1998 Dodge RAM 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 64about this part
- Share
- 12%of 520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 132,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 64 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500, 12% of the 520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 132,500 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“To whom it may concern, these rubber brake lines almost killed me barreling thru a downhill red light. Fixed bad part,then hit guard rail,damaged front grille,bumper and fender when the other line popped while driving. I was told this is a notorious problem with Dodge trucks. I'm not as angry about the filler neck which rotted and filed tank w rust chunks,replaced fuel pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #10725151, filed 2015-06, 120,000 miles“Problems with wear of brake shoes. Since I purchased my Dodge RAM 1500 in june 1998 I have had constant problems with my front brakes. I am having to replace them at least 3 times a year. I understand that normal wear and tear on this part but having to replace them this much in one year. I do not ride my brakes like I have been told I do. Even riding my brakes I still do not think replacing them this much is necessary.”
NHTSA complaint #10132753, filed 2005-08, 55 miles“We have not had a crash, but my Dodge ram has been in our garage since april we are afraid to drive it, the ABS breaks are on and the transmission is going out also smells like fire crackers at times.”
NHTSA complaint #10093807, filed 2004-10, 108,650 miles“Driving apporoximately 35 MPH was going to make left turn went to slow down to make the turn and the brakes were very soft and I missed the turn. Got home and looked under the truck to see a large amount of brake fluid leaking out from around the hard brake lines on the frame by drivers rear tire. The lines were very corroded.”
NHTSA complaint #10743452, filed 2015-07, 150,000 miles“Driving truck to an intersection went slow down brake pedal went to floor and I proceeded into intersection and was hit on driver side of truck and came to rest against large steel fence post.”
NHTSA complaint #10488892, filed 2012-12, 117,370 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 51 | 7% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 16 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 5% |
| 2008 | 27 | 5% |
| 2007 | 21 | 4% |
| 2006 | 39 | 5% |
| 2005 | 40 | 3% |
| 2004 | 53 | 5% |
| 2003 | 73 | 6% |
| 2002 | 36 | 4% |
| 2001 | 59 | 5% |
| 2000 | 31 | 6% |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% |
| 1998 | 64 | 12% |
| 1997 | 53 | 15% |
| 1996 | 46 | 15% |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% |
| 1994 | 11 | 9% |
| 1993 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
85 complaintsAir bags
63 complaintsEngine cooling
35 complaintsSeat belts
34 complaintsSuspension
34 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsTires
27 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology