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 transmission problems
80 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 63,898. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 80
- of this car's complaints
- 17%
- typical mileage
- 63,898
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission40
- Manual transmission10
- Driveline: differential unit5
- Axle assembly5
- Axle assembly: axle shaft4
- Driveline: driveshaft3
- Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch3
- Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift3
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 transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Dodge Ram transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Recall number 99V115000 · Recall details
What 1998 Dodge Ram owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The rpms increased, and the gears popped on the vehicle on their own. Took vehicle to repair shop for check up, and results showed that a new transmission needed to be replaced.
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.
Vehicle changed gears on its own. Then, engine raced. Consumer felt vehicle was going to take off.
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.
The transmission failed due to lack of lubrication. Just go to jasper.com. They say that 1995 to 2001 dodge truck transmissions have a high rate of failure due to lack of lubrication. Seems that dodge put to low a volume pump in all these transmissions. Local transmission rebuilders tell me that you can not let the truck idle because the tranny gets no lubrication at low RPM's. So during the winter while you are waiting for the windsheild to clear off to drive in the northeast where it snows. You are damaging your tranny. The tranny over heat light never came on just the service engine light.dodge says there is nothing wrong. I have a list of other people who have had dodge tranny problems. One is my brother-in-law.
The transmission failed at roughly 64,000 miles and I had it repaired at a dodge dealership. In september of 2003, the transmission failed again at 108,000.
The bolt that holds fifth gear in place dislodged and the gear came off the shaft. Vehicle was still drivable in the other four gears but fifth gear was inoperable. Manufacturer and the dealer have been notified.
While shifting the vehicle transmission started shifting left to right.
While traveling about 55mph on the highway without prior warning. The fifth gear gave out.
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Ram transmission
Does the 1998 Dodge Ram have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 80 complaints about the transmission of the 1998 Dodge Ram, 17% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Ram transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 63,898 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Dodge Ram transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 99V115000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge Ram have bad transmission?
The Dodge Ram model years with the most transmission complaints are 1996 (135 complaints), 1995 (91 complaints) and 1998 (80 complaints).
Other 1998 Dodge Ram problems
Brakes 113Airbags 66Electrical 48Engine 38Suspension 31Steering 28Acceleration 25Fuel system 24Body 18Tires 18Seat belts 15Visibility 15Lights 14Wheels 13Locks 4Seats 4
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