1998 Dodge RAM 2500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 11%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500, 11% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,500 miles. 2 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.
“The passenger side lower rear arm support bracket weld are cracking twisting tearing from main frame rail. The frame weld is tearing horizontally and across same rates. The crack are next to welds an some location tearing circling rotating. The vehicle never operated off-road and mileage is 171,550 miles. The crack are 65% and vehicle unfit to be operated safety. I was very fortunate I didn't have a accident. The vehicle would have row over on I left side without no warning . …”
NHTSA complaint #10905579, filed 2016-09, 171,550 miles“On my 1998 Dodge 2500 4x4 truck the main steering shaft sheared off the steering box above the pitman arm without notice. I am glad I was parking and not going down the freeway.”
NHTSA complaint #10178470, filed 2007-01, 116,000 miles“I have recently exerienced what I would describe as a wandering front end on my '98 ram. I had a local dealer look at the problem. They spent 0.60 hrs diagnosing a slightly worn lower column shaft . They were quick to point out that this may not fix the problem and that perhaps I should continue driving the vehicle in hope that the symptoms would become more evident. I declined any repair. I later went on-line and was surprised to find a technical service bulletin on the subject. (TSB 19-10-97 - steering wander ) in addition, I found an entire web site dedicated to this phenomena. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000489, filed 2003-01, 35,000 miles“While turning left at any speed have a serious shudder. Truck has new wheel bearings tie rod ends rotors and calipers done at Dodge dealership. The shudder is heard and felt in floor board nothing in brake pedal or steering wheel. Shudder is less audible when put into neutral and coasting while turning left.”
NHTSA complaint #10465674, filed 2012-07, 146,000 miles“Event: pulled up in front of barn to get a load of hay. Moved gear selector lever to reverse to back up to building, but when accelerator was pressed, vehicle moved forward. Failure: internal parts in steering column had become disconnected from each other, the result being that movement of the gear selector lever did not affect the lever at the end of the steering column that is connected to the transmission control rod. The only way that the vehicle could be placed in park, started, or put into a gear position was to raise the hood and move the transmission control rod by hand. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379242, filed 2011-01, 164,385 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 109 | 39% |
| 2011 | 210 | 70% |
| 2010 | 152 | 64% |
| 2009 | 155 | 72% |
| 2008 | 175 | 55% |
| 2007 | 199 | 55% |
| 2006 | 231 | 34% |
| 2005 | 153 | 36% |
| 2004 | 140 | 24% |
| 2003 | 159 | 24% |
| 2002 | 20 | 13% |
| 2001 | 69 | 15% |
| 2000 | 38 | 18% |
| 1999 | 36 | 12% |
| 1998 | 24 | 11% |
| 1997 | 10 | 5% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 14 | 5% |
| 1994 | 15 | 9% |
| 1993 | 6 | 15% |
| 1992 | 5 | 16% |
| 1991 | 3 | 19% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsTires
22 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsEngine cooling
13 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 28, 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