1998 Dodge RAM 1500: complete transmission failure

Filed Dec 23, 2008 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · AR

1998 dodge ram 1500 truck transmission failure twice in three years. Have seen numerous complaints over various internet sites with same problems. First transmission failed, then all the sensors failed on transmission, and now torque converter.

Filed Aug 11, 2004 · Transmission · 91,987 miles · NY

While returning home from seeing my first grandchild, south of hershey pa my transmission died at approx. 50,000 miles. I had to have the vehicle towed from the interstate and the transmission rebuilt. They told me there were a lot of metal shavings in the transmission which clogged up the works. This cost me almost $3,000.00 plus the cost of being stranded out of town for 5 days. I now have 92,000 miles on the truck and have to have the transmission rebuilt again. I do not know the cost to do this yet. Plus I have the cost of obtaining alternate transportation to get to work for about 14 days until I get the work completed. The first repair work was done by aamco and the warranty on their work was for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever came first. I had aamco do a diagnostic on the vehicle and they told me the transmission was "toast".

Filed Apr 5, 2003 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · ND

I own a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The transmission went out on me and the pickup only had 61000 miles on it. There was actually fire inside the transmission, you could tell when the mechanic dropped the pan, there was nothing left every thing was fried. That could of started the whole pickup on fire and I could of been killed or badly hurt. I have talked to some other guys and they owned 1998 rams and the same thing happened. Now this is a big safety thing and there was not a recall on the faulty transmission. I contacted chrysler to see if they would pay for a new transmission and they said no, they wouldn't even help me out. This could of been a big law suit if I would of gotten hurt.

Filed Mar 21, 2003 · Body, Brakes · GA · crash

From the day I saw that 96 dodge truck rolling down the street I fell in love. I saved every way possible to purchase the big bad 1500 4x4 5.9(98)with every option avail. Had everything and from week 1 had problems. Front windshield cracked while driving "due to frame stress" it about 2 weeks into it. Brake failure cause serious assault on guard rail, and dodge said I must have been driving to fast (@ 30 MPH). They refused any warranty because "nothing can touch the wheel" and since the incident occurred after 93 days lemon laws did not apply so after (2) $900 brake jobs two weeks apart everything was fine. Not to mention damage to body I paid for out of pocket. Now I just go through an entire set of brakes every 6 months. But I stop until then.. I replaced the transmission at 38 k miles, note the warranty on that is 36 k miles. I have had steering linkage become so loose instantaneously (or 3 separate occasions) that it felt like I was running over my own axle, which is another $1000 each time. For the past three emissions inspections the on board computer fails so I have to take it to the dealer while they charge $200 to fix it, but will not give straight answer to what is problem. And to night as I type, I spread the grime of engine crud across my keyboard as I try to figure out why the fuel filter suddenly stopped. Amazingly I have had this truck for 5 years because it has kept me too broke to buy something else. Any "legal" suggestions on what can be done would be appreciated. I recognize I have spent more than $15,000 trying to keep this thing running right, and that is too much for a "late model" truck. I would love to blame a dealer but I have been to just about all of them around here and with the smiles on there faces I hear "that will be another $950 sir".. Good grief.

Filed Mar 5, 2003 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · CA

Transmission failed at aprox 80,000 mile. Lost all gears execpt for 4th. Could have resulted in a major accident had it failed on the freeway which we had just exited. Also the clutch has been replaced three times since the truck was new. One at 37000, 56,000 and 81,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2003 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · GA

At 71,000 miles transmission failed for the second time. First time was at 34,000. $3200 to repace with rebuilt unit. Also, the rear differential needs rebuilding for another $1600.

Filed May 11, 2001 · Transmission · WI

Transmission failed in overdrive which caused failure to the rest of the transmission which required the transmission to be rebuilt.

Filed Jun 13, 2000 · Brakes, Fuel system · FL

While driving consumer shifted indicator and it failed to work properly. Could not locate what gear transmission was in. Pops out of gear intermittently when gas pedal pressed. Also, whenever applying brakes, vehicle would constantly increase in speed. Took to dealership & each time test driven, but nothing could be found. Transmission was replaced 3 times for faulty gear shifting. In addition, fuel tank assembly was replaced due to problem with transmission. Ongoing problems. *ak

Filed May 29, 1999 · Transmission · CA

A visiting relative from the east coast mentioned that the dodge pickup was not held in high esteem due to the transmissions not holding up under snow plowing work. This didn't cause me alarm since my truck is used for passenger use only. Exactly 10 days later my transmission went out. The dealer "reconditioned" it and it lasted less than 1000 miles before failing again. To be continued.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Automatic transmission failed. Mjs