Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked he noticed the dash board of the vehicle was cracked badly. The contact stated that the weather was not hot and was not a factor with the vehicle dash board defect. The contact had pieces of the dashboard fly into his eyes. He took the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic and testing. The dealer stated that the owner of the vehicle would have to pay for the repairs. There had been no repairs done at the time of the complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. The approximate current mileage was 85,000.
The spare tire mechanism that hold the tire under the bed broke. This failure was very dangerous since it occurred while I was driving, my spare tire fell onto the street and rolled. Luckily I was in a 35 MPH area, but cars still had to move out of the way of the rolling tire. Had I been on the interstate, it could have been disastrous.
My 98 Dodge Ram pick dash is completely falling apart I've seen many other Dodge trucks with the same problem the wiring is exposed in the dash and appears to be a safety hazard if you where to be involved in an accident.
Since we purchased the van the dealer said we had a bad tire both times we picked it up , but it still drifts and has spungy streeing . I.e. It goes were it want to and when you turn the wheel to correct it the streering takes it time to go the other way. My other problem is the right rear frame leaks water bad, at first the dealers body shop said the weld had broke at the seam were it was put together and that they had 3 of them in the last 6 weeks. We have had the van in the shop many times to get this fixed . It still leaks!!!!
Recall 98 v 209 000/high engine idle speed: vehicle taken to dealer, zangarn Dodge; albuquerque, nm; phone # 505/262-5480 for recall repairs. But, vehicle is still experiencing same problem. Dealer notified, and refused to reinspect vehicle. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
This b150 conversion vehicle (star custom industry) rear electric seat, causing the seatbelt to be inoperable because when moving the seats, the seatbelt buckle and retractor will break, which will not protect the occupant in event of an accident.
Consumer's vehicle not included in recall 98v-208 concerning the bolts that attach the cab to the frame due to VIN, consumer has been unable to obtain detailed written explanation as to why the vehicle is not included. Nlm
Consumer was hit in the rear by another vehicle which spun consumer's vehicle out of control, hitting a concrete wall. Automatic door locks didnot unlock, and dome light di dnot come on.
1998 Dodge Ram pickup 1500 the dash has cracked so bad it is unsafe. It has sharp edged fragments.
Van leans low on drivers side also loud clanging spring noises when driving and makeing turns. This condition is from factory. Noticed problem 2 days after taking van home from dealer.
Related recalls
Structure
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. These vehicles May have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. The bolts were used to attach the cab and the core support to the frame.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.
Body complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the body & structure of the 1998 Dodge Ram, 4% of the model year's 517 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Ram body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-208 (structure, Sep 8, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Ram body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to body & structure 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.