1998 Dodge RAM Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 113about this part
- Share
- 23%of 483 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 113 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge RAM, 23% of the 483 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,500 miles. 17 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“My husband ordered this truck in late 1997. We purchased it new and have had numerous problems with the vehicle. The biggest problem we have faced is the transmission. Mid-april 1998 the first problems occured with slippage, the transmission cooling lines were replaced, one month later the torque converter went and repairs were made. Now at 51,000 miles and very little driving for the last 2 yrs (since my husband has been sick with cancer) it has blown again. The front seals are leaking profusely. The rear window was leaking so badly at one point the entire ceiling inside was soaded. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070595, filed 2004-01, 50,100 miles“At approx. 7500mi. Problems began with brakes and vibrations. These problems still occur along with severe and dangerous engine stalls at any speed. After contacting diamler chrysler I am shocked to find that hazard for my family and any innocent bystanders. It would just be nice if $42,000 could buy something that runs and stops with out risk of major injury or possible death..”
NHTSA complaint #721112, filed 2000-04“Brake pulling problem, however there is no consistancy as to when, starting at about 20000 miles 10/28/98, I have had it back at least 10 times, dealer has replaced calipers/ pads/steering box, and shims between right front rotor and rim. They now have a 5mm shim and say the next step is a 7.5 per their TSB. I don't like this shim business and the inconsistent braking pattern.”
NHTSA complaint #705870, filed 1999-04“Right front inside brake pad locked against the disc causing continuous wear. I was informed by the service manager that the inside pads do not have squealers as do the outside pads so there was no advance indication of impending failure. Daimler/chrysler has informed me they would have to decline my request for consideration in this matter because the vehicle had just exceeded the time/mileage limitations of the manufacturer's warranty at the time ($357.78) expense was incurred.”
NHTSA complaint #759632, filed 2002-03“As far as I am concerned the truck is a piece of junk, the truck is currently in service for 4 days so far this week for all the above problems(this is the reason I do not have the VIN number), on top of the already accumulated 25-30 days of service. The chrysler corporation has been notified, as well as my state's attorney generals office, oh and by the way I need 4 new tires as well, after only 25,000 miles. No safety defect listed within summary.”
NHTSA complaint #717305, filed 2000-01Related recalls
- 04V185000Apr 12, 2004On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (abs), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the abs control module…Covers: Dodge RAM 1998–2003
- 98V075000Apr 8, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.Covers: Dodge RAM 1998
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 3 | 12% |
| 2007 | 2 | 12% |
| 2005 | 5 | 13% |
| 2004 | 6 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 8% |
| 2002 | 13 | 11% |
| 2001 | 34 | 11% |
| 2000 | 24 | 16% |
| 1999 | 82 | 22% |
| 1998 | 113 | 23% |
| 1997 | 80 | 20% |
| 1996 | 173 | 28% |
| 1995 | 150 | 25% |
| 1994 | 91 | 19% |
| 1993 | 16 | 30% |
| 1992 | 8 | 14% |
| 1991 | 10 | 20% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM
80 complaintsAir bags
66 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