1998 Dodge RAM 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500, 3% of the 520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“98 Dodge RAM 1500 2wd windshield cracked from the dash to the top during when I sprayed water on it in the shade. It was not hot, warm but not hot. Next day the dash cracked from the same spot all the way to the glove compartment. I know of 3 other Dodge 1500's that have the same crack in the windshield and dash. I suspect and engineering failure...a stress point. Only I drive this truck. Nothing has hit the windscreen there. No chips or scratches in the area of the break.”
NHTSA complaint #10175630, filed 2006-12, 97,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard fractured into pieces. The contact also stated that both side view mirrors fractured down the middle when the defrost system was activated. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10441668, filed 2011-12, 160,000 miles“Manufacturer was aware, but did not notify consumers of possibility of bacteria and fungi growth in AC/heating system causing health concerns for the occupents of the vehicle because of fungi and mold spores emitted through the AC system. Over the last few years have had extraoridnary problems with sinus infections caused by mold spores and fungi spores being emitted without my knowledge through the ventilation system of the vehicle. Manufacturer was aware of condition, and had issued technical service bulletins about the problem, but did not notify consumers putting their/my health at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #763790, filed 2002-07“Placement of mirror, width of door post make it impossible to see all traffic comming from right. Mirror could be lowered at least 3 inches. This also caused an exact accident with a '95 ram. Visibilty is very limited by the post coupled with poor mirror placement.”
NHTSA complaint #721793, filed 2000-04“The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision and none of the airbags deployed. This resulted in driver being injured. Please provide any further information. Ph”
NHTSA complaint #10006302, filed 2003-02Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 56 | 8% |
| 2008 | 26 | 5% |
| 2007 | 24 | 5% |
| 2006 | 65 | 8% |
| 2005 | 37 | 3% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 33 | 3% |
| 2002 | 53 | 7% |
| 2001 | 13 | 1% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 1% |
| 1998 | 14 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 3% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
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 29, 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