1998 Dodge RAM 2500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 16 |
| 1992 | 32 |
| 1993 | 39 |
| 1994 | 168 |
| 1995 | 267 |
| 1996 | 291 |
| 1997 | 213 |
| 1998 | 225 |
| 1999 | 313 |
| 2000 | 211 |
| 2001 | 469 |
| 2002 | 155 |
| 2003 | 661 |
| 2004 | 581 |
| 2005 | 422 |
| 2006 | 668 |
| 2007 | 361 |
| 2008 | 317 |
| 2009 | 214 |
| 2010 | 236 |
| 2011 | 297 |
| 2012 | 283 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: service brakes — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY14% of complaints: power train — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: steering — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: structure — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
10% of complaints: tires — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
INJURYShow 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
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
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 issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08E027000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.