Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The passenger side lower rear arm support bracket weld are cracking twisting tearing from main frame rail. The frame weld is tearing horizontally and across same rates. The crack are next to welds an some location tearing circling rotating. The vehicle never operated off-road and mileage is 171,550 miles. The crack are 65% and vehicle unfit to be operated safety. I was very fortunate I didn't have a accident. The vehicle would have row over on I left side without no warning . I was preforming vehicle brake inspections and I notice rust on the lower rear support hanger which hold the lower arm bracket and coil spring. I am very fortunate that I didn't loan my vehicle to my relatives. I have pictures available. I want the Chrysler corporation to repair this asap!!!
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.
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 have recently exerienced what I would describe as a "wandering front end" on my '98 Ram. I had a local dealer look at the problem. They spent 0.60 hrs diagnosing a "slightly worn lower column shaft". They were quick to point out that this May not fix the problem and that perhaps I should continue driving the vehicle in hope that the symptoms would become more evident. I declined any repair. I later went "on-line" and was surprised to find a technical service bulletin on the subject. (TSB 19-10-97 - "steering wander") in addition, I found an entire web site dedicated to this phenomena. (key search, Dodge Ram) the stories are very similar to what I am experiencing and some are much worse - scary! I e-mailed daimler Chrysler and asked if they were considering any sort of corrective action. Their answer was no. Ts
Sway bar bolts that hold sway bar fell out, and almost caused an accident. Went to dealer and got it fixed. But then all four bolts that hold the sway bar fell out again, causing an accident. Also, worn gear in the steering box caused a loss of steering. Dealer cannot determine the problem. Problem still exists.
There has not been an incident. The vehicle tends to wander and requires constant adjustment to maintain proper location tin traffic lane. $1000 repairs last a few thousand miles. Talking with other owners of similar vehicles indicates this is a common problem for this vehicle. Ma 10/8 updated 12/11/2017
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.
Was leaving shopping center when driver blacked out. Vehicle hit light pole off center. Neither air bag deployed. The steering wheel had disconnected & fell off. Vehicle was taken to dealer to have it checked. The driver suffered trauma to torso.
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.
Steering complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500, 11% of the model year's 225 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 116,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.