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 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On three different occasions the retaining nut for fifth-gear has failed. Dealer offered repair kit... Contained new main shaft for tranny. Cost was $3600.00, Chrysler refuses to acknowledge defect in manufacturing of thread tapering. There is also no power brakes. ABS seems to not be working, relies on pressure from oil to brake. If pressed continuously, will go all the way to the floor. Wiring harness burned up after dealer work, frank shoupe of georgetown kentucky refused to repair their mistake. Said it was my fault, then refused to keep speaking with me. Stated replacement was $2015.00, and would take a week;received one from junkyard in montana, took three days, and $300.00.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle pulled to the right independently. While making a left turn, the front passenger side wheel detached. The anti-brake and brake system warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearing failed due to the tie rods and the wheel hub needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the tie rods were not replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08e027000 (steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.
1998-2001 b-van (Dodge full size) bs control module is protected with a 40 amp fuse. A 10 ga. Wire comes out of the control module then the wire "y"'s out to two 14 ga. Wires. It appears as though the ABS pump or relay sticks on these vehicles. Then one of the 14 ga. Wires over heats and starts the wiring harness on fire. The 40 amp fuse does not blow. The fire continues until the entire van is fully enguled in flames.
While turning left at 10 MPH the brakes failed,causing consumer's vehicle to rear end another vehicle. The vehicle was towed the second time. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Electric brakes on both axles of the fifth wheel, hydraulic brakes on my truck w/ ABS on the rear duels--no ABS on the front wheels--applied the brakes failed to slow down--manually applied the electric brakes--control head of the electric trailer brakes malfunction, no electric trailer brakes--the increased pressure on the foot brake locked up the front wheel leaving me skidding on the front tires w/ loss of control over steering--when the front wheels locked the rear duel ABS failed to function and I skidded into the car in front at around two to three MPH
The service brakes fail completely often. I believe that it's in the antilock system however when I take it for evaluation & repair the problem cannot be duplicated. This has caused numerous near collisions and I haven't found a way to repair it yet. The dealer says they cannot replace suspected parts issues without a recall being issued. The 1st failure occurred at about 19,000 miles and has happened approximately 14 times between then and 102,000 miles now.
Dodge fails to admit a problem with rear anti-lock brakes because I didn't find the unused brakes within the warranty. Several other people have had similar experience on other makes with rear ABS. My worry is I'm not the only on driving with defective brakes. Dodge sent a service bullitin to dealers but not to inform consumers.
Ongoing problem with replacing front wheel bearing from 51,000 miles to present, four sets of wheel bearing were replaced. On last occasion, front axle broke due to wheel bearing failure. Dealer notified. All repairs were done under warranty. But unable to located the cause. The right front brakes grab on regular braking due to worn pads and rotors. The cruise control malfunctions.
When driving both of the side view mirrors cracked. Consumer notified the dealer about this issue in the past. However, the problem recurred. Vehicle needed repair on front brakes; however, it was declined by the consumer.
Takata recall sitting in park and the transmission bucked tried to go forward even against the brakes
Brake complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500, 19% of the model year's 105 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Dodge Ram 3500. 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 3500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries 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.