1998 Dodge RAM 2500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 13%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,105miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500, 13% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,105 miles. 1 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.
“Clutch when depress does not disengage. It is to my believe it is an engineering flaw in the clutch slave cylinder. It happens more fequent when vechile is warm than cold. I have had two clutches replaced, 4 transmissions and 6 slave cylinders replaced and it is now in the repair shop again with 93,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10060118, filed 2004-03, 93,000 miles“I noticed automatic transmission fluid leaking under the truck when returning from a trip. Close inspection revealed that two of the transmission lines had been rubbing together which resulted in a break in one of the lines. Fortunately, I noticed it before the transmission had lost enough fluid to fail. Had I been on a long trip towing a trailer the results of a highway speed transmission failure might have been far more serious, especially on a mountain road. The line should be replaced. This appears to be a design/manufacturing/assembly defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10225525, filed 2008-04, 91,400 miles“While driving on freeway, 5th gear went out as if clutch was pushed in. Could not get 5th gear to work, had to drive to dealership in 4th gear which is challenging to do in a diesal truck. After santa cruz nissan Dodge supposedly replaced the entire manual transmission, driving back home, the 1st gear would not engage.”
NHTSA complaint #10026133, filed 2003-07, 106,000 miles“Consumer pulled up to a stop sign with clutch engaged. The vehicle stopped then lurched forward. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer stated the pilot bearing/clutch failed. The consumer took the vehicle to the shop and had a new clutch kit installed and the vehicle tested ok.”
NHTSA complaint #10045031, filed 2004-09, 61,852 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148822Jun 11, 2018This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 35 | 12% |
| 2011 | 16 | 5% |
| 2010 | 13 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 20 | 6% |
| 2007 | 17 | 5% |
| 2006 | 37 | 6% |
| 2005 | 63 | 15% |
| 2004 | 110 | 19% |
| 2003 | 55 | 8% |
| 2002 | 19 | 12% |
| 2001 | 28 | 6% |
| 2000 | 15 | 7% |
| 1999 | 35 | 11% |
| 1998 | 29 | 13% |
| 1997 | 32 | 15% |
| 1996 | 44 | 15% |
| 1995 | 39 | 15% |
| 1994 | 24 | 14% |
| 1993 | 6 | 15% |
| 1992 | 3 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500
44 complaintsSteering
24 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 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