Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
Transmission failure in my 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. Jasper.com lists this transmission as a high rate of failure due to lack of lubrication. This problem exists in all Dodge trucks manufactured from 1995 to 2001 and maybe more. Local transmission rebuilders also agree that the transmission was built with to low a volume transmission pump and that you should not let the truck idle, because there is no lubrication.
While driving on freeway, 5th gear went out as if clutch was pushed in. Could not get 5th gear to work, had to drive to dealership in 4th gear which is challenging to do in a diesal truck. After santa cruz Nissan Dodge supposedly replaced the entire manual transmission, driving back home, the 1st gear would not engage.
Clutch when depress does not disengage. It is to my believe it is an engineering flaw in the clutch slave cylinder. It happens more fequent when vechile is warm than cold. I have had two clutches replaced, 4 transmissions and 6 slave cylinders replaced and it is now in the repair shop again with 93,000 miles.
Consumer pulled up to a stop sign with clutch engaged. The vehicle stopped then lurched forward. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer stated the pilot bearing/clutch failed. The consumer took the vehicle to the shop and had a new clutch kit installed and the vehicle tested OK.
Pe01-021/roll away in park: while parked and idling vehicle jumped out of gear while consumer's daughter was pulling pin from hitch attached to vehicle, causing truck to run over her daughter who received severe injuries. Dealer / manufacturer were notified.
I was pulling a car from indio ca to phx. Az when it started ticking and smokeing and lost power I pulledover checked the oil and it was 2 quarts low it had never used oil before this it never got hot though I slowed way down and barely made it home.
From day 1 of the new truck, I had shifting problems. Before I had 1200 miles on the truck it was in the shop twice. The first time they took the transmission apart and inspected and placed back into the truck. Problem shifting continued. The 2nd time in the shop, they replaced the transmission, clutch and slave cylinder, this worked. Then at 53000 miles I took the truck in for recall work (828), to replace the slave cylinder. At 60000 miles I had shifting problems again. They replaced the transmission and clutch which was 50% out of my pocket. The day I picked the truck up from the dealer I went on vacation for 2000 miles which resulted in shifting problems. I took the truck back at 62000 and they replaced the slave cylinder, but the transmission was leaking. At 64470 miles the trans went dry and dealer replaced another trans. …
Automatic transmission jumps in and out of overdrive, the speed control does not fuction properly as well. When the truck had 2,987 miles on it the original transmission destorted by itself, a new one was installed and 2 recalls performed (788 and 799). Ever since that time the truck has been to the original dealer twice for repairs and to a local dealer for repairs. As of last week Chrysler motor corp. Believes there is a problem with the computer that is causing both problems, but will not give me a time frame when the program fix will be available. In the meantime I have been told to drive the truck because it is still under warranty, and if the transmission should destory itself again the corp. Will replace it. I purchased this truck to pull a horse trailer and I cannot use it for the purpose in which was intended for.
Transmission complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500, 13% of the model year's 225 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.