1998 Dodge RAM VAN

○ Not enough data
1998 Dodge RAM VAN
RENDERED 2026-11-01T18:19:53.619Z

Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
22

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 1 complaint 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1994: 6 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1996: 18 complaints 1996 1997: 16 complaints 1998: 22 complaints 1998 22 1999: 47 complaints 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 33 complaints 2002: 14 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints
1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 6 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 18 complaints 1996 1997: 16 complaints 1997 1998: 22 complaints 1998 22 1999: 47 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 33 complaints 2001 2002: 14 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2003
1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 6 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 18 complaints 1996 1997: 16 complaints 1997 1998: 22 complaints 1998 22 1999: 47 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 33 complaints 2001 2002: 14 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2003

1998: 22 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19891
19911
19922
19933
19946
199514
199618
199716
199822
199947
200029
200133
200214
200316

Known problem areas

Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

7 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The verizon communications vehicle had an underhood fire which originated in the ABS module area. The ABS module and wiring connector were burned along with the truck battery and other underhood components.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-12

The verizon vehicle had an underhood fire while being driven. The fire originated in the ABS module area. The ABS module and wiring connector, truck battery, and various underhodd components were burnt.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-12

While at a Dodge dealer for instrument cluster repair the verizon vehicle had an underhood fire which originated in the ABS module area. The ABS module and wiring connector, truck battery and other underhood components were burnt.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-12

Service brakes

7 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

FIREINJURY

Suspension

5 of 22 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing wheel bearing and upper ball joint.

Show complaint excerpts

Some Dodge RAM vans have a latent defect in the frame that is very dangerous. As far as I can tell, there is no recall even though the internet is littered with complaints, incidents and accidents due to failure of the frame in one spot.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-20

Also filed under Steering and structure

Steering

3 of 22 total reports mention: steering.

Tires

2 of 22 total reports mention: tires.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1998-05-30Seats98V076000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with power seat option. The driver's side front seat attaching riser welds were not correct.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side power front seat rise with a riser that was mig welded.

  2. I
    2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Dodge RAM VAN — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V076000 · Seats

FAQ

Is the 1998 Dodge RAM VAN reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge RAM VAN?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge RAM VAN 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.