1998 Dodge RAM problems
Owners have filed 644 complaints about the 1998 Dodge RAM with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 20% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 14%.
Complaints644
Crashes94
Fires9
Injuries65
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 20.0% · 129
Power train 14.0% · 90
Air bags 10.2% · 66
Electrical system 7.6% · 49
Engine and engine cooling 6.1% · 39
Suspension 5.7% · 37
Steering 4.5% · 29
Fuel system, gasoline 4.0% · 26
Severity
Of those complaints, 94 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire, 65 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Dodge RAM in this data, 1998 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 1996 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 10 in the last three years against 4 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 74,000 miles.
In owners' own words
1. Outside pads completely worn out, inside pads not worn. Replaced pad. 2. Rotors warped, turned rotors 3. Rotors warped, replaced rotors 4. Complete brake failure, replaced front rotors, calipers, rotors, pads, proportioning valve, replaced rear shoes, adjusters, hardware 5. Truck pulled to left, to right, brake fade, brakes overheating, truck still in repair shop outcome unknown. Service brakes, hydraulic
When hitting a bump, a pulsation in the brakes occurs, when putting foot on the brakes, and hitting a bump the brakes do not seem to work. Dealer contacted three times, and will not respond. *Ak consumer states when right front tire hits a bump, with slight foot (BRAKE) pressure, the truck feels like it is free wheeling, dealer informed consumer that is the way the brakes engage. Service brakes, hydraulic
The truck has a severe brake pull to the right, which makes the vehicle difficult to control. The brake pull occurs at any speed, but it is most prominent at highway speeds and therefore presents a safety hazard. The vehicle was taken in for service four times in nine months on this issue. It is obvious that chrysler is not interested in fixing the problem in an expedient manner. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Dodge RAM years
1995 852 complaints · 21.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1996 905 complaints · 25.4% service brakes, hydraulic 1997 513 complaints · 17.0% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 496 complaints · 19.2% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 212 complaints · 12.7% service brakes, hydraulic 2001 417 complaints · 14.1% steering