1998 Dodge Wagon problems
The Dodge Power Wagon is a four-wheel drive medium duty truck that was produced in various model series from 1945 to 1980 by Dodge. The Power Wagon name was revived for the 2005 model year as a four-wheel drive version of the Dodge Ram 2500. As a nameplate, "Power Wagon" continues as a special package of the four-wheel drive version of 3/4 ton Ram Trucks 2500 model.
The original civilian version, commonly called the "flat fender" Power Wagon (FFPW) or "Military Type", was mechanically based on Dodge's 3/4-ton WC series of World War II military trucks. The Power Wagon was the first 4x4 medium duty truck produced by a major manufacturer in a civilian version. It represents a significant predecessor to the many modern four-wheel drive trucks in use today. It was marketed as the WDX truck. Until about 1960 it was internally known by its engineering code T137 – a name still used for the original series by enthusiasts. Following Chrysler Corporation policy of badge engineering to provide a greater number of sales outlets overseas, Power Wagons were also marketed around the world under the Fargo and De Soto badges.
Starting in the 1957 model year, factory four-wheel-drive versions of the Dodge C Series trucks were produced and sold as the W-100, W-200, W-300, and W-500, alongside the older Power Wagon. The pickups had the "Power Wagon" badge on the fender. The older design Power Wagon was marketed as the "Military Type" to distinguish it from the styled pickup versions. Later the "Military Type" was given the series number W-300M, and ultimately WM-300.
The heavy-duty four-wheel-drive W-300 and W-500 trucks were marketed as "Power Giants". The four-wheel-drive version of the Dodge Town Wagon also got the "Power Wagon" badge. The "Military Type" sales in the United States ended by 1968, because the vehicle did not comply with new federal light-duty truck regulations. The "Power Wagon" options continued on the Dodge D-Series through the 1980 model year. For the 1981 model year, "Power Ram" became the marketing logo for the medium-duty Dodge trucks, and the "Power Wagon" name was not used until the 2004 revival.
Back in 1999 there was a Dodge Power Wagon concept.
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Common 1998 Dodge Wagon problems
The 1998 Dodge Ram Wagon, also known as the Ram Van 1500, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
Seat belts and airbags are another area of concern, with 85 complaints submitted to NHTSA for the 1998 Ram Van 1500.
Electrical problems are a common issue in many vehicles, and the 1998 Ram Van 1500 is no exception, with 56 complaints submitted to NHTSA for this category.
Wheels and hubs are another area of concern, with 36 complaints submitted to NHTSA for the 1998 Ram Van 1500.
Exterior accessories problems have been reported, with 23 complaints submitted to NHTSA for the 1998 Ram Van 1500.
Lights problems have been reported, with 15 complaints submitted to NHTSA for the 1998 model year.
In addition to the complaints submitted to NHTSA, there are also recalls that apply to the 1998 Dodge Ram Wagon. These recalls include a new kit released to repair turbochargers with failed wastegate actuators, conditions with loss of fifth gear, engine cooling fan noises, hardened bolts used to attach the cab and core support to the frame, and low-pressure diesel fuel supply tube fractures.
The 1998 Dodge Ram Wagon has also had several investigations related to its safety, including investigations into the safety of the engine and engine cooling system, the exhaust system, automatic transmission conditions with loss of fifth gear, engine cooling fan noises, and low-pressure diesel fuel supply tube fractures.
In summary, the 1998 Dodge Ram Wagon has several common problems based on complaints from owners, including issues with the air conditioning and heating system, brakes, seat belts and airbags, transmission, engine, electrical system, suspension, wheels and hubs, steering, fuel system, drivetrain, exterior accessories, body and paint, interior accessories, lights, miscellaneous, windows and windshield, exhaust system, and cooling system. There are also recalls and investigations related to the safety of the 1998 Dodge Ram Wagon.
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 generation is a 1998 Dodge 1500?
Second generation
Second generation (1994; BR/BE)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| 1995–1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab | |
| Overview | |
| Production | July 1993 – July 2001 (1500) July 1993 – July 2002 (2500 / 3500) |
| Model years | 1994–2001 |
How much does a 1998 Dodge weigh?
1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab Specs, Features & Options
| 1 of 2 Ram 1500 Regular Cab Short Bed | 2 of 2 Ram 1500 Regular Cab Long Bed |
|---|---|
| See Pricing See Cars in Stock | See Pricing See Cars in Stock |
| V8, 5.2 Liter | V8, 5.2 Liter |
| Curb Weight | |
| 4,093 pounds | 4,233 pounds |
How long do Ram 2500 transmissions last?
However, trucks often go through a lot of wear and tear. This can lead to transmission problems affecting the life span. On average, the transmission in trucks such as the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 last for about 100,000 miles. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life span of your transmission.
1998 Dodge Wagon car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Wagon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Dodge Wagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Dodge Wagon complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Dodge Wagon.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-04
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER ON MY WIFES 98 CARAVAN IS NEARLY RUSTED THROUGH. IF IT FAILS SHE COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED. CHRYSLER WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OBVIOUS ENGINEERING FAILURE. I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR $600.00 - $1800.00. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK DEVELOPED A HOLE. AS A RESULT, AN ODOR SEEPED INTO THE VEHICLE. *AK WHEN THE GAS TANK WAS REMOVED, THE HOLE WAS VISIBLE. *JB *NM
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Dodge Wagon problems:
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Sep 7, 2009 ... I own a 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel. The automatic transmission is not shifting when it should. The shifting is delayed.
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Other years of Dodge Wagon
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