1998 DODGE RAM 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

645

Owner Complaints

89 Crashes 18 Fires 19 Deaths

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

2

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500

The 1998 DODGE RAM 1500 has received a total of 645 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Structure (83 complaints), Power Trainautomatic Transmission (34 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (33 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500, potentially affecting up to 44,386 vehicles.

Recall 06E024000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 44,386 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND...

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500

645 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Structure
Complaints: 83 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 34 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 33 31 Crashes 23 Injuries 3 Deaths
Air Bags
Complaints: 29 10 Crashes 8 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 24 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 22 5 Crashes 5 Injuries
Tires
Complaints: 18 3 Crashes 1 Injury 5 Deaths
Seat Belts
Complaints: 17 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 15 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 14
Suspension
Complaints: 14 1 Crash
Electrical System
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 2 Fires
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 13 4 Crashes 4 Injuries 5 Deaths
Structurebody
Complaints: 13 1 Crash
Power Train
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes
Steering
Complaints: 11 2 Crashes 4 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 9 2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 9
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 8
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 8
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 8 1 Fire 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 7
Equipment
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes
Service Brakes
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 6
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 6
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 5
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 5
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 4 3 Fires 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 4
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 4 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 3
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3 3 Fires
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 3
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 3
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 3
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 3
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 2 1 Fire 1 Injury
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 2
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 3 Injuries 1 Death
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Seats
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury 5 Deaths
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 2
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingback Up Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherfuel Injection System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Hubs
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts Rearotherbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assemblyhangerbracket
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Trailer Hitches
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11579005 | SEAT BELTS | | N/A miles
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.
#11573494 | SEAT BELTS | | N/A miles
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.
#11404603 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 82,000 miles
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
#11378640 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 200,000 miles
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.
#11377405 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
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.

View all Structure complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

9004275 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, 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...

794 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS RECALL -- REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 DODGE RAM 1500

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 1500

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Other DODGE Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report