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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When the temperature was cold outside it was difficult to steer the vehicle. The problem continued until the outside temperature warmed up. The dealership replaced the parts 3 times but the problem still occurred.
The truck's steering locks up while turning and then the ignition will completely shut down. The ignition has even stopped when driving straight and not turning. This is a definate road hazard and Chrysler says there is nothing wrong with it. We have had the truck in 3 times before it was finally involved in an accident due to this problem. They can not find anything wrong yet each time they have looked at it and we get it back it happens again. It doesn't happen every time you turn but you never know when it is going to do it. I don't want to be responsible for injuring anyone because of a defective product. We are also unable to find a previous owner. The names on the title have been cleared. How can this be?? Do you have any suggestions as to what we can do? How do we get this problem resolved? Someone is hiding something about this truck. …
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.
Driver lost control and slid cross ways, across the highway, and busted the rear axel. Truck flipped over, and front bumper went into front tire, and the airbags did not deploy. Truck was totalled.
At 58,000 miles, the steering column in my Dodge Ram 1500 pick up needs to be replaced. There is a noise when the wheel is turned in either direction. I was told by the dealer that the entire steering column needs to be replaced. I wrote a letter to Chrysler about the problem because my extended service contract does not cover the steering column. The letter was written on April 5th of this year and I just called Chrysler to inquire about an answer and was told my request for "good faith" assistance has been denied. I do not use this vehicle for commercial or off road driving and do not feel the steering column should fail with only 58,000 miles of normal driving. The manufacturer wants nothing to do with the repair other than take my $400-$500 for the repair. I have searched your database and have found no other issues similar to mine with the year and model of my truck. …
Transmission shifts late on certain occasions jumping into gear, diagnostics' were performed by dealership resulting in a negative result, the truck still persist's with the problem usually at speeds' 35 MPH and under. The truck has pulled right upon delivery, dealership replaced calipers stating that the o.e.m. Calipers were seized from factory, three days later the problem was back, dealership performed alignment, problem still persisted and continues to do so. The reason I put power steering down under the comments section is because of my belief that the problem resides in the steering gear-box, which has not been checked. The back-up lights did not work upon delivery but were fixed immediately and have been fine ever-since. The drver-side window molding leaks and on certain days causes fogging of the window resulting in a loss of vision and an unsafe driving condition. O.e.m. …
I have a Dodge Ram 1500 wagon 1998, and I have been experiencing alot of problems with the transmission and keeps stalling whenever I turn the wheel to the right side. This is very weird and the mechanics do not understand this complaint. The ABS light has been coming on for a while and no one knows why either, but I do not see any recalls on this problem either. Can you help me resolve this matter. I have replaced the door locks on each door at least twice in this van and it has cost alot of money, I think by now this should have been recalled on this vehicle as well. Please help me with this vehicle, I love riding it but it has been having alot of the same riding and maitenance problems and no one knows why or understands why it keeps coming back after fixing them multiple times. Thank you, the dealerships do not help either.
I have not had an accident as a result of this yet. The steering wheel makes alot of noise when you turn it either direction. Had Dodge check it out. They said that they have replaced alot of steering columns because of this, but not sure what causes it. Said that most have this problem with lower mileage. Warranty cover the steering column. Seems my warranty is up, they tell me to try and get use to the noise. Said that the noise will get 5 times worse, but didn't think it was a safety issue. It they don't really know what causes it, how can they be sure it isn't a safety issue. If this is a recurring problem, then it is obviously a factory defect
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!!!!
Consumer complaining of driving vehicle on the street at 40 MPH, on normal road conditions, when consumer went to apply the brakes, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Dealer notified, but still wants consumer to pay even with warranty. Proportioning valve was replaced. Consumer states there is a snapping noise in the steering column, dealer replaced front axle track. Steering wheel was off center. Lower radiator hose was rubbing the frame and was worn, dealer replaced.
Steering complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Dodge Ram, 6% of the model year's 517 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Ram steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1998 Dodge Ram, though it has 14 recalls for other components. 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 0 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.