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. The ABS computer went wacky on us early on also. The seatbelt has been twisted since we purchased the vehicle and we have not successfully fixed it. The extended warranty we purchased has gone out of business. I will not likely buy another dodge ever again. Mercedes takes the cake.
1998 Dodge Ram: ABS light or ABS activating
11 of the 482 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 2
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
Abs light stays illuminated when driving. Dealer has replaced clockspring. Please provide additional information.
Consumers vehicle ran into a trailer on his property and ABS was defective, also brake drums were rusted, dealership was aware of problem. *ak consumer stated that headache bar and fuel tank, tires, fuel filter, steering stabilizer, front shocks, rear shocks, air filter, rear axle seal and fluid, rear transfer case seal and u-joints in rear drive shaft failed and replaced.
When applying brakes downhill and going over a bump on pavement ABS system releases. Will not grab again until vehicle is on level ground. Taken to dealer 3 times, said vehicle operated as it should, and ABS system was fine.*ak disconnecting speed sensor, eliminates the problem, but it is potentially dangerous.
Vehicle was set on cruise control going 70 MPH. Vehicle slowed down, and ABS lights/ air bag light/ speedometer went to zero/ gas gauge went to empty, and tank was full. Consumer took it into dealer,and clockspring needed to be replaced. Dealer has not stated if it will be covered.
The anti-lock brake system is not working properly. Front brakes have pads, and the back brakes have ABS brakes. When consumer applies brakes the front of the car will skid, and vehicle wiil not stop. He has taken vehicle back to the dealer .they told him brakes were working just fine. *ak the vehicle can not make a quick stop, even on loose gravel. The consumer had an accident as the result of brake failure.
When applying the brakes the truck pulled/skidded, and made a loud sound. This happened when applying the brakes under a panic stop. The truck would not stop in the amount of time that it should stop. Truck has been serviced 5 times for brake problems. On aug 20, 1999, had a rear end crash. Dealer was not able to duplicate the problem with the ABS.
My 1998 dodge ram equipped with an automatic transmission shifts into neutral when hitting hard bumps in the road. Chrysler district manager says all dodge rams do this and I ought to drive a little slower. The ABS brakes have also fairled on a steep decline. The noise from the front end was horrendous and the wheels continued to roll with no effort to stop. Also the front end of this truck cannot be aligned. Dodge has attempted to correct the problem by installing aftermarket ball joints, however problem still exists and I have gone thru 3 sets of tires. If all ram trucks shift into neutral then all should be off the road as mine is. I have received several calls from other owners having the same problem.
Abnormality/defect within ABS is causing a longer stopping distance ,takes about 20-30 feet before vehicle will stop, which could result in an accident.
Rear ABS lock up.
The vehicle has only ABS on the rear brakes,when the brakes are applied the vehicle skids. As a result, 2 collisions have occurred. Dealer says there is no problem.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Brief information on the use of asbestos fiber brake linings
- Information regarding accelerated brake lining wear, front versus rear
- Vehicles listed on this bulletin are eqipped with rear height sensing proportioning valve that adjust...
- Condition with park brake release handle does not fully return to rest position
- Concerns with park brake release handle does not fully return to rest position
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 04V185000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.
- Risk
- This fracture can result in crack propagation around the wheel mounting bolt circule ultimately resulting in a wheel separation.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and if necessary, replace these rotors.
Recall number 98V075000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Ram abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
11 of 482 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram (2%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
There are 2 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Dodge Ram
No deployment 36Pulling 25Brake failure 15Headlights 10Airbag light 9Premature wear 8Stalling 8Transmission failure 7Adaptive cruise 6Grinding brakes 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Check engine light 5Engine failure 5Loss of power 5Slipping 5Tire blowout 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Dodge Ram?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history