Most common 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
Share of the 225 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 2500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 2500 years: 2002, 2000, 1998. Years to avoid: 2006, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
What 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 owners say
Brakes all 44 →
Brake line rusted out and failed causing loose of brake in traffic. Once fuel tank was removed this exposed the problem area. Rear wiring harness runs directly against the fuel line trapping road grim, water, salt, causing corrosion at this point.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. While the contact was driving approximately 35 MPH, the ABS warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel and remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the ABS control module wiring harness connector exhibited severe corrosion. There was a manufacturer voluntary recall related to the similar defect associated with the battery tray and ABS wiring harness connector. The VIN was ineligible for the recall. The vehicle was currently being repaired at the owner's expense. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Transmission & drivetrain all 29 →
Event: pulled up in front of barn to get a load of hay. Moved gear selector lever to reverse to back up to building, but when accelerator was pressed, vehicle moved forward. Failure: internal parts in steering column had become disconnected from each other, the result being that movement of the gear selector lever did not affect the lever at the end of the steering column that is connected to the transmission control rod. The only way that the vehicle could be placed in park, started, or put into a gear position was to raise the hood and move the transmission control rod by hand. Solution: since the steering column is a welded assembly and is not serviceable, it was replaced. The old assembly is available for inspection. …
I noticed automatic transmission fluid leaking under the truck when returning from a trip. Close inspection revealed that two of the transmission lines had been rubbing together which resulted in a break in one of the lines. Fortunately, I noticed it before the transmission had lost enough fluid to fail. Had I been on a long trip towing a trailer the results of a highway speed transmission failure might have been far more serious, especially on a mountain road. The line should be replaced. This appears to be a design/manufacturing/assembly defect.
Wheels & tires all 25 →
I I purchased new truck tires that self destructed in 4,000 miles. Complete a massive tread separation resulting in freeway speed tire blow out. Veerubber taiga h/t r33. Four out of two failed. Dallas dealer said they were unsafe at any speed upon examination.
I have a 98 Ram 2500 v10 if I go about 65 MPH there is a massive wobble in the steering wheel but if I speed up to 70 it stops or if I slow down to 60 it stops. There should be a recall on this because all of the Ram trucks that I have had do this exact same thing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 a good car?
Based on 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Ram 2500 rates average: 30% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ram 2500 at the same age. It is one of the best Ram 2500 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500?
The brakes — 44 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (29) and wheels & tires (25).
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 2500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2000 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2003 and 2004. See the full Dodge Ram 2500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 93,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.