1998 Dodge RAM 3500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 158,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500, 7% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 158,500 miles.
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 vehicle completely stalled and lost power at 70 MPH leaving me with no power steering or power brakes. I was barely able to force the vehicle into the breakdown lane. I brought it to a Dodge dealer where it cost me $3,700. For an ECM computer and injector pump for this diesel engine. Eight months previous I had replaced the lift pump at a cost of over $800. I now understand that the NHTSA has earlier investigated this diesel engine and found no 'safety' problem relating to this failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10138246, filed 2006-01, 153,000 miles“Engine has low power and poor fuel economy. 15.5mpg on the highway with empty truck. While pulling 6000# trailer, 11mpg and limited to 65 MPH speed. Much slower on small incline.”
NHTSA complaint #701347, filed 1998-12“The contact owns a 1998 Dodge 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle would surge between 4,000 and 5,000 rpms while driving less than 50 MPH. The dealer adjusted the computer module. On a separate occasion, the vehicle rapidly surged and behaved as if it were going to stall. The contact found a recall letter and the manufacturer stated that there were no open recalls for his VIN. Nhtsa campaign id number 98v209000 (engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel) was referenced. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10255859, filed 2009-01Related service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191455Sep 7, 2016Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, 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 | 10 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 13 | 8% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM 3500
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSteering
8 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 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