1998 Dodge RAM 1500 Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 3%of 520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500, 3% of the 520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,400 miles. 1 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.
“On 1 dec 2001 I left watertown, ny to drive to syracuse, ny via I-81 south. Just after the central square entrance ramp my hood blew open at 65mph. This nearly caused me to crash but I managed to finally get the truck pulled over without a crash. I am a handicapped member of the us army so I called my wife to help me get the hood down and strap it down with a ratchet strap and bungie cords. The hood, grill, hinges and hood liner are all damaged beyond repair. Upon returning home I searched the internet and found a safety recall #973 for the secondary hood latch failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10210731, filed 2007-12, 124,170 miles“1998 Dodge RAM 1500 4 wd short bed standard cab hood latch failed. While driving (after a couple miles) the hood began to shake up and down. I pulled over and slammed the hood closed. Completed my trip (30 miles round trip). 2 weeks later I was driving to work. After 1/2 mile the hood began to shake up and down. I began to slow but it was too late (40 MPH), the hood flew open and slammed against the windshield. Since I was only 1 mile from my house I stood on top of the engine compartment and pulled the hood back down with my 200 pound frame and inched back to home where it sits. …”
NHTSA complaint #10181897, filed 2007-02, 55,440 miles“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“98 Dodge hi top conversion van; the electric door locks' release mechanism has broken for the fourth time. This time the middle side passenger door lock broke. When the door locks' brake, they are jammed locked, and we can not open the door at all. We contacted the Dodge dealer and they said that if they unjam the door, the door would then stay open! We have to wait till next week to get it fixed because they have to order the part. This will end up costing us over $200/00 - again. I am amazed at your question number of fatalities . …”
NHTSA complaint #10038760, filed 2003-09, 18,000 miles“Tailgate cable failure. Driver's side tailgate cable on my 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4 broke into two pieces. The cable underneath the protective plastic sleeve rusted through at the flex point. This truck is not abused and is an occasional use vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10279794, filed 2009-08, 114,863 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 11 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 26 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% |
| 1998 | 17 | 3% |
| 1997 | 10 | 3% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
85 complaintsBrakes
64 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 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