Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Ram Van year — the 1998 model ranks #3 of 14 Ram Van years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), electrical system (7), and suspension (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
38
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 7 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 13% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Airbags | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Transmission | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH POWER SEAT OPTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ATTACHING RISER WELDS WERE NOT CORRECT.
Consequence
THE SEAT ATTACHMENT STRENGTH WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER FRONT SEAT RISE WITH A RISER THAT WAS MIG WELDED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
“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 ”
“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…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 1998 model at #3 of 14 Ram Van years. It is one of the Ram Van years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), suspension (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Dodge Ram Van. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram Van years to avoid are 1999, 2001, 1998, 1996, 2000. The cleanest record among Ram Van years belongs to 1991.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.