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 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I have tons of problems with my 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel pick up truck.the brakes chronically fail to work, then lock up or catch on the second attempt. Had a bad sensor according to Dodge, and it was replaced less than a year ago. I nearly ran into an 18 wheeler when the truck failed to stop at 4 way crossing. I had it worked on then and was told that a seal was leaking fluid and it wet the brake pads and caused them to to "slip". I am having problems again this week and was told by my mechanic to see if the brake system had been recalled. He thinks the power surge has is faulty and fails at times and not others! Also my parking brake doesn't prevent vehicle from moving when in use in drive or reverse!
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70mph, a smoke smell was noticed in the cab of the vehicle although no flames were visible. The contact pulled the vehicle over and removed the motor to the electric seat which melted. There is a NHTSA recalls, # 04V185000, 98V207000, regarding the ABS module and the fuel supply tube. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs.
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.
While turning left at any speed have a serious shudder. Truck has new wheel bearings tie rod ends rotors and calipers done at Dodge dealership. The shudder is heard and felt in floor board nothing in brake pedal or steering wheel. Shudder is less audible when put into neutral and coasting while turning left.
When applying brakes vehicle pullled to the right, and the driver lost control of vehicle several times. The dealer has attempted to repair this problem eight times, but could not fix the problem.
My truck brakes pull severely to the right when braking. This problem exists in all Ram 2500 4x4 trucks I have encountered. The dealer has replaced rotors; calipers;alignment; etc. I have had the truck in 9 times (I have documentation) on the same problem with no relief. Dealer now refuses to look further into this problem. Brakes pull to right hard enough to slide truck sideways on wet pavement. Brake pads wear out faster on right front - there has been evidence of the right rotor getting hot (brakes dragging). This is a serious safety issue in a large tall and heavy truck! All Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 owners I have talked to report periodic or continuous similar problems with their brakes.
The consumer purchased the vehicle already inspected by the dealer. A few days later the consumer took the vehicle to a local meineke because of a squeaking noise. The vehicle was checked and the consumer was told that the vehicle should have never passed inspection due to numerous problems found with the vehicle. The meineke tech stated that eh vehicle should not have passed inspect due to numerous violations. The vehicle needs 2 wheel bearings, track bar, steering shock, 2 hub assemblies, brake lines, oxygen sensor and a new license plate bulb. The consumer contacted the dealer to get his money back but they refused.
I have had the steering damper replaced several times. It is unknown to me why this happens and the dealer has no answer either. All the components on this vehicle are "heavy-duty". Braking is becoming more of a problem as the brakes wear down. The truck only has 21,000 miles on it. The power door locks I have no idea about they just stopped working one day, but, they do work w/ the remote entry. I also noticed the horn actuator is hard to activate due to the hard "leather" for the airbag cover. The driver's door keeps getting missaligned, I have never heard of a vehicle having this much of a problem like it.
Brake complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500, 20% of the model year's 225 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. 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 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 146,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.