Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
To whom it May concern, these rubber brake lines almost killed me barreling thru a downhill red light. Fixed bad part,then hit guard rail,damaged front grille,bumper and fender when the other line popped while driving. I was told this is a notorious problem with Dodge trucks. I'm not as angry about the filler neck which rotted and filed tank w rust chunks,replaced fuel pump. But I think more ppl need to b aware of this brake problem with these trucks, as far as I'm concerned, this is incredibly dangerous, and I might scrap it because it's problems 120K mile truck I can't even get 700$ for after the $ I've invested to keep it safe. I think the brakes need to be recalled with these trucks. Owners like me just let them sit because they rosy so easy their not worth fixing anymore, I regularly maintenence my vehicles,these are expensive to keep safe, thank you. Scott kimball.120K 98 Ram
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the ABS indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to autonation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Fiat at 200 automall dr roseville, ca 95661. And the contact was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed repaired. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Driving apporoximately 35 MPH was going to make left turn went to slow down to make the turn and the brakes were very soft and I missed the turn. Got home and looked under the truck to see a large amount of brake fluid leaking out from around the hard brake lines on the frame by drivers rear tire. The lines were very corroded.
Total loss on 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 pick-up. ABS did not work. Wheels locked, and skidded. Left road. Entire front end, right side, center and leftside, were destroyed. Air bags did not deploy. Photographs available, inside and outside of vehicle.
While traveling at 55 MPH the driver accidently hit the curb. While tryng to recover the driver went off the curb and applied brakes, the vehicle skidded violently and locked up as if the anti-lock brakes were not working at all. Vehicle skidded into the curb and the right rear tire hub and wheel seperated from the axle, causing the vehicle to flip four times, and neither side airbag deployed. 7810022 dup od 780994; posted on 09-07-1999.
Problems with wear of brake shoes. Since I purchased my Dodge Ram 1500 in June 1998 I have had constant problems with my front brakes. I am having to replace them at least 3 times a year. I understand that normal wear and tear on this part but having to replace them this much in one year. I do not ride my brakes like I have been told I do. Even riding my brakes I still do not think replacing them this much is necessary.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The failure recurred several times over a period of one month. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not further repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.
After impact on the drivers side at the door, I turned the steering wheel to the right and it locked up, I applied the brakes and found that I had none. I traveled across three lanes of traffic (no brakes no steering) and hit a concrete barrier head-on at approximately 45mph, and the airbags did not deploy. Had my steering not locked up this would have only been a minor accident, now my truck is totaled.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 club cab. The contact stated that the vehicle has faulty brake lines. While driving 25 MPH, the hard line failed. The brake lines were replaced once before. The contact stated that the weather conditions were not a factor, and she feels that this is a safety issue because it could lead to a serious crash. The current and failure mileages were 150,086.
While driving at 35 MPH consumer rear ended another vehicle when applying brakes ,and they failed to stop vehicle, causin consumer to rear end the vehicle in front. Driver's side/passenger's side air bags didn't deploy. Also, driver's side seat belt didn't hold consumer from boucing onto the steering wheel.
Brake complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500, 12% of the model year's 520 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 145,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries and 5 deaths to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.