unsafe condition that warrants further investigation.
- Air bags
Since the air bag control module recall 99v002000 repairs were performed the air bag light come on, and the dashboard components failed to function. Dealership serviced the vehicle several times, but they haven't corrected the problem.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle was take to the dealer for a check up, and discovered that fuel tank was expanding, and rubbing the cab. Dealer has been notified.*ak consumer states the fuel tank makes a loud noise in the rear due to the fuel tank expanding and rubbing the back of the cab. *yh
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing · Tires
Original equipment tires are too small for the capacity of the vehicle causing premature wear and the front wheel bearings to be replaced. original equipment IS p235/75 R15 mts should be p235/75rxl. *ak *tt
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission has been replaced because transmission went out while consumer was driving, there was no warnings, but consumer was driving at 25-30 mph before it went out.*ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Exterior lighting · Visibility › Windshield · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
The wiper blade linkage broke. nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Consumer has experienced front brake problems, first the caliper brake bolt was pulled out and rested inside the drum, then both front brake hoses bursted at the same time while driving on highway resulting in a three car collision. nlm
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer was driving on smooth surface when dual airbags deployed, causing burns and minor injures to driver. There was no impact/prior accident and no undercarriage impact. cause unknown, dealer simply wants to repack and repair the bags and return it to the driver. *Ak *ML
- Tires
Consumer was experincing excessive tire wear prior to recall notice 99v-322. nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Plastic caliper piston caused brake failure. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
When applying brakes in an emergency situation, driver's/passenger's seat belts did not lock. Neither did the seat belts that held passengers in rear seats and 3 younger children. the driver and all passengers were injured. The dealer IS aware of the situation. The seat belts have not been repaired. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission power train experiences loud gear noise, frequent after vehicle IS warmed up. Mjs
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.…
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate IS low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue IS unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation IS being closed.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.~
- 10016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 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).
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089148Concerns on incorrect fault mature time - dtc $B7 leak detection pump solenoid circuit. *Nlm
- 6089000Information on transmission cooler reverse flushing with cooler bypass kit installed. *Nlm
- 6088991This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation, inhibitor programming. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088845Vehicle may experience remote keyless entry transmitter batteries discharge prematurely. *Nlm
- 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634117Subject regarding flash: malfunction indicator lamp illumination for injector circuit fault. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 633497Subject regarding the outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 629144Onwers of certain vehicles equipped with 9.25 axle may complain that vehicle speed IS inaccurate.
- 628294This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for steering sensitivity.
- 625650Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement.
- 625597Subject regarding steering wander diagnosis.
- 625595Subject regarding steering wander diagnosis.
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620071Subject regarding additional diagnostic for diagnostic trouble codes caused by an evaporative system leak.
- 620066Subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 616731Advance service information regarding revised alignment specifications.
Every Dodge RAM Van model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.