MYRModel Year Report

1998 Dodge RAM 2500

● Typical for this model
1998 Dodge RAM 2500
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge RAM 2500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 267 complaints 1996: 291 complaints 1997: 213 complaints 1997 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 313 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 468 complaints 2002: 155 complaints 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 579 complaints 2005: 422 complaints 2006: 668 complaints 2006 2007: 361 complaints 2008: 317 complaints 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2011: 297 complaints 2012: 282 complaints 2012
1998: 225 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199116
199232
199339
1994168
1995267
1996291
1997213
1998225
1999313
2000211
2001468
2002155
2003661
2004579
2005422
2006668
2007361
2008317
2009214
2010236
2011297
2012282

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, NORMAL ROAD CONDITION; CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND APPROACHING A BLIND CURVE WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSED CONSUMER TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCEY SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI report, 19981123

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 14 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
AIR BAGS 6%

6% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD A FRONT END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CONSUMER BROKE THE NOSE , AND CUT THE LIPS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040423

WHILE DRIVING 50-55MPH THE VEHICLE HAD DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT, AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 19981105

TIRES 5%

5% of complaints: tires — 11 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TRAVELING NORTH ON INTERSTATE 75 IN MANATEE COUNTY. PICK-UP TRUCK BEGAN TO FISH TAIL, CAUSING SEVERAL VEHICLES TO SWERVE TO AVOID ACCIDENT, FOLLOWED BY LOUD BANGING NOISES AT LEFT REAR OF TRUCK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20061009

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180227

ON A 1998 DODGE RAM 2500 THREE OF THE FIVE STOCK GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S 245/75 R16 TIRES HAVE BEEN VOLUNTARILY REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SIDEWALL SEPARATION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120402

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060420 — engine and engine cooling

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMAN

Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Campaign 06E024000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — steering

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.

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.

Campaign 08E027000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Dodge RAM 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 08E027000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1992 ▲ 1993 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ■ 2003 ■ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 7% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.