Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
70–25K
925–50K
1450–75K
1575–100K
15100–150K
19150K+
79 reports with mileage · 146 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
19 crash reports3 fire reports14 injury reports
What owners actually said
225 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 1998
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, NORMAL ROAD CONDITION; CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND APPROACHING A BLIND CURVE WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSED CONSUMER TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCEY SITUATION. REAR ABS FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP ON THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT R…
Read full complaint
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, NORMAL ROAD CONDITION; CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND APPROACHING A BLIND CURVE WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT CAUSED CONSUMER TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCEY SITUATION. REAR ABS FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP ON THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT REAR OF FRONT VEHICLE. DRIVER SUSTAINED A NECK INJURY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #831167
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 1998
Air BagsCrash
WHILE DRIVING 50-55MPH THE VEHICLE HAD DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT, AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS ACCIDENT. MANUFACTURER STATED " IT DID NOT MEET THE THRESHOLD OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT." *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #830187
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 1998
Electrical System
HORN DESIGN MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO TO FIND THE HORN AND PRESS IT HARD ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT TAKING HANDS OR EYES OFF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI #542378
Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 1998
Electrical System
THE HORN PAD REQUIRES EXESSIVE AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO OPERATE.
NHTSA ODI #781461
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 1998
Electrical System
HORN IS VERY HARD TO OPERATE.
NHTSA ODI #781365
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 1998
Electrical System
HORN REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL OF FORCE TO ACTIVATE.
NHTSA ODI #781349
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
FRACTURE IN THE EGR TUBE CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #540902
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 1998
Fuel System, Gasoline
DRIVING THE TRUCK DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND WAS GETTING OFF ON AN EXIT RAMP AND THE ENGINE DIED OUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP HAD BROKEN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #827464
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 1998
Service Brakes, Air
VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI #540501
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 1998
Fuel System, Gasoline
HIGH PRESSURE INJECTION PUMP FAILED CAUSING TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE, LOSS OF CONTROL. QCAW
NHTSA ODI #538919
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1998 Dodge RAM 2500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year