MYRModel Year Report

1998 Dodge RAM 3500

● Typical for this model
1998 Dodge RAM 3500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:07:31.671Z

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
105
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

19% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1998: 105 complaints 1998 105 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 58 complaints 2001: 130 complaints 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 210 complaints 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2012: 365 complaints 2012
1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 70 complaints 1995: 108 complaints 1995 1996: 124 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1998: 105 complaints 1998 105 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 58 complaints 2001: 130 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2005: 196 complaints 2005 2006: 257 complaints 2007: 210 complaints 2007 2008: 173 complaints 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2011: 225 complaints 2011 2012: 365 complaints
1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 70 complaints 1994 1995: 108 complaints 1995 1996: 124 complaints 1996 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 105 complaints 1998 105 1999: 104 complaints 1999 2000: 58 complaints 2000 2001: 130 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 286 complaints 2003 2004: 214 complaints 2004 2005: 196 complaints 2005 2006: 257 complaints 2006 2007: 210 complaints 2007 2008: 173 complaints 2008 2009: 105 complaints 2009 2010: 150 complaints 2010 2011: 225 complaints 2011 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
2007210
2008173
2009105
2010150
2011225
2012365

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

19% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

FIRE

Service brakes

17% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Exterior lighting

14% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing switch and headlights.

FIRE
Show 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, 2014-10-10

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

13% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.

FIRE
Show 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, 2003-09-08

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, 2018-12-03

Air bags

9% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-29

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-09

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2002-06-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-10-01 Tire valve
  2. R
    Date not on fileSteering08E027000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08E027000 · Steering
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.