1998 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 7%of 520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500, 7% of the 520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had my van since 98 got it new the dealership had my van more then I have, they fixed only a few problems I have had other problems they couldn't find. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098662, filed 2004-11, 10 miles“I was driving my 1998 Dodge ram 4x4 extended cab 1500slt 318 motor on the freeway doing 70-75 MPH when I lost all power. I had no power steering or power brakes and was stuck in the fast lane on the interstate. I was finally able to get to the shoulder by cutting off another vehicle. I had my truck towed to lithia Dodge of roseburg and they said the intake manifold gasket was leaking . They also said this was a common problem with this model. It caused oil to blow down my exhaust and plug my catalytic converter which choked off my motor and caused the engine to die. …”
NHTSA complaint #10074469, filed 2004-05, 46,700 miles“This vehicle has had an ongoing ignition problem. It finally became noticeable in front of my mechanic. After much diagnosis it was found that the #5 cylinder of the engine had zero compression. A pressure test was performed, and found that no pressure could be held in the cylinder because it was going directly out the exhaust valve. Engine was disassembled and the cylinder head was found to have cracks between the intake and exhaust valves on 3 out of 4 cylinders, with number 5 being the worst. …”
NHTSA complaint #10135137, filed 2005-09, 120,000 miles“1998 Dodge RAM 1500. Is there a recall? Radiator is overheating. Call after noon. The contact is experiencing the over heating and the top of the radiator is hot; however, its cold on the bottom of the radiator. I have advised him of the one recall that exist for the engine. The current mileage is 79,000. The vehicle was diagnosed and the mechanic stated that the radiator must be replaced; however, the vehicle can be driven short distances. While driving 65mph. 210 to 220 degrees and the vehicle overheats and smoke was present under the hood. The vehicle does not shut off. If it cools off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10196982, filed 2007-07, 79,000 miles“Automatic transmission slips at cruising speed. My truck, my nephews truck and four others I am aware of in little rock arkansas are all having the same problem. When engine is not pulling or accelerating the transmission slips causing the RPM to rise around 4 hundred to 800 RPM. My nephew stated that there was a recall on this problem some time back. I only purchased this truck a year ago and was unaware of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10208149, filed 2007-11Related service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191455Sep 7, 2016Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% |
| 2005 | 77 | 7% |
| 2004 | 116 | 11% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 7% |
| 2001 | 51 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 6% |
| 1998 | 35 | 7% |
| 1997 | 20 | 6% |
| 1996 | 32 | 11% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
85 complaintsBrakes
64 complaintsAir bags
63 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 27, 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