- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Dodge Ram Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 17 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Ram year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 17
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1998 Dodge Ram recalls 17
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact k2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
- The problem
- Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
- The fix
- Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
- The problem
- On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (abs), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the abs control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
- The risk
- This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the abs control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.
- The risk
- This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. Owner notification began july 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th vin position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.
- The risk
- When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri. Corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could cause the mechanism to bind in the "release position."
- The risk
- If the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. Owner notification began september 17, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with optional trailer hitch. The trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material with insufficient strength.
- The risk
- Brackets built without proper material could fatigue and fracture in the area where the trailer hitch mounts to the frame.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the trailer hitches and replace any trailer hitch showing signs of fatigue cracking. If no evidence of cracking exists, the dealer will install two reinforcement brackets.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.
- The risk
- The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: vans and vans used for conversion. If a heavy object impacts the metal casing of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), located under the driver seat, the module could inadvertently deploy the air bags.
- The risk
- Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the aecm with a module that incorporates revised hardware and software on all affected vehicles.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9L - 24 valve diesel engine. An intermittent high engine idle condition can occur due to a malfunction of the vehicle speed sensor.
- The risk
- This creates a signal which is misinterpreted by the engine control software, causing a high idle speed condition.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the engine controller software to correct erroneous speed sensor signals.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. These vehicles may have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. The bolts were used to attach the cab and the core support to the frame.
- The risk
- This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9L - 24 valve diesel engine. The low pressure diesel fuel supply tube located in the engine compartment between the filter and the high pressure pump can fracture.
- The risk
- This condition can allow fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty trucks equipped with either a 8.0L v-10 engine or a 5.9L v-8 heavy duty gasoline engine. An exhaust system heat shield attaching screw is too close to the underbody fuel line. The line can rub against the screw, possibly causing fuel leakage.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove the underbody heat shield attaching screw and replace it with rubber adhesive. The chassis fuel line will be inspected for signs of wear and any tubes indicating wear will be replaced.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front seat belt buckles were not properly riveted to the support strap.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat belt assembly would have reduced strength, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the front outer seat belt buckles with buckles that have been properly riveted.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.
- The risk
- This fracture can result in crack propagation around the wheel mounting bolt circule ultimately resulting in a wheel separation.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and if necessary, replace these rotors.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Dodge Ram: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 942 | 6 | F |
| 2001 | 1,430 | 14 | F |
| 2000 | 659 | 11 | F |
| 1999 | 0 | 13 | F |
| 1998 | 0 | 17 | F |
| 1997 | 0 | 11 | D |
| 1996 | 0 | 14 | F |
| 1995 | 0 | 16 | F |
| 1994 | 0 | 22 | F |
1998 Dodge Ram vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Dodge Ram | 0 | 17 | F | |
| 1998 Ford F-150 | 0 | 18 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 0 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 | 0 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Durango | 976 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 641 | 14 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan | 571 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 557 | 12 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Ram
Does the 1998 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 1998 Dodge Ram: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); headlights (August 2008); exterior lighting (June 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1998 Dodge Ram had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1998 Dodge Ram a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge Ram year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Ram years have the most complaints?
2001 (1,430), 2003 (1,359), 2004 (1,157). See every Dodge Ram year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Dodge Ram has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data