1998 Dodge Dodge Truck problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.5 times the median Dodge Truck year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 31 Dodge Truck years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (5), seat belts (4), and fuel system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
42
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Dodge Truck years?
What are the most common 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“ENGINE NOCKING IN LOWER BOTTOM OF ENGINE REPEATED RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAY NORMAL SOUND;;;AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEAK ON PAN GASKET AND O-RING SEAL,RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS,TO NO AVAIL WAS IT FIX CORRECTLY,HAD TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALER IT WAS FIX RIGHT,FOR NOW,A/C WAS RECHARGE…”
“ENGINE NOCKING IN LOWER BOTTOM OF ENGINE REPEATED RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAY NORMAL SOUND;;;AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEAK ON PAN GASKET AND O-RING SEAL,RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS,TO NO AVAIL WAS IT FIX CORRECTLY,HAD TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALER IT WAS FIX RIGHT,FOR NOW,A/C WAS RECHARGE…”
“ENGINE NOCKING IN LOWER BOTTOM OF ENGINE REPEATED RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAY NORMAL SOUND;;;AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEAK ON PAN GASKET AND O-RING SEAL,RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS,TO NO AVAIL WAS IT FIX CORRECTLY,HAD TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALER IT WAS FIX RIGHT,FOR NOW,A/C WAS RECHARGE…”
“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…”
1998 Dodge Dodge Truck — common questions
Is the 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 31 Dodge Truck years. It is one of the Dodge Truck years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Dodge Truck problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (5 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).
Does the 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck.
Which Dodge Dodge Truck years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Dodge Truck years to avoid are 1999, 1996, 2001, 1998, 1994. The cleanest record among Dodge Truck years belongs to 1985.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.