1998 Dodge RAM Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 8%of 483 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Dodge RAM, 8% of the 483 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 2 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“Consumer was having problems with the intake manifold. The intake manifold ruptured which caused the oil to be sucked out of the oil pan, after the repair was made on the gasket, the bearing on the crankshaft failed, prior to the failure the consumer noticed the oil pressure gauge did not register correctly.”
NHTSA complaint #10029572, filed 2003-11, 42,103 miles“The truck when bought,the sticker in the window read that it was rated to run on 87 octain,but when I run this feul,it pings and knocks and a loss of power while climing a hill.the onlly thing it will run on is hightest. This will cause a wreck. The service manager at becks told me that it is an on going problem,that they are tring to fix.”
NHTSA complaint #721490, filed 2000-04“Truck has been nothing but problems replaced many parts for leaks and transmission problems engine light consistently comes on even after repairs. Truck buck when accelerating looses engine power. Would like it fixed I read other complaints and they had the same problem. I put a lot of money into the truck and have not yet been able to fix problem because they cant seem to figure out the cause. Problem has been on going since vehicle was purchased.”
NHTSA complaint #10112203, filed 2005-02“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 2000-04Related recalls
- 98V207000Sep 8, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9l - 24 valve diesel engine. The low pressure diesel fuel supply tube located in the engine…Covers: Dodge RAM 1998
- 98V209000Sep 8, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9l - 24 valve diesel engine. An intermittent high engine idle condition can occur due to a…Covers: Dodge RAM 1998
Related service bulletins
- 10018993Dec 21, 2005Illuminated mil as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have failed a california smog or state I/m test but without an illuminated…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 8% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 8% |
| 2005 | 15 | 38% |
| 2004 | 5 | 9% |
| 2003 | 8 | 15% |
| 2002 | 14 | 12% |
| 2001 | 29 | 9% |
| 2000 | 15 | 10% |
| 1999 | 37 | 10% |
| 1998 | 38 | 8% |
| 1997 | 30 | 8% |
| 1996 | 57 | 9% |
| 1995 | 51 | 8% |
| 1994 | 28 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 7% |
| 1992 | 7 | 12% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM
113 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
80 complaintsAir bags
66 complaintsElectrical system
48 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 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