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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram van with aftermarket bendix brakes (model number: 13481).the contact was driving 10 MPH when the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond, causing the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. There were no injuries.the contact did not call the manufacturer of the vehicle or the brakes in regard to the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.
My husband ordered this truck in late 1997. We purchased it new and have had numerous problems with the vehicle. The biggest problem we have faced is the transmission. Mid-April 1998 the first problems occured with slippage, the transmission cooling lines were replaced, one month later the torque converter went and repairs were made. Now at 51,000 miles and very little driving for the last 2 yrs (since my husband has been sick with cancer) it has blown again. The front seals are leaking profusely. The rear window was leaking so badly at one point the entire ceiling inside was soaded. The ABS computer went wacky on us early on also. The seatbelt has been twisted since we purchased the vehicle and we have not successfully fixed it. The extended warranty we purchased has gone out of business. I will not likely buy another Dodge ever again. Mercedes takes the cake.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed. The brake indicator light also illuminated. The brakes also failed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for a diagnostic test and the contact was informed that the braking system was functioning properly but the failures were causing by an electric component. The vehicle was at the dealership for repair at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 115,000.
While driving,the consumer tried to avoid another vehicle that was coming inside of the lane. When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and hit a guard rail and flipped into a ditch. Both air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained head injuries. The driver went to the hospital on his own. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. Please provide additional information.
These are the last two of the seven incidents of total brake failure for this vehicle. All incidents occurred at speeds of 25 - 60 MPH. 6 of the 7 were during normal stopping conditions; 1 emergency stop. When stepping on the brake pedal there is no braking action. The pedal does not go to the floor. Stepping on the brake pedal 1-2 more times and the brakes then grab. 1 incident failed to stop at a stop sign; 1 neccesitated veering out of lane.
Consumer experienced problems with driver's and passenger's side airbags along with rear anti-lock brakes. Upon applying brakes while going 50 MPH, rear anti-lock brakes went out, causing consumer to rearend another vehicle. Driver's and passenger's side air bags failed to deploy. The manufacturer was contacted but said they could not do anything to help. Consumer has since rid himself of the vehicle, and bought a different one.
The anti-lock brake system is not working properly. Front brakes have pads, and the back brakes have ABS brakes. When consumer applies brakes the front of the car will skid, and vehicle wiil not stop. He has taken vehicle back to the dealer .they told him brakes were working just fine. The vehicle can not make a quick stop, even on loose gravel. The consumer had an accident as the result of brake failure.
When applying the brakes the truck pulled/skidded, and made a loud sound. This happened when applying the brakes under a panic stop. The truck would not stop in the amount of time that it should stop. Truck has been serviced 5 times for brake problems. On aug 20, 1999, had a rear end crash. Dealer was not able to duplicate the problem with the ABS.
When applying the brakes on wet pavement/gravel/snow or ice, anti-lock brakes locked up and vehicle kept moving without stopping. Driver was involved in a rear end crash because of the brakes. The problem was reported to the dealership. Dealer tried to correct the problem numerous times. However, problem continues to exist.et.
While driving 45mph, hit another vehicle unexpectedly at a frontal impact which caused steering to lock up, and brakes to fail. Upon impact, driver and passenger airbags did not deploy, which did not protect the occupants. No prior problems with the airbag system.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries May leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on September 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, air › Disc › Rotor
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and if necessary, replace these rotors.
Brake complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 118 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge Ram, 23% of the model year's 517 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (66 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Ram brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-185 (control unit/module, Apr 12, 2004); NHTSA recall 98V-075 (rotor, Apr 8, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Ram brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 18 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries and 2 deaths 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.