While driving vehicle stalled. Driver was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to dealer. Mechanic determined that transmission and engine needed to be replaced due to wear and tear.
1998 Dodge Ram engine problems
38 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 45,000.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 45,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Engine: gasoline19
- Engine9
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
- Exhaust system1
- Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1
- Cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
- Cooling system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Dodge Ram engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Dodge Ram engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 8Overheating 6Check engine light 5Engine failure 5Loss of power 5
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This condition can allow fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube.
Recall number 98V207000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This creates a signal which is misinterpreted by the engine control software, causing a high idle speed condition.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine controller software to correct erroneous speed sensor signals.
Recall number 98V209000 · Recall details
What 1998 Dodge Ram owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Truck has been nothing but problems replaced many parts for leaks and transmission problems engine light consistently comes on even after repairs. Truck buck when accelerating looses engine power. Would like it fixed I read other complaints and they had the same problem. I put a lot of money into the truck and have not yet been able to fix problem because they cant seem to figure out the cause. Problem has been on going since vehicle was purchased.
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.
Right exhaust manafold bolts stripped, causing exhaust leak and inside of catletic converter loose and causing extream rattle, worse at idle in gear.
While travel at any speed vehicle stalled and lost power.
Consumer was having problems with the intake manifold.*ak the intake manifold ruptured which caused the oil to be sucked out of the oil pan, after the repair was made on the gasket, the bearing on the crankshaft failed, prior to the failure the consumer noticed the oil pressure gauge did not register correctly. *jb
The vehicle stalled due to a coolant leak. The dealer was notified.
Consumer states while driving at highway speed the engine will shut down causing lost of power steering. Please provide any additional information. Ph
Oil pump failure, engine destroyed. Dt
I have an ongoing problem with preignition (spark knock) in my 1998 dodge ram 1500 with the 318 cid/5.2l motor. .at 24,896 miles, my dealer re-programmed the PCM and re-routed the spark wires. The spark knock continued. At 35,067 miles, the dealer adjusted the timing; I didn't think this could be done. The spark knock continued. At 43,281 miles, the dealer replaced the intake plenium gasket. The spark knock continued. At 45,093, the dealer replaced both engine heads. The spark knock continued. At 57,452 miles, I installed a colder thermostat and this helped somewhat, but the spark knock returned. And, today at 74,834 miles I installed a set of truck spark plugs to see if that will help. The bottom line is that this truck has an inherint defective design in the engine which is being prematurely worn out due to spark knock. I would like the federal safety agency to investigate, and help me in securing a replacement for my problem plagued lemon. Thank you!
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Ram engine
Does the 1998 Dodge Ram have engine problems?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Dodge Ram, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Ram engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 45,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 1998 Dodge Ram engine?
Yes, 2 recalls: 98V207000, 98V209000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
Other 1998 Dodge Ram problems
Brakes 113Transmission 80Airbags 66Electrical 48Suspension 31Steering 28Acceleration 25Fuel system 24Body 18Tires 18Seat belts 15Visibility 15Lights 14Wheels 13Locks 4Seats 4
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