The seatbelt timer module is failing, resulting in the seatbelts staying locked even when fully retracted. This means sometimes I as the driver as well as my front seat passenger cannot buckle up and drive the vehicle safely. I have not reproduced or confirmed this issue with a dealership or independent service center. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance agency. A red seatbelt warning light will appear when the seatbelts lock up and goes away when it unlocks.
The worst 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body102
- Transmission85
- Brakes64
- Airbags63
- Engine36
- Seat belts34
- Suspension34
- Electrical32
- Steering28
- Tires27
- Fuel system21
- Locks17
- Acceleration13
- Visibility13
- Lights6
- Wheels5
- Seats4
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500
No deployment 25Ball joint 14Fire or smoke 13Brake failure 12Seat belt 11Tire blowout 11Transmission failure 10ABS 8Grinding brakes 8Airbag light 7Fuel pump 7Stalling 7Slipping 6Pulling 6Door locks 5Jerking 5
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 17
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- This SKU is a Clock Spring
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines
- Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY
- Service
- Valve Body
1998 Dodge RAM 1500 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 18-20 | 16 |
| 5.2L 8‑cyl | RWD | 12 | 17 | 14 |
| 5.2L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 11-12 | 15-16 | 13-14 |
| 5.9L 8‑cyl | RWD | 11 | 16 | 13 |
| 5.9L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 11 | 15 | 12 |
What 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The drivers side and passanger side seat belts are locked in the seats. There is no fix, you cant drive truck because you can not use the seat belts, they are made into the seats. No one sells part for it. The seat belts will not extend. The seat belts just stopped working, no warning.
I purchased a truck about 6 months ago and I had nothing but problems with it. I had to replaced so many things on it. I was told that the truck only had 72,000 miles on it when I bought it, after driving it for a few months. I encountered problems with it. I ended up running carfax on it and found out the odometer was rolled back two weeks before I purchased it. It had originally 167,000 miles
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated the entire dashboard was cracked. The contact stated an occupant sustained an injury due to the sharp dashboard pieces. The contact called piedmont chrysler dodge jeep ram aev (4015 clemson blvd, anderson, sc 29621, (864) 305-4234) and was informed that the dashboard could be replaced or a cap cover installed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.
To date, nothing has happened, however a recall was issued saying the secondary hood latch must be replaced, as it can fly open. We were unaware of the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that after his wife was parked the vehicle and attempted to shift the gear shifter into park, the gear shifter instead shifted into reverse. The contact's wife exited the vehicle and the vehicle started rolling backwards. The contact used a brick to chock the passenger's side front tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
I was driving down the road at about a bout 50 MPH down the road and started hearing a noise when letting off the throttle and slowed down a lil gave it some gas then let off again next thing I hear is the drive shaft hitting the road and the tires sliding across the road and causing me to slide across the road locally there was no traffic coming towards me I was able to control the slide of the rear tires to a stop on the side of the road. I got out and was looking what happen the pion nut came off the pion gear locking up the rear differential I think this is a safety issue because it could have ended up someone getting hurt and or killing someone in a crash. The truck is very well taking care of and has 108k miles low for its age and there was a recall on this before but on the 05 dodge ram truck's that was made in 04 is what someone told me
You shouldn't be able to pull the gear shifter from park to reverse without your foot being on the break. Plus the emergency break does not work as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. While driving at any speed, the vehicle hesitated, sputtered, and almost stalled. The contact stated that the intake section of the engine had an aluminum plate that became warped with usage. The contact was a mechanic and replaced the gasket several times, but the failure recurred after approximately one year. The dealer (valley dodge, 320 lee jackson hwy, staunton, va 24401, (540) 213-8800) confirmed that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer stated there was no recall and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 202,156. The VIN was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the ABS indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to autonation chrysler dodge jeep ram and fiat at 200 automall dr roseville, ca 95661. And the contact was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed repaired. The failure mileage was 32,000. *tt
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Questions about the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500
Is the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 reliable?
Owners have filed 519 complaints about the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500, fewer than a typical RAM 1500 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500?
Body and structure, with 102 complaints, typically around 97,000 miles. Next is transmission (85).
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Dodge RAM 1500 have the most body problems?
The Dodge RAM 1500 model years with the most body complaints are 2001 (548 complaints), 2002 (278 complaints) and 2000 (248 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 range from 12 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.9L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 18-20 highway.
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