Most common 1998 Dodge Van problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Van complaints by model year
Best Van years: 1995, 2001. Compare all years →
What 1998 Dodge Van owners say
Electrical system
Power door lock actuator motor failures - trapping occupants inside the vehicle. Operating the inside door handle has no effect, nor can the locking rod be raised manually; door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle by the door handle or turning the key locking/unlocking mechanism. Dealer has to remove interior door panel, destroy the actuator motor, and install a new unit at approximately $200.00 parts & labor. Old actuator was retained by fletcher Chrysler-Dodge dealership in rogers, ar.
Power door lock actuator motor failures - trapping occupants inside the vehicle. Operating the inside door handle has no effect, nor can the locking rod be raised manually; door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle by the door handle or turning the key locking/unlocking mechanism. Dealer has to remove interior door panel, destroy the actuator motor, and install a new unit at approximately $200.00 parts & labor. Old actuator was retained by fletcher Chrysler-Dodge dealership in rogers, ar.
Locks & latches
Dt*: the contact stated the driver's side door will not open. The vehicle is equipped with automatic door locks; however there is no over ride for the locks. The door can not be opened from the inside or outside. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer have been alerted.
Air bags
Nar 04/10/2003 the consumer is requesting reimbursement for repairs done on air bag assembly. After repairs were made a recall was issued. The consumer has including receipts of the amount paid for repairs but Dodge has refused to make payments. Please investigate.
I started the Van that morning and the airbag light remained on. I was not aware at that time that my horn and cruise control were also affected. I found that the horn didn't work when a vehicle pulled out in front of me and I almost hit it. After that I checked the fuses and relays but found nothing wrong. I even took the horns off the Van and wired them up directly to the battery. Also my cruise control worked fine until the product failed. Now that Dodge fixed the clockspring the airbag light is off, I don't know if the airbag will work ? The horn works but it's not as loud as it used to be, and of course the cruise control don't. The cruise light flashes or stays on for a short time and I hope it don't short out and cause a electrical fire or the cruise system turns on and I can't turn it off? …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Dodge Van a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Van rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Van at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Dodge Van?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the locks & latches (3) and air bags (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Van have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Dodge Van. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Van?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995 and 2001. See the full Dodge Van years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Van problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.