1998 Dodge Ram van problems

dodge logo

The Dodge Ram Van (also known as the Dodge B-series) is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. Replacing the Dodge A100, the Ram Van transitioned to a front-engine drivetrain configuration. Mostly offered as a cargo van and a passenger van, the model line was also initially offered as a cutaway van chassis.

The B-series van line was produced across 32 years of production, making it among the longest-lived platform designs in American automotive history. Much of the exterior and chassis underpinnings saw only gradual changes during their entire production, with three distinct generations developed. Alongside its use by Dodge, the full-size van range saw rebranding during the 1970s for both Fargo Trucks and Plymouth (marking the debut of the Plymouth Voyager nameplate).

For much of its entire production run, Chrysler produced B-platform vans at the now-demolished Pillette Road Truck Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; prior to 1980, the model line was also produced at Saint Louis North Assembly (Fenton, Missouri). In 2003, the Dodge Sprinter (a rebranding of its Mercedes-Benz namesake) was introduced, replacing the B-series van entirely from 2004 to 2009. Since 2014, the Ram division has offered the ProMaster to the full-size van market, a rebranded Fiat Ducato.

1998 Dodge Ram van

Social links

Common 1998 Dodge Ram van problems

The Dodge Ram Van 1998, like any other vehicle, is prone to certain issues that have been reported by owners. Here are some of the most common problems with the Dodge Ram Van 1998, based on complaints from owners:

  • Cracked Dashboards: Another common problem with the Dodge Ram Van 1998 is cracked dashboards. The dashboards can fall apart and break into pieces, with cracks growing bigger and bigger over time.
  • AC Not Working Properly: Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system in their Dodge Ram Van 1998. The AC may not work properly, leading to discomfort during hot weather.
  • Excessive Frame Rust: Excessive frame rust is a common issue with the Dodge Ram Van 1998, particularly in the 2002 models. Rust can spread from the frame to the steering linkage, leading to safety concerns.
  • Engine Running Hot: Some owners have reported issues with the engine running hot, particularly when the air conditioning is on. The engine may run excessively hot, leading to concerns about overheating.

These are just some of the most common problems reported by owners of the Dodge Ram Van 1998. It's important to note that the reliability of a vehicle is often dependent on maintenance, and a well-maintained vehicle is likely to have fewer issues than one that has been neglected. If you're considering purchasing a Dodge Ram Van 1998, it's a good idea to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection to identify any potential issues.

1998 Dodge Ram van engine

What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?

The worst years

A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."

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.

What are the best Dodge Ram years?

5 of the Most Reliable Used RAM Trucks

  • 2020 RAM 1500 Classic. For the 2020 model year, RAM redesigned the appearance and features of its trucks. ...
  • 2016 RAM 1500. Slightly earlier into the fourth generation, we can recommend shopping for a 2016 RAM 1500 for a couple of reasons. ...
  • 2021 RAM 1500. ...
  • 2018 RAM 1500.

Are RAMs reliable cars?

The RAM 1500 has consistently been praised for its reliability, durability, and overall build quality.

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.

What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?

The worst years

A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."

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.

Are RAMs reliable cars?

The RAM 1500 has consistently been praised for its reliability, durability, and overall build quality.

1998 Dodge Ram van car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Steering problems

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

Latest 25 complaints 1998 Dodge Ram van

The NHTSA has received 27 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Dodge Ram van. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Dodge Ram van vehicles.

2013-07-20

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-07-19
  • VIN: 2B6HB11X8WK
  • Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 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
2011-06-02

STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-05-22
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y0WK
  • Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 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.
2011-03-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-03-13
  • VIN: 2B6KB31Z8WK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 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.
2009-07-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-06-16
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2B7HB11X0WK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
  • Summary: 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
2009-02-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-02-10
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2B7HB11X9WK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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
2008-06-09

STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-06-01
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Z4WK
  • Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 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.
2005-07-24

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-07-20
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: 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
2005-06-29

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-01
  • VIN: 2B5WB35Z1WK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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
2004-08-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-09-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2B7HB11X5WK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2004-08-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-11-19
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2B7KB31Z1WK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2004-08-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-12-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2B7KB31Z3WK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
2004-05-24

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-03
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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
2002-09-06

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-07-01
  • VIN: 1B7KF23D5W2
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: 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
2002-04-29

SUSPENSION,TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-02
  • VIN: 2B6HB11XXWK
  • Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
  • Summary: 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
2002-03-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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
2000-09-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-02-01
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • VIN: 2B7JB21Y4WK
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 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
2000-09-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-08
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y3WK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS/SHORTS WHICH CAUSE THE INTERIOR LIGHT/TV/VCR/CD PLAYER TO SHUT OFF AND CAUSED THE ASD 20 AMP FUSE TO BLOW SEVERAL TIMES WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. NLM
2000-09-11

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y3WK
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER/MOTOR SHORTED OUT. NLM
2000-09-11

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y3WK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE WIPER BLADE LINKAGE BROKE. NLM
2000-09-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y3WK
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE ENGINE SURGES. NLM
2000-09-11

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y3WK
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: DOOR LIGHTS DON'T COME ON. NLM
2000-09-11

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B6HB11Y3WK
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: BOTH FRONT SIDE WINDOWS FELL DOWN. NLM
2000-05-01

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-04-27
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: 2B6HB11X8WK
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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
2000-03-08

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS EXPERINCING EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 99V-322. NLM
2000-01-04

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: PLASTIC CALIPER PISTON CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. *AK

1998 Dodge Ram van recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Dodge Ram van.

1998-04-08
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH POWER SEAT OPTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ATTACHING RISER WELDS WERE NOT CORRECT.
  • Consequence: 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.

Negative 1998 Dodge Ram van car reviews

  1. Hester Beahan 2024-11-16

    The 1996 Elk Conversion is an excellent choice for traveling with 5 or more people. While I also have a Suburban that is better on the highway and in winter driving, this van offers unparalleled passenger room. The driver visibility is great and I have experienced very few mechanical problems to date. Overall, this has been a reliable and enjoyable vehicle for our family.

  2. Kenny Effertz 2024-10-19

    Hey there! This vehicle is a Dodge Ram 250 conversion van with a high top and all the extras, including power steering, brakes, windows, and power locks.

  3. Monty Lueilwitz 2024-09-03

    Congratulations on passing the smog test in Los Angeles with 230000 miles! The 5.2 liter engine is both powerful and reliable, which is great to hear.

  4. Jerrell Casper 2024-09-03

    We have a 3/4 ton van with the 318 engine, which has been great. However, we have had some issues with the transmission, fuel system, and even the odometer, which have all quit on us. Additionally, the van tends to get quite hot, which can be uncomfortable. Despite these challenges, we still appreciate the van's reliability and utility.

  5. Gonzalo Gislason 2024-08-09

    At 75000 miles, the timing chain and gear were replaced, and the thermostat was replaced at 76000. When starting the engine cold, it may be difficult to keep it running. Additionally, the engine can be noisy and may overheat. Unfortunately, rain leaks through all doors due to a bad roof design that retains water and encourages rust-through. The build quality is not up to par, with door stops breaking and metal at front hinges cracking. The roof welds show movement, and the paint flakes for no apparent reason. The rear muffler hanger also tends to fail. While driving, the vehicle can be pushed around by crosswinds and may struggle on long moderate hills, averaging 13 mpg. Legroom can also be cramped. However, we are here to help and will do our best to address these issues in a friendly and efficient manner.

Positive 1998 Dodge Ram van car reviews

  1. Khalid Sawayn 2025-01-08

    We bought our van brand new in 1997 and it has been a reliable vehicle for our family. Although we had to replace the water pump every 3-4 years, which cost us $100 for the pump and $400 for installation, we never had to do a brake job until 2007. Unfortunately, with almost 150,000 miles on the van, we are experiencing more issues. We have already spent over $1000 on repairs and now the transmission is failing. The mechanic also informed us that the brakes need attention again and we have noticed a bad oil leak. Despite these issues, we are grateful for the 13 years of service the van provided us. Overall, it was a great family vehicle and if we had to make the choice again, we would still choose Dodge.

  2. Jackson Zboncak 2024-10-20

    Hey there! I just got some new Michelin tires for my van and took care of a couple of little oil drips for $277. Overall, this vehicle has been super reliable to drive!

  3. Mateo Predovic 2024-09-10

    This van is very reliable. I can't say enough about it!

  4. Davion Kuhn 2024-09-02

    I bought a 1992 B-150 from an autoparts store in May 2003. With 186,000 original miles, I decided to take my Dodge 318 on a cross-country road trip (and back)! Despite blowing a fuel pump in Colorado, my trusty van never let me down. Here's to the Dodge 318 and my beloved van!

  5. Kaleb Lueilwitz 2024-06-24

    Hello! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with this vehicle. I bought it brand new and have taken great care of it by performing all scheduled maintenance as directed. I've only had to take it in for major service once, and that was just to replace all belts, hoses, and filters (voluntarily) after 100,000 miles. I always use Mobil-1 synthetic oil in all of my vehicles. This van has been a real workhorse for me, hauling tons of equipment and supplies without ever showing signs of fatigue. I even use it to tow my 21' cuddy-cabin sport fisherman! While it can be a bit noisy on the highway, it's important to remember that it is a cargo van. I've driven it for 13 hours straight on I-95 between VA and FL with no worries and no trouble. Thanks for listening!

Leave your review of 1998 Dodge Ram van

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Dodge Ram van problems:

Reliability of Dodge Ram vans? Specifically early 2000s. (Not ...
Reliability of Dodge Ram vans? Specifically early 2000s. (Not ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/ndshk0/reliability_of_dodge_ram_vans_specifically_early/

May 16, 2021 ... Reliability of Dodge Ram vans? Specifically early 2000s. (Not promasters). Question. I'm in love with the way these things look. A nice 2003 ...

Dodge Ram 3500 cargo van reliability - Maintenance/Repairs - Car ...
Dodge Ram 3500 cargo van reliability - Maintenance/Repairs - Car ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/dodge-ram-3500-cargo-van-reliability/70320

Jan 7, 2012 ... I'm looking at a 2001 Ram 3500 cargo van with the 5.9L/360 cid V8 with 120k miles on it. Any of you pros have experience with this vehicle?

98 Ram 1500 4x4 with 318 - Common Problems? | DodgeTalk Forum
98 Ram 1500 4x4 with 318 - Common Problems? | DodgeTalk Forum
https://www.dodgetalk.com/threads/98-ram-1500-4x4-with-318-common-problems.173582/

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 ...

Dodge Ram Van 1500 (1997) Q&A: Reliability of the 3.9L V6
Dodge Ram Van 1500 (1997) Q&A: Reliability of the 3.9L V6
https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/48jpq-dodge-ram-van-1500-1997-dodge-ram-van-3-9l-v6.html

Nov 18, 2010 ... What causes forced and backfire in dodge ram van 3.9l v - Answered by a verified Dodge Mechanic.

Dodge Ram Van Conversion Reliability | DodgeTalk Forum
Dodge Ram Van Conversion Reliability | DodgeTalk Forum
https://www.dodgetalk.com/threads/dodge-ram-van-conversion-reliability.247139/

Apr 3, 2009 ... I was wondering about the reliability of the Dodge Ram Conversion Van. I love these vans so much and have seen a lot of really affordable ones, ...

Other years of Dodge Ram van

dodge ram van 1999 photo
Ram van 1999
Dodge

47

0

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge ram van 2000 photo
Ram van 2000
Dodge

29

0

14

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge ram van 2001 photo
Ram van 2001
Dodge

2266

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge ram van 2002 photo
Ram van 2002
Dodge

973

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge ram van 2003 photo
Ram van 2003
Dodge

1233

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge ram van 1989 photo
Ram van 1989
Dodge

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1998 Dodge Ram van?

Add car complaint
1998 Dodge Ram van photo