1998 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

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The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

1998 Dodge Ram 2500

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Common 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

The 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 is a popular choice for those who need a reliable and powerful truck. However, like any vehicle, it can experience common problems over time. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500, based on owner complaints and expert analysis:

  • Rust Buildup: Rust buildup is a common problem with the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500, particularly on the rocker panels. This problem can cause the panels to tear down over time, and replacement panels are available for purchase. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent rust buildup.
  • Fuel Pump Issues: The fuel pump may experience issues over time, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. This problem can cause starting issues and decreased performance. It's recommended to replace the fuel pump to resolve this issue, although it can be a costly repair.
  • AC System Issues: The AC system may experience issues over time, particularly in hot climates. This problem can cause decreased cooling performance and increased wear on the system. It's recommended to have the system inspected and repaired as needed to ensure proper function.

In summary, the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 is a reliable and powerful truck, but it can experience common problems over time. Transmission shifting issues, brake pull, intake gasket leaks, dashboard cracking, rust buildup, fuel pump issues, and AC system issues are some of the most frequently reported problems with this vehicle. Regular maintenance and repairs can help ensure the longevity and performance of the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500.

1998 Dodge Ram 2500 engine

Is a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 a good truck?

This truck is very well built although the transmissions are not the greatest. The engine power will do just about anything you need it to. As long as it is well maintained, the Dodge Ram 2500 will never let you down.

What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?

The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.

What years did Dodge Ram have transmission problems?

What Went Wrong with the Transmissions in the Dodge Ram Trucks? The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500.

What is the problem with the 1999 Cummins 24 valve engine?

The second potentially deadly flaw occurs in '99 to '02 5.9L Cummins 24-valve engines. It's known as the 53 block problem, because these engine blocks have the number 53 cast into the side of the crankcase. After years of use, the 53 blocks tend to crack until coolant starts to pour out the side of the block.

Is a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 a good truck?

This truck is very well built although the transmissions are not the greatest. The engine power will do just about anything you need it to. As long as it is well maintained, the Dodge Ram 2500 will never let you down.

What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?

The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.

Which Ram 2500 engine is the best?

The Ram 2500 is available with two engine options - one gas and one turbo diesel. Overall, the gas HEMI engine provides the best gas horsepower among 250/2500 pickups - and more payload capacity than the Cummins - but the turbo diesel outperforms it with mountains of torque and more maximum towing capacity.

What is the problem with the 1999 Cummins 24 valve engine?

The second potentially deadly flaw occurs in '99 to '02 5.9L Cummins 24-valve engines. It's known as the 53 block problem, because these engine blocks have the number 53 cast into the side of the crankcase. After years of use, the 53 blocks tend to crack until coolant starts to pour out the side of the block.

1998 Dodge Ram 2500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram 2500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Power train problems
  • Steering problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1998 Dodge Ram 2500

The NHTSA has received 248 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 vehicles.

2022-03-18

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-03-18
  • VIN: 1b7kf23w7wj
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Driving down the road going about forty miles per hour and my dash exploded and the air bag deployed
2020-08-27

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-06-28
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 3B7KF2263WG
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: 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.
2020-02-19

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-23
  • VIN: 123456789H1
  • Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
  • Summary: 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.
2019-06-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-06-16
  • VIN: 1B7KF2369WJ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 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.
2019-04-15

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-04-11
  • VIN: 3B7KC22D8WG
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 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.
2019-02-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-10-15
  • VIN: 1B7KF236XWJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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.
2019-01-07

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-01-01
  • VIN: 1B7KC23W4WJ
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 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.
2018-08-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-01
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 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.
2018-02-27

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-02-01
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 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.
2017-03-21

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-02-01
  • VIN: 1B7KF23W0WJ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 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.
2017-03-07

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-12-12
  • VIN: 1B7KF23W6WJ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
2016-12-28

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-03-22
  • VIN: 1B7KF236XWJ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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.
2016-09-11

STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-09-10
  • VIN: 1B7KC2366WJ
  • Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
  • Summary: 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!!!
2016-09-11

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-09-10
  • VIN: 1B7KC2366WJ
  • Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 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.
2016-03-25

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-01-16
  • VIN: 3B7KF22Z4WG
  • Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2016-02-29

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-10-05
  • VIN: 3B7KC2261WG
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 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.
2015-08-13

TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-07-31
  • VIN: 1J4GW48S14C
  • Components: TRAILER HITCHES
  • Summary: 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.
2015-07-27

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-07-27
  • VIN: 1B7KF2366WJ
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 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
2014-10-10

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-09-07
  • VIN: 3B7KF22D2WG
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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
2014-05-28

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-05-01
  • VIN: 3B7KC22Z3WG
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 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
2014-04-19

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-04-15
  • VIN: 1B7KF2365WJ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 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
2014-03-07

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-03-07
  • Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 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
2014-02-08

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-01-21
  • VIN: 3B7KC2269WG
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 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
2013-09-06

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-09-05
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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.
2013-05-12

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-04-29
  • VIN: 1B7KF2368WJ
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 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

1998 Dodge Ram 2500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500.

2008-03-28
  • Manufacturer: AFFINIA GROUP, INC.
  • Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: 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 THE CHASSIS TIE ROD FROM PROPERLY SEATING INTO THE TAPER OF THE VEHICLE STEERING KNUCKLE DURING AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION.
  • Consequence: 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.
2006-03-15
  • Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 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 SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
  • 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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what are common problems with 98.5 24v's ? | Cummins Diesel Forum
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Jan 8, 2010 ... Read this thread, should you have more questions, feel free to ask. :) http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/98-5-02-powertrain/225621-2nd-gen-dodge ...

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