DODGE RAM 2500 · model year

1998 DODGE RAM 2500

310 NHTSA complaints, 22 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1998DODGERAM 2500 carries 310 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 22 crashes, 3 fires, 24 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1998 RAM 2500 is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip with 17 filings, followed by structure (14) and air bags:frontal (13). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 1998 RAM 2500, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

310
Complaints
22
Crashes
3
Fires
24
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

310 filings

Crashes Reported

22 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP17
STRUCTURE14
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN11
TIRES11
STEERING10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7
TIRES:TREAD/BELT7
SEAT BELTS7
SUSPENSION7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS6
SUSPENSION:FRONT6

Recent Complaints

20220318AIR BAGS

Driving down the road going about forty miles per hour and my dash exploded and the air bag deployed

20200827CrashWHEELS

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.

Mileage: 4,100

20200219STEERING

I HAVE A 98 RAM 2500 V10 IF I GO ABOUT 65 MPH THERE IS A MASSIVE WOBBLE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IF I SPEED UP TO 70 IT STOPS OR IF I SLOW DOWN TO 60 IT STOPS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE ALL OF THE RAM TRUCKS THAT I HAVE HAD DO THIS EXACT SAME THING.

Mileage: 415,985

20200219SUSPENSION

I HAVE A 98 RAM 2500 V10 IF I GO ABOUT 65 MPH THERE IS A MASSIVE WOBBLE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IF I SPEED UP TO 70 IT STOPS OR IF I SLOW DOWN TO 60 IT STOPS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE ALL OF THE RAM TRUCKS THAT I HAVE HAD DO THIS EXACT SAME THING.

Mileage: 415,985

20200219WHEELS

I HAVE A 98 RAM 2500 V10 IF I GO ABOUT 65 MPH THERE IS A MASSIVE WOBBLE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IF I SPEED UP TO 70 IT STOPS OR IF I SLOW DOWN TO 60 IT STOPS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE ALL OF THE RAM TRUCKS THAT I HAVE HAD DO THIS EXACT SAME THING.

Mileage: 415,985

20190625SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELT CONTROLLER FAILED AND CAUSED MY BATTERIES TO DRAIN. LEFT US STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. ONCE WE RECHARGED OUR BATTERIES WE HAD TO UNPLUG THE SEAT BELT CONTROLLER THAT WAS CAUSING THE DRAW ON THE BATTERIES. WE COULD NOT USE OUR SEAT BELTS.

Mileage: 212,000

20190415UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE THROTTLE LINKAGE IS A RECALL. I TOOK IT TO DOUGLAS CHRYSTLER JEEP DODGE RAM DEALER IN VENICE, FL AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP ME BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ONCE. SEEING THAT IT IS A SAFETY RECALL I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT BUT WHEN I CALLED THEY SAID THEY CAN ONLY REPLACE A RECALL ITEM ONCE. VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WHEN I AM AT A STOP LIGHT AND IDLES HIGH.

20190211ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HAZZARD: INTERMITTENT HEAD LAMP OPERATION (LOW AND/OR HIGH BEAM CUT-OFF) CAUSE: UNKNOWN. SAFETY ISSUE: KEEPING THE HEADLAMPS ON WHILE DRIVING (DODGE RAM 1998.5 2500 4X4 QUAD CAB SLT; 5.9L 24V CUMMINS DIESEL; 47RE; STOCK (NO FOG LIGHTS); 170,000 MILES). PROBLEM: HEADLAMPS (LOW AND/OR HIGH BEAM), AND OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS, CUT-OFF INTERMITTENTLY -- ACTUATING THE DASHBOARD MOUNTED HEADLAMP SWITCH (PUSH-PULL) RESTORES THE LIGHTS. TROUBLE SHOOTING/REPAIRS (EXECUTED BY A CERTIFIED AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR FACILITY): (1) CHECKED MULTIPLE GROUNDS (CLEAN AND TIGHT); (2) CHECKED FUSES; (3) CHECKED OUTPUT FROM GENERATOR (STEADY - APPROX. 14.5 WITH "NO LOAD"; BATTERIES - NEW 6/18); (4) CHECKED CIRCUITS (VERIFIED CONTINUITY AND RESISTANCE); (5) REPLACED STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH; (6) REPLACED "HEADLAMP/SECURITY" RELAY; (7) REPLACED HEADLAMP/DASHBOARD LIGHTING COMBINATION SWITCH (REPLACED 22 MONTHS AGO (167,000) - ORIGINAL FAILED. NOTE:

Mileage: 170,000

20190211EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HAZZARD: INTERMITTENT HEAD LAMP OPERATION (LOW AND/OR HIGH BEAM CUT-OFF) CAUSE: UNKNOWN. SAFETY ISSUE: KEEPING THE HEADLAMPS ON WHILE DRIVING (DODGE RAM 1998.5 2500 4X4 QUAD CAB SLT; 5.9L 24V CUMMINS DIESEL; 47RE; STOCK (NO FOG LIGHTS); 170,000 MILES). PROBLEM: HEADLAMPS (LOW AND/OR HIGH BEAM), AND OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS, CUT-OFF INTERMITTENTLY -- ACTUATING THE DASHBOARD MOUNTED HEADLAMP SWITCH (PUSH-PULL) RESTORES THE LIGHTS. TROUBLE SHOOTING/REPAIRS (EXECUTED BY A CERTIFIED AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR FACILITY): (1) CHECKED MULTIPLE GROUNDS (CLEAN AND TIGHT); (2) CHECKED FUSES; (3) CHECKED OUTPUT FROM GENERATOR (STEADY - APPROX. 14.5 WITH "NO LOAD"; BATTERIES - NEW 6/18); (4) CHECKED CIRCUITS (VERIFIED CONTINUITY AND RESISTANCE); (5) REPLACED STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH; (6) REPLACED "HEADLAMP/SECURITY" RELAY; (7) REPLACED HEADLAMP/DASHBOARD LIGHTING COMBINATION SWITCH (REPLACED 22 MONTHS AGO (167,000) - ORIGINAL FAILED. NOTE:

Mileage: 170,000

20190107STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD CRACKED AND PIECES WERE FALLING OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

20180823SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RELEASE OUT OF THE BUCKLES AND THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

20180227TIRES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500 EQUIPPED WITH FOUR MASTERCRAFT COURSER AXT (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 285/75/R16/ (NA). THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN JANUARY OF 2018. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND PULLING A TRAILER, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW OUT. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE FRONT PASSENGER RIM WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE EXACT TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED BEFORE STARTING THE TRIP. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (ELLISTON REPAIR AND TIRE IN FREDRICKTOWN, OHIO WERE NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.

20170321SEAT BELTS

VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. UPON GETTING IN VEHICLE, I FOUND BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS LOCKED IN THE RETRACTED POSITION. I STOPPED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR PART #P56043003AD AND WAS INFORMED THIS PART ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THIS SEAT BELT TIMER CONTROL MODULE IS NECESSARY FOR THE SEAT BELTS TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED. TRUCK CAN ONLY BE DRIVEN WITHOUT SEAT BELTS IN USE.

Mileage: 33,000

20170307ENGINE

I WAS PULLING A CAR FROM INDIO CA TO PHX. AZ WHEN IT STARTED TICKING AND SMOKEING AND LOST POWER I PULLEDOVER CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS 2 QUARTS LOW IT HAD NEVER USED OIL BEFORE THIS IT NEVER GOT HOT THOUGH I SLOWED WAY DOWN AND BARELY MADE IT HOME.

20170307POWER TRAIN

I WAS PULLING A CAR FROM INDIO CA TO PHX. AZ WHEN IT STARTED TICKING AND SMOKEING AND LOST POWER I PULLEDOVER CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS 2 QUARTS LOW IT HAD NEVER USED OIL BEFORE THIS IT NEVER GOT HOT THOUGH I SLOWED WAY DOWN AND BARELY MADE IT HOME.

20161228SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE LINE RUSTED OUT AND FAILED CAUSING LOOSE OF BRAKE IN TRAFFIC. ONCE FUEL TANK WAS REMOVED THIS EXPOSED THE PROBLEM AREA. REAR WIRING HARNESS RUNS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE FUEL LINE TRAPPING ROAD GRIM, WATER, SALT, CAUSING CORROSION AT THIS POINT.

Mileage: 179,000

20160911STEERING

THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER REAR ARM SUPPORT BRACKET WELD ARE CRACKING TWISTING TEARING FROM MAIN FRAME RAIL. THE FRAME WELD IS TEARING HORIZONTALLY AND ACROSS SAME RATES. THE CRACK ARE NEXT TO WELDS AN SOME LOCATION TEARING CIRCLING ROTATING. THE VEHICLE NEVER OPERATED OFF-ROAD AND MILEAGE IS 171,550 MILES. THE CRACK ARE 65% AND VEHICLE UNFIT TO BE OPERATED SAFETY. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE I DIDN'T HAVE A ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ROW OVER ON I LEFT SIDE WITHOUT NO WARNING . I WAS PREFORMING VEHICLE BRAKE INSPECTIONS AND I NOTICE RUST ON THE LOWER REAR SUPPORT HANGER WHICH HOLD THE LOWER ARM BRACKET AND COIL SPRING. I AM VERY FORTUNATE THAT I DIDN'T LOAN MY VEHICLE TO MY RELATIVES. I HAVE PICTURES AVAILABLE. I WANT THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION TO REPAIR THIS ASAP!!!

Mileage: 171,550

20160911SUSPENSION

THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER REAR ARM SUPPORT BRACKET WELD ARE CRACKING TWISTING TEARING FROM MAIN FRAME RAIL. THE FRAME WELD IS TEARING HORIZONTALLY AND ACROSS SAME RATES. THE CRACK ARE NEXT TO WELDS AN SOME LOCATION TEARING CIRCLING ROTATING. THE VEHICLE NEVER OPERATED OFF-ROAD AND MILEAGE IS 171,550 MILES. THE CRACK ARE 65% AND VEHICLE UNFIT TO BE OPERATED SAFETY. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE I DIDN'T HAVE A ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ROW OVER ON I LEFT SIDE WITHOUT NO WARNING . I WAS PREFORMING VEHICLE BRAKE INSPECTIONS AND I NOTICE RUST ON THE LOWER REAR SUPPORT HANGER WHICH HOLD THE LOWER ARM BRACKET AND COIL SPRING. I AM VERY FORTUNATE THAT I DIDN'T LOAN MY VEHICLE TO MY RELATIVES. I HAVE PICTURES AVAILABLE. I WANT THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION TO REPAIR THIS ASAP!!!

Mileage: 171,550

20160911AIR BAGS

THE UPPER INTERIOR DASH PANEL CRACKING INTO MANY PIECE. DURING ACCIDENT THE PANEL WILL COME A FLYING MISSILE OF PARTS HITTING OCCUPANCIES IN THE COMPARTMENTS AND SMALL CHILDREN. I WAND THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION TO REPAIR IT ASAP. ITS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPENED.

Mileage: 171,550

20160911STRUCTURE:BODY

THE UPPER INTERIOR DASH PANEL CRACKING INTO MANY PIECE. DURING ACCIDENT THE PANEL WILL COME A FLYING MISSILE OF PARTS HITTING OCCUPANCIES IN THE COMPARTMENTS AND SMALL CHILDREN. I WAND THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION TO REPAIR IT ASAP. ITS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPENED.

Mileage: 171,550

Compare 1998DODGERAM 2500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1998 DODGE RAM 2500 have?
The 1998 DODGE RAM 2500 has 310 NHTSA complaints, 22 crashes, 3 fires, 24 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 DODGE RAM 2500?
The most-complained component for the 1998 DODGE RAM 2500 is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP with 17 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE and AIR BAGS:FRONTAL.
Is the 1998 DODGE RAM 2500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.