1998 Dodge RAM Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 17%of 483 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,699miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Dodge RAM, 17% of the 483 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,699 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is 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“The bolt that holds fifth gear in place dislodged and the gear came off the shaft. Vehicle was still drivable in the other four gears but fifth gear was inoperable. Manufacturer and the dealer have been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10040469, filed 2003-09, 56,000 miles“The rpms increased, and the gears popped on the vehicle on their own. Took vehicle to repair shop for check up, and results showed that a new transmission needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10117327, filed 2005-04, 85,000 miles“The transmission failed at roughly 64,000 miles and I had it repaired at a Dodge dealership. In september of 2003, the transmission failed again at 108,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10068738, filed 2004-01, 63,898 miles“Transmission was in neutral, parking brake was set. Vehicle was stationary for approx. 1 min. While I removed my things from the interior. As I was walking away from the vehicle (about 30-40 ft) I heard the brake pop turned around and the vehicle slowly started to roll backwards until it hit a pole. This happened in a private parking lot and was reported to corp. Security, but no police report.”
NHTSA complaint #764139, filed 2002-07Related recalls
- 99V115000May 6, 1999Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle…Covers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 26% |
| 2009 | 2 | 22% |
| 2008 | 4 | 16% |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% |
| 2005 | 11 | 28% |
| 2004 | 8 | 14% |
| 2003 | 6 | 11% |
| 2002 | 17 | 15% |
| 2001 | 50 | 16% |
| 2000 | 21 | 14% |
| 1999 | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 | 80 | 17% |
| 1997 | 71 | 18% |
| 1996 | 135 | 22% |
| 1995 | 91 | 15% |
| 1994 | 68 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 17% |
| 1992 | 8 | 14% |
| 1991 | 6 | 12% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 3 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 14% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge RAM
113 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 29, 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