MYRModel Year Report

1998 Dodge RAM 3500

● Typical for this model
1998 Dodge RAM 3500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:31:19.650Z

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 3500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1998 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 223 complaints 2012: 365 complaints 2012
1998: 105 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19914
199210
199320
199470
1995108
1996124
1997125
1998105
1999104
200058
2001130
200244
2003286
2004214
2005196
2006257
2007208
2008173
2009105
2010150
2011223
2012365

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8%

8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20020603 — PE (closed 20021001)

TIRE VALVE

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 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 08E027000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 2000 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2003 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

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 service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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