VehicleVerdict

1998 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 sits mid-pack among Ram 3500 years: 134 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 161, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (20), transmission (20), and lighting (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

134

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Ram 3500 years?

Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted502 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 11 complaints1993: 26 complaints1994: 102 complaints1995: 132 complaints1996: 182 complaints1997: 153 complaints1998: 134 complaints1999: 146 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 168 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 330 complaints2004: 276 complaints2005: 240 complaints2006: 349 complaints2007: 284 complaints2008: 221 complaints2009: 130 complaints2010: 214 complaints2011: 293 complaints2012: 502 complaints
Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2015%
Transmission2015%
Lighting1713%
Electrical System1511%
Fuel System129%
Airbags97%
Engine86%
Steering86%
Suspension64%
Speed Control54%
Other43%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Seat Belts32%
Body & Structure32%
Trailer Hitch11%

Does the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE RETAINING NUT FOR FIFTH-GEAR HAS FAILED. DEALER OFFERED REPAIR KIT... CONTAINED NEW MAIN SHAFT FOR TRANNY. COST WAS $3600.00, CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING OF THREAD TAPERING. THERE IS ALSO NO POWER BRAKES. ABS SEEMS TO NOT BE WORKING,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 5, 2006 · fire

“DODGE FAILS TO ADMIT A PROBLEM WITH REAR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES BECAUSE I DIDN'T FIND THE UNUSED BRAKES WITHIN THE WARRANTY. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCE ON OTHER MAKES WITH REAR ABS. MY WORRY IS I'M NOT THE ONLY ON DRIVING WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES. DODGE SENT A SERVICE BULLITIN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 4, 1998 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING MELTED TO THE CONNECTOR AND THE INTERNAL SWITCH WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 1, 2013 · fire

“DT: THE CONTACT STARTED VEHICLE IN ORDER TO MOVE IT. THEN, HE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE STARTER KEPT RUNNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THEY FOUND THE FUEL SHUT OFF SOLENOID SHORTED OUT. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 23, 2005 · fire

“DT: THE CONTACT STARTED VEHICLE IN ORDER TO MOVE IT. THEN, HE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE STARTER KEPT RUNNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THEY FOUND THE FUEL SHUT OFF SOLENOID SHORTED OUT. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 23, 2005 · fire

1998 Dodge Ram 3500 — common questions

Is the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 3500: 134 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1998 Ram 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (20 complaints), transmission (20 complaints), lighting (17 complaints).

Does the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 3500 years to avoid are 2012, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2007, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 3500 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.