1998 Dodge RAM 1500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 102about this part
- Share
- 20%of 520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 102 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500, 20% of the 520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a truck about 6 months ago and I had nothing but problems with it. I had to replaced so many things on it. I was told that the truck only had 72,000 miles on it when I bought it, after driving it for a few months. I encountered problems with it. I ended up running carfax on it and found out the odometer was rolled back two weeks before I purchased it. It had originally 167,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11404603, filed 2021-03, 82,000 miles“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“He dash started cracking not that long after we got the truck. It was not even paid off when it started coming apart was used. We eventually put a mat dash cover on it to keep the parts from flying around. It has virtually dissolved since then. Very poor material was used on these.”
NHTSA complaint #10694954, filed 2015-03, 39,000 miles“I own a 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 extended cab. I bought the vehicle new. For several years the dash has been cracking and the plastic air conditioning vents are falling apart. I have made no repairs and it needs fixing. Also the rear end is roaring probably from a bearing going bad. Other than this problem, it has been a good truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10421089, filed 2011-08, 130,000 miles“I have a 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 with a cracked dash and researched other years with the same problem . I have call Dodge like a lot of others have with no results . My concern is with the windows down I have had a peace of the dash fly in to face while driving . And I think it is a safety issue. Now I cant roll down the windows with out fear of been hit in the face again ......”
NHTSA complaint #10313977, filed 2010-02, 89,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 3% |
| 2010 | 26 | 5% |
| 2009 | 41 | 6% |
| 2008 | 11 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% |
| 2006 | 17 | 2% |
| 2005 | 24 | 2% |
| 2004 | 50 | 5% |
| 2003 | 237 | 20% |
| 2002 | 278 | 34% |
| 2001 | 548 | 49% |
| 2000 | 248 | 48% |
| 1999 | 240 | 39% |
| 1998 | 102 | 20% |
| 1997 | 70 | 19% |
| 1996 | 35 | 12% |
| 1995 | 36 | 17% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500
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 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