1998 Dodge RAM 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 19%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,700miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500, 19% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,700 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The service brakes fail completely often. I believe that it's in the antilock system however when I take it for evaluation & repair the problem cannot be duplicated. This has caused numerous near collisions and I haven't found a way to repair it yet. The dealer says they cannot replace suspected parts issues without a recall being issued. The 1st failure occurred at about 19,000 miles and has happened approximately 14 times between then and 102,000 miles now.”
NHTSA complaint #10258611, filed 2009-02, 19,000 miles“On three different occasions the retaining nut for fifth-gear has failed. Dealer offered repair kit... Contained new main shaft for tranny. Cost was $3600.00, chrysler refuses to acknowledge defect in manufacturing of thread tapering. There is also no power brakes. Abs seems to not be working, relies on pressure from oil to brake. If pressed continuously, will go all the way to the floor. Wiring harness burned up after dealer work, frank shoupe of georgetown kentucky refused to repair their mistake. Said it was my fault, then refused to keep speaking with me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10249797, filed 2008-11, 150,000 miles“1998-2001 b-van (Dodge full size) bs control module is protected with a 40 amp fuse. A 10 ga. Wire comes out of the control module then the wire y 's out to two 14 ga. Wires. It appears as though the ABS pump or relay sticks on these vehicles. Then one of the 14 ga. Wires over heats and starts the wiring harness on fire. The 40 amp fuse does not blow. The fire continues until the entire van is fully enguled in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #10037427, filed 2003-09, 46,565 miles“While turning left at 10 MPH the brakes failed,causing consumer's vehicle to rear end another vehicle. The vehicle was towed the second time. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10111583, filed 2005-02, 56,000 miles“Electric brakes on both axles of the fifth wheel, hydraulic brakes on my truck w/ ABS on the rear duels--no ABS on the front wheels--applied the brakes failed to slow down--manually applied the electric brakes--control head of the electric trailer brakes malfunction, no electric trailer brakes--the increased pressure on the foot brake locked up the front wheel leaving me skidding on the front tires w/ loss of control over steering--when the front wheels locked the rear duel ABS failed to function and I skidded into the car in front at around two to three MPH”
NHTSA complaint #566347, filed 2002-10Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 14 | 4% |
| 2011 | 11 | 5% |
| 2010 | 9 | 6% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 13 | 5% |
| 2005 | 9 | 5% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 4 | 9% |
| 2001 | 13 | 10% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 15 | 14% |
| 1998 | 20 | 19% |
| 1997 | 17 | 14% |
| 1996 | 38 | 31% |
| 1995 | 28 | 26% |
| 1994 | 18 | 26% |
| 1993 | 5 | 25% |
| 1992 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsAir bags
9 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