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1998 Dodge Dodge Truck: problems, recalls and reliability

0 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.

Data updated weekly

0
recalls
28
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

No fire reportsNo recall campaigns

Common problems

Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 28 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)4 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)3 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)3 complaints
Seat Belts2 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)2 complaints
I own a1998 dodge ram truck that I purchased 5 years ago within this past year iv noticed my dash board cracking and it seemed to be getting worse till I was driving home from work a big chunk of dash board blew up and hit me right in the face I almost wrecked my truck it could have been fatal something has to be done about this before someone is killed if there is a defect in these dodge trucks dashboards they should let the owner or public aware so they can be fixed. *trOwner report · Structure · Jun 2009
Dodge 1500 ram sport pick up. Dash cover broke in pieces. A while later I notice the two front speakers stop working, the speedometer stop working, every once in a while the dash lights go crazy, the top 12 volt adapter stops working, etc. Also seat belts don't retract correctly, and driver side buckle had to be replaced. *trOwner report · Structure · Jul 2007
Defective driver and passenger seat belt, in 98 dodge ram. I have contacted the dodge headquarters, when the seatbelts failed the first time two years ago, hq stated that they would pay for labor only, and not replace the part. Dodge replaced the seatbelt sensor which is electronic under the seats, the wires get pinched off, when the seats are moved forward and back therefore creating a short in the wires, and thus the seatbelts fail b/c they are on an electronic weight system. I do not have the money it takes to continually replace these every two years, I think this should be looked into since it is a safety hazard. *trOwner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
At approximately 40,000 miles I had to have the ball joints replaced on my 1998 dodge dakota. My mechanic advised me that before change the ball joints that I should take my vehicle to my local dodge dealership and see if they would cover the cost. They responded by telling me that my ball joints were fine. The reason I went to my mechanic was because I had had my vehicle aligned four times in the first 30,000 mile and my truck still pulled to one side. That was when I went to an unbiased party to tell what the problem was. I had this repair work done in late 2002 or early 2003. *akOwner report · Suspension · Jan 2003
On march 8,2002 a short time after taking delivery of used 1998 dodge grand caravan se VIN # g with only 41,950 miles. In february ,2002 the engine began making a loud pronounced tapping sound. After I returned the vehicle to the dealer plaza motors of brooklyn inc.(aka) plaza dodge ltd. And was told the engine had to be replace. And the dealer above installed a used engine from VIN#r with 58,310 miles and less then 12 months the second engine head gasket fail. Then the transmission. Base on the information above and the reports from other consumers NHTSA should investigate these defects as a real time safety problem. *nmOwner report · Power Train · Mar 2002
Was driving 35 mph and road had icy spots. Hit one icy spot, but retained control. Then, hit another icy spot and lost control/ went into a ditch on passenger's front. Vehicle went air borne and hit front of vehicle on ground. It then rolled twice. Air bags failed to deploy. Vehicle landed on its passenger side. Driver was strapped in. Vehicle was totaled. *akOwner report · Air Bags · Feb 2001
Notice a oil resdue on the inside of the front windshield. Possible coming from the a/c system, second opinion said it was coming from the evaperator coil. On the way to the dealer a lot of smoke came out of the dash and the a/c stop cooling.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1999
Anti lock brakes does not engage. The brake pedal continues to go down and braking action is severally downgraded requiring a substantial additional distance in which to bring the vechile to a complete stop.Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1999
Truck hesitates and bucks between 40-60 mph, at times severe, mfgr cannot identify problem, fuel mileage getting worse overtime. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999
While traveling 45mph in a dodge dualey, over a hill, hit a cow. Upon impact, front end was pushed into the cab of vehicle & neither air bag deployed. There were no injuries. *akOwner report · Air Bags · Apr 1999

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

How other years compare

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck reliable?

NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck. The most complained-about area is structure.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.