VehicleVerdict

1998 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 sits mid-pack among Ram 2500 years: 310 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 360, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (57), transmission (33), and steering (27), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

310

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Ram 2500 years?

See all Ram 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes5718%
Transmission3311%
Steering279%
Tires & Wheels258%
Body & Structure237%
Suspension206%
Fuel System206%
Speed Control186%
Airbags186%
Electrical System175%
Engine155%
Seat Belts114%
Visibility & Wipers83%
Other83%
Seats31%
Latches & Locks31%
Trailer Hitch21%
Lighting21%

Does the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E027000SteeringMarch 28, 2008 · 5,700 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION REMAINS UNDETECTED, THE BOLT CAN EVENTUALLY UNSEAT COMPLETELY, CAUSING THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

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.

06E024000EngineMarch 15, 2006 · 44,386 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, NORMAL ROAD CONDITION; CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND APPROACHING A BLIND CURVE WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSED CONSUMER TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCEY SITUATION. REAR ABS FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP ON THE VEHICLE,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 20, 1998 · crash

PE01-021/ROLL AWAY IN PARK: WHILE PARKED AND IDLING VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS PULLING PIN FROM HITCH ATTACHED TO VEHICLE, CAUSING TRUCK TO RUN OVER HER DAUGHTER WHO RECEIVED SEVERE INJURIES. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED.*AK *SLC

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 20, 2001 · crash

SWAY BAR BOLTS THAT HOLD SWAY BAR FELL OUT, AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. WENT TO DEALER AND GOT IT FIXED. BUT THEN ALL FOUR BOLTS THAT HOLD THE SWAY BAR FELL OUT AGAIN, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, WORN GEAR IN THE STEERING BOX CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 29, 1999 · crash

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 28, 2020 · crash

PLASTIC DASHBOARD MATERIALS ARE DEFECTIVE. 1998 YEAR MODEL DODGE RAM 2500HD 24V DSL 4X4 QC SB TRUCK...DASH STARTED GETTING VERY BRITTLE AFTER ONLY 6 YEARS OF USE... RECENTLY HAD TO ACCESS THE A/C EVAPORATOR CORE...AND THE DASHBOARD LITERALLY CRUMBLED. I'VE SEEN MY SHARE OF COSMETIC DASHBOARD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 17, 2008

1998 Dodge Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 2500: 310 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1998 Ram 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (57 complaints), transmission (33 complaints), steering (27 complaints).

Does the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Ram 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 2500 years to avoid are 2006, 2003, 2004, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 2500 years belongs to 1991.

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.