1998 Dodge RAM 1500 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 7%of 520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the seat belts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500, 7% of the 520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles. 5 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.
“1998 Dodge RAM 1500 4wd - driver and front passenger seatbelts do not work. This vehicle has never been wrecked, they just quit working one day. We called the local dealership and they said we could replace each seatbelt for $198.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10278585, filed 2009-07, 115,000 miles“The driver seat belt became unbuckled various times. I have replace the buckle side of it on my own. Also the rear end is making noise right after warranty expired, now I'm supposed to replace it onmy own.”
NHTSA complaint #10261919, filed 2009-03, 39,898 miles“Seat belt failure in 1998 Dodge ram--only 13000 miles, never in an accident. I got in vehicle one day, and seat belt was locked in retracted position--can not free. Curiously enough, passenger seatbelt would also not unreel for anyone else to use. Simultaneous failure of both seatbelts? I have never owned a vehicle where even on has done more that be a little slow on the uptake, but for both to fail overnight leads me to believe there may be a design flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #10100565, filed 2004-11, 12,922 miles“Due to the seat belts assembly coming apart our baby seat became loose causing seat with infant to lung forward upon braking. Tried several times to get assistance through the chrysler 1-800 # for complaints and issues. As a matter of fact, I was treated with a complete lack of concern for such a critical. Attempted to take care of it through a local dealership who upon calling the 1-800# for chrysler service to see that it would be covered being a seat belt failure, were refused. At this point, I junk yard whole seat belts and replace them every time they fall apart which is very often. …”
NHTSA complaint #10178943, filed 2007-01, 35,000 miles“98 Dodge RAM 1500 pick-up. Seat belt failure leading to the release of infant car seat. Called chrysler customer service on more than one occasion only to be treated like a child and told there was nothing they could do. While driving my pick up and stopping at a traffic light, my sons infant seat came loose and lunged forward. He was about1 year old at the time and as a result, hit his head on the back of the passenger seat. The seat belts are designed in a manner that there is a little peice of plastic that retains the belt portion, in turn, this is what retains the infant seat. …”
NHTSA complaint #10105865, filed 2005-01, 98,000 milesSeat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 0% |
| 2010 | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 1% |
| 2007 | 16 | 3% |
| 2006 | 22 | 3% |
| 2005 | 4 | 0% |
| 2004 | 10 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 24 | 4% |
| 1998 | 34 | 7% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
85 complaintsBrakes
64 complaintsAir bags
63 complaintsEngine cooling
35 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