1998 Dodge Ram Van: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1998
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2011
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2009
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2003
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2003
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2003
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2002
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2002
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH POWER SEAT OPTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ATTACHING RISER WELDS WERE NOT CORRECT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER FRONT SEAT RISE WITH A RISER THAT WAS MIG WELDED.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Ram Van years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Ram Van 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 Van reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Dodge Ram Van. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1998 Dodge Ram Van have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seats. 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.