1998 Dodge RAM 2500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 6%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500, 6% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 miles. 2 a fire, 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.
“My 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 truck's engine, with just over 56,000 miles on it, exploded internally. My mechanic, colonial auto repair of danbury ct. Stated the bolts on the intake manifold loosened and allowed air and foreign substances to leak past a gasket into the cylindars. The result was my engine piston literally exploded in the cylindar, which resulted in my having to purchase a new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10088607, filed 2004-08, 56,500 miles“I drove the truck as normal and the block developed a crack in the right side the failure is the water jacket of the block that keeps the cooling fluid inside the engine. This means I am not able to drive the truck without filling the cooling fluid every 300 miles. This is a 53 block many people have had problems with these!!!!! I contacted Dodge and the say there is nothing they can do. I will need a new block/engine...$6500 for a new one..$3500 for used.”
NHTSA complaint #10109820, filed 2005-02, 132,000 miles“The engine caught fire on a 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 truck. There was no warning before it happened. This happened one block from our home. The truck just died and a lot of smoke was released from the front end of the car. A few moments later fire erupted and there is extensive damage to the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10146517, filed 2005-12, 60,000 miles“1998 Dodge truck ate the injector pump when the fuel pump failed. This can cause sudden loss of power, brakes and steering if it happens at high speeds or when carrying large loads as I do when on the job.”
NHTSA complaint #10042921, filed 2003-10, 131,000 miles“The contact stated while driving 70mph, a smoke smell was noticed in the cab of the vehicle although no flames were visible. The contact pulled the vehicle over and removed the motor to the electric seat which melted. There is a NHTSA recalls, # 04v185000, 98v207000, regarding the ABS module and the fuel supply tube. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10152372, filed 2006-03, 160,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191455Sep 7, 2016Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, 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 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 11 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 23 | 7% |
| 2007 | 20 | 6% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 13 | 3% |
| 2004 | 24 | 4% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 26 | 6% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 24 | 8% |
| 1998 | 13 | 6% |
| 1997 | 15 | 7% |
| 1996 | 14 | 5% |
| 1995 | 12 | 4% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsTires
22 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500
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