1998 Dodge RAM 3500
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 | 4 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 70 |
| 1995 | 108 |
| 1996 | 124 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 105 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 58 |
| 2001 | 130 |
| 2002 | 44 |
| 2003 | 286 |
| 2004 | 214 |
| 2005 | 196 |
| 2006 | 257 |
| 2007 | 210 |
| 2008 | 173 |
| 2009 | 105 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 225 |
| 2012 | 365 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
FIRE17% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH FIRE INJURY14% of complaints: exterior lighting — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and headlights.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED TO ACTIVATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141010
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
1998-2001 B-VAN (DODGE FULL SIZE) BS CONTROL MODULE IS PROTECTED WITH A 40 AMP FUSE. A 10 GA. WIRE COMES OUT OF THE CONTROL MODULE THEN THE WIRE "Y"'S OUT TO TWO 14 GA. WIRES. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE ABS PUMP OR RELAY STICKS ON THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030908
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
AT LEAST THE THIRD TIME I HAVE REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, TWICE THE HARNESS BECAUSE IT MELTED TOGETHER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181203
9% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
(RAM MAXIVAN); WHILE CONSUMER WAS SITTING STILL IN VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO START ENGINE AND BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER CONTACTED AND AWARE OF PROBLEM, MANUFACTURER TO REMEDY PROBLEM. AIRBAGS WERE NOT REINSTALLED. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990129
CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.-ALSO THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL AND COLLIDE, RESULTING IN 3 INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981009
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SAFETY TIMELINE
TIRE VALVE
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 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08E027000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.