1998 Dodge Ram 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 225 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (13% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2020
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2019
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2018
“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.”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2017
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2017
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2016
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2016
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2016
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 20 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram 2500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 225 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 94,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:tie rod assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.