1998 Dodge RAM 3500 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 9%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500, 9% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles. 6 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.
“On may 10th, 2004, I was driving my 1998 Dodge 3500 and traveling south on hwy 116 approximately 5 miles from copperas cove when I left the road due to a medical condition. The final spot of the truck was about 50 feet off the roadway in a stand of medium size trees. There was direct frontal impact however the drivers air bag did not deploy. I have stitches, multiple lacerations, bruises, black eyes on my face. I am in a cervical collar and have reoccuring and continuous headaches and dizziness. I was taken to the emergency room and later released.”
NHTSA complaint #10072683, filed 2004-05, 93,000 miles“Consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle in front at an impact of 30-40 MPH, and neither frontal air bag deployed. Consumer reported no injuries. Dealer was notified. The consumer stated that damage to vehicle $9607.80 using recycled parts. Chrysler notified the dealer stating parameters for airbag deployment were not met. The consumer stated the the vehicle has been repaired but does not know if the air bags work or not.”
NHTSA complaint #10101656, filed 2005-01, 84,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Dodge RAM 3500. While the contact was driving approximately 55 MPH, a chime sounded inside the vehicle and the air bag warning indicator began to illuminate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The failure was related to the clockspring. The part was ordered and the vehicle would be repaired when the part became available. The failure mileage was 92,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10365077, filed 2010-11, 92,000 miles“Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision with a tree at 50 MPH and neither air bag deployed. Dealer and manufactuerer were notified. Consumer stated that before hitting tree head on, truck hit pickup at 70 MPH and air bags also failed to deployed. There were 2 injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #8012709, filed 2002-06“While driving on highway approaching an intersection, another vehicle failed to yield the right of way while coming off a side road, came across the road, and consumer hit the other vehicle on driver's side left quarter. Upon impact, neither airbag deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #861202, filed 2000-05Related service bulletins
- 10176211Mar 23, 2020This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 15 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 11% |
| 2008 | 18 | 10% |
| 2007 | 36 | 17% |
| 2006 | 33 | 13% |
| 2005 | 33 | 17% |
| 2004 | 43 | 20% |
| 2003 | 80 | 28% |
| 2002 | 4 | 9% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 9 | 9% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500
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