1998 Dodge RAM Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 66about this part
- Share
- 14%of 483 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 66 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Dodge RAM, 14% of the 483 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,400 miles. 48 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Air bag light started illuminating on and off. Eventually it remained illuminated. The consumer later found out that the manufacturer was voluntarily replacing the clock spring on vehicles with mileage less than 70000 miles (recall# 02v293). The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told that the recall was only for vans.”
NHTSA complaint #10056110, filed 2004-01, 60,000 miles“While driving 70 MPH vehicle was involved in a head on collision. Upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy, and passenger sustained lower arm injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10044900, filed 2003-10, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Dodge RAM. The contact stated that the air bag indicator light illuminates and an alarm sounds four times intermittently. Eventually, the air bag light dims. The contact will have the vehicle inspected. There are two air bag recalls (NHTSA campaign id numbers 01v153000 and 99v002000); however, the manufacturer stated that his vehicle was not included in either one. The current mileage was 120,000 and failure mileage was 119,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10208176, filed 2007-11, 119,800 miles“I was involved in a collision with my Dodge RAM pickup. A man turned in front of me and the front of my truck hit the side of his car. No airbags deployed, and I was moving at a good rate of speed (35-40 MPH). I did contact Dodge, but they are sitting on their hands, and are not sending out an investigation team to find out why the airbags didn't deploy. I would like for NHTSA to conduct an investigation of their own. The truck hasn't been worked on, but the insurance company is antsy to get the truck fixed, since I am in a rental vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #714270, filed 1999-11“Chrysler denies liability. It was 2-3 degrees off center impact. Point of interest: chrysler recalled 98 RAM trucks and vans due to faulty air bag sensors. I also find it hard to fathom that many accidents are exactly square when the impact. My truck was only very slightly angled 2-3 degrees at impact and did so much damage the entire frame must be replaced. Icar certified airbag mechanics that saw the truck all said that the airbags should have deployed without doubt. It is very difficult for an owner to take on chrysler and their laywers. …”
NHTSA complaint #703942, filed 1999-03Related recalls
- 01V153000May 8, 2001Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup…Covers: Dodge RAM 1997–2001, Dakota 1997–2000, Durango 1997–2000 +3 more
- 99V002000Jan 7, 1999Vehicle description: vans and vans used for conversion. If a heavy object impacts the metal casing of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), located…Covers: Dodge RAM 1998
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2006 | 3 | 12% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% |
| 2003 | 4 | 8% |
| 2002 | 15 | 13% |
| 2001 | 46 | 14% |
| 2000 | 23 | 16% |
| 1999 | 40 | 11% |
| 1998 | 66 | 14% |
| 1997 | 38 | 10% |
| 1996 | 38 | 6% |
| 1995 | 38 | 6% |
| 1994 | 27 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM
113 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
80 complaintsElectrical system
48 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsTires
18 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge RAM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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