1998 Dodge Ram pickup problems
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.
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Common 1998 Dodge Ram pickup problems
The Dodge Ram pickup, model year 1998, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include engine and transmission problems, HVAC system failures, exhaust manifold rust, and suspension component wear.
- Ball Joint Wear: The ball joints on the 1998 Dodge Ram tend to wear out, causing the truck to pull to one side. This issue can be identified by tearing on the boot and can be tested by checking for movement in the ball joints.
- Steering Wander: The 1998 Dodge Ram may experience steering wander, which can make it difficult to keep the truck in a straight line. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including stabilizer shock stiffness, power steering pressure, oversized tires, and wheel spacers.
In summary, the 1998 Dodge Ram pickup is known for several common problems, including engine and transmission issues, HVAC system failures, exhaust manifold rust, and suspension component wear. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become more significant problems.
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 are the bad years for Ram 1500?
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why
- 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
- 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
- 2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2016 Dodge RAM 1500.
What issues do Dodge RAMs have?
Common problems include leaking windows, engine failure, and concerns over the truck's frame. Whether you already own a 2023 RAM 1500 or you're considering options for your next vehicle purchase, it's best to be aware of the most common problems with Dodge RAMs for this popular full-size truck.
How long do Dodge RAM engines last?
around 250,000 to 300,000 miles
Gasoline-powered Ram trucks can expect around 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average. This range makes them an incredibly long-lasting choice. When you need a dependable truck for your personal life, what could be better than a used Ram 1500 for sale?
What is the biggest problem with Dodge RAM?
Engine Problems
Many of the Ram truck problems we've seen involve exhaust manifold failures, compression issues, leaks, stalls, cylinder head malfunctions, and more. These Ram customer service complaints have been relatively common in recent years. If something seems off with your engine, get it inspected ASAP.
What are the bad years for Ram 1500?
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why
- 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
- 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
- 2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2016 Dodge RAM 1500.
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 generation is a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500?
Second generation
Second generation (1994; BR/BE)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Designer | Phillip E. Payne (1989) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door regular cab (1994–2002) 2-door Club Cab (1995–2002) 4-door Quad Cab (1998–2002) |
| Related | Dodge Ramcharger (Mexico) |
1998 Dodge Ram pickup car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram pickup problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Dodge Ram pickup vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Dodge Ram pickup complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Dodge Ram pickup.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-31
- VIN: 3B7HC12YXWM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DASH HAS STARTED CRACKING IN TWO PLACES. *JS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-15
- VIN: 3B7HF12Z2WM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1998 DODGE RAM PICKUP 1500 THE DASH HAS CRACKED SO BAD IT IS UNSAFE. IT HAS SHARP EDGED FRAGMENTS. *TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-31
- VIN: 1B7KF23D8WJ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS IN A HOSPITAL PARKING AREA IN TUCSON AZ., ROLLING IN 2ND GEAR, AFTER ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE CLUTCH IT FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LEAVING THE 7200 LB. TRUCK SILL UNDER POWER. LUCKY FOR ME AND NOTHING ELSE I WAS ABLE TO STOP IN A NEAR BY FIELD. THIS IS THE FIRST EVENT FOR ME BUT I HAVE TALKED TO ANOTHER DODGE OWNER AND THE SAME PROBLEM (HE ALMOST BACKED THOUGH A WALL ) THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW HYDRAULIC ASSY. PART. THIS HAPPENED WITH 135K MI. ON THE ODO. THE OTHER OWNER SAID HIS BROKE AT APPROX. 75K MI. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1B7HC13Y7WJ
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD AFTER DRIVING UP AND DOWN THE STEEP HILL,WHEN I HEARD POP, AND LOOK AT MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE MOSTLY AROUND THE LEFT HAND REAR TIRE AND AROUND RIGHT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I DROVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GOT, THAN I CALL THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPT. FOR ASSISTANT/HELP. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-14
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DASH BOARD ON 98 TRUCK. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-30
- VIN: 1B7HC13Y5WJ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON SEVERAL TIMES DURING OPERATION MEANING THE AIR BAG WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-21
- VIN: 1B7HC16Z0WS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. CHRYSLER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR ON 11-29-05 AND TOOK PICTURES INSIDE AND OUT OF THE TRUCK. THEN, STATED THE TRUCK DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT; THUS, THE TRUCK WAS NOT DAMAGED. CHRYSLER SENT THE CONTACT A LETTER ON 12-5-05 STATING THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME. THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT ON PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, AND THAT HE WAS AWARE THAT IF THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED IT WAS AN INDICATOR THAT THE AIR BAG WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THEREFORE, IT SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED PREMATURELY. WHEN HE HAD THE CAR SERVICED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY DID NOT MENTION THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING. *AK UPDATED 02/07/06. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-27
- VIN: 3B7HC13Y3WG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHCILE WA TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR AND THE GOVERNOR PRESSURE SOLENOID FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO SLIPPED MOMENTARILY. *AK THESE PARTS WERE REPLACED TWICE. *BF
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-03
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH FRONTAL SEAT BELTS STUCK IN THEIR HOLSTER AND WOULDN'T RELEASE. THE SEAT BELT SHOWED NO SIGN OR ABUSE OR WEAR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED BOTH SHOULDER BELTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-22
- VIN: 1B7KF23W8WJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE USED A LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN INDEPENDENT SHOP FOR A NEW CLUTCH MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE CYLINDER HEADS HAD SEVERAL CRACKS. THE CYLINDER HEADS WERE SCHEDULED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-28
- VIN: 1B7MC3363WJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IT HAS BURNED OUT TWICE AND I HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED TWICE MY SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK UNTIL IT SAYS THAT I AM GOING 25 MILES PER HOUR THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH IS NOW ON ALL THE TIME I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT MY DOOR LOCKS ARE POWER AND AS LONG AS YOU LOCK AND UNLOCK THEM FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE THEY WORK FINE BUT THE DRIVER SIDE DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANY OF THESE COULD BE SOME KIND OF DEFECT THAT HAVE OR WILL BE RECALLED *LA
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-08
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TIE ROD FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-29
- VIN: 1B7KF2367WJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: FRONT BRAKES WEAR OUT, WHILE REAR BRAKES ARE STILL NEW.SEVERAL REPLACEMENTS WITH IN SIX MONTHS MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7HC13Z5WJ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SCREW ATTACHING THE HEAT SHIELD TO THE EXHAUST IS RUBBING AGAINST FUEL LINE. *YH
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7HC13Z5WJ
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS HAVE FRACTURES. *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7HC13Z5WJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CO0NSUMER STATES THAT THE ROTORS HAVE FATIGUE FRACTURES. *YH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1B7HF16Y4WS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ATTORNEY IS WRITING ON BEHALF OF MR. RICKER WHO STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING, MR. RICKER MOVED TO THE RIGHT ALLOWING A LARGE TRUCK MORE CLEARANCE. AT THIS POINT, THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT A LARGE AMOUNT OF SNOW PULLING THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT AND INTO AN UTILITY POLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE CENTER FRONT OF VEHICLE AND UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE, BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MR. RICKER COMPLAINED OF NECK AND BACK PAINS. *TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7HC13Y9WJ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FOG LIGHT / REAR TURN SIGNAL FAILED. *YC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1B7HC16Z1WS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS ALONG WITH REAR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. UPON APPLYING BRAKES WHILE GOING 50 MPH, REAR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WENT OUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO REAREND ANOTHER VEHICLE. DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP. CONSUMER HAS SINCE RID HIMSELF OF THE VEHICLE, AND BOUGHT A DIFFERENT ONE. *AK *ML
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- VIN: 3B7HF13Y6WG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN PAD ON STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO PUSH.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Dodge Ram pickup problems:
98 Ram 1500 4x4 with 318 - Common Problems? | DodgeTalk Forum
Sep 24, 2007 ... Make sure everything under the front end is tight and nothing looks rusted, worn, or bent. Make sure there are no leaks. Knock on the catalytic ...
1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues
Top 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems · Exhaust Manifold Bolts May Break · Water Leak Due to Faulty Rear Window Seal · Multiple Coolant Leaks · Cam Sensor Failure ...
98 Dodge Ram 1500 problems starting and staying running ...
May 28, 2018 ... I have a 98 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L v8 2wd automatic pickup truck. The problem started out a few days ago. It would crank and go a few miles
What are some common problems on the 98 5.9 V8 Dodge Ram 4x4 ...
Apr 7, 2011 ... Just curious, bought my truck 10 months ago and I have already replaced battery, front hubs, track bar, axle seals and bearings, ...
1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with a problem you won't believe but it's true ...
May 27, 2023 ... This wire is the only common wire between the fuel pump and transmission, and it also goes to several other things such as the temperature ...
Other years of Dodge Ram pickup
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