1998 Dodge RAM 3500 problems
Owners have filed 134 complaints about the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 14.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of exterior lighting at 11.2%.
Complaints134
Crashes13
Fires17
Injuries14
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 14.9% · 20
Exterior lighting 11.2% · 15
Electrical system 11.2% · 15
Service brakes, hydraulic 10.4% · 14
Air bags 6.7% · 9
Steering 6.0% · 8
Engine and engine cooling 6.0% · 8
Fuel system, gasoline 5.2% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 13 describe a crash, 17 describe a fire and 14 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Dodge RAM 3500 in this data, 1998 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2012 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 11 in the last three years against 7 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 93,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Ongoing problem with replacing front wheel bearing from 51,000 miles to present, four sets of wheel bearing were replaced. On last occasion, front axle broke due to wheel bearing failure. Dealer notified. All repairs were done under warranty. But unable to located the cause. *Ak the right front brakes grab on regular braking due to worn pads and rotors. The cruise control malfunctions. Power train
5Th gear suddenly ceased to work on my very well maintained 36,000 mile 98 Dodge 3500 manual drive truck. My father and I were nearly in a multiple 18 wheeler crash on a bridge before we were able to finally limp along. I now come to realize that there is a service bulletin on this very problem ( 21-10-98a ) which was ignored by the manufacturer. It nearly cost my family dearly. Power train · reported at 36,200 miles
Driving down highway at 65 mph, 5th gear disengaged--(as if shifted into neutral). Taken to transmission shop, told bolt holding 5th gear backed off. Told there is a retrofit kit available to hopefully fix the problem and prevent re-occurance. This is a common problem with Dodge diesel/5 speed combos. This bolt (known defect) cost me $1400 and 2 weeks with no vehicle. Power train · reported at 56,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…