1998 Dodge Dodge Truck Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure512.8%
- Seat belts410.3%
- Engine410.3%
- Transmission410.3%
- Suspension37.7%
- Electrical37.7%
- Fuel system37.7%
- Brakes37.7%
- Steering25.1%
- Heating & air conditioning25.1%
- Airbags25.1%
- Visibility12.6%
- Interior & seats12.6%
- Other / unspecified12.6%
- Tires & wheels12.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A1998 DODGE RAM TRUCK THAT I PURCHASED 5 YEARS AGO WITHIN THIS PAST YEAR IV NOTICED MY DASH BOARD CRACKING AND IT SEEMED TO BE GETTING WORSE TILL I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK A BIG CHUNK OF DASH BOARD BLEW UP AND HIT ME RIGHT IN THE FACE I ALMOST WRECKED MY TRUCK IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED IF THERE IS A DEFECT IN THESE DODGE TRUCKS DASHBOARDS THEY SHOULD LET THE OWNER OR PUBLIC AWARE SO THEY CAN BE FIXED. *TR
DODGE 1500 RAM SPORT PICK UP. DASH COVER BROKE IN PIECES. A WHILE LATER I NOTICE THE TWO FRONT SPEAKERS STOP WORKING, THE SPEEDOMETER STOP WORKING, EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE THE DASH LIGHTS GO CRAZY, THE TOP 12 VOLT ADAPTER STOPS WORKING, ETC. ALSO SEAT BELTS DON'T RETRACT CORRECTLY, AND DRIVER SIDE BUCKLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DODGE 1500 RAM SPORT PICK UP. DASH COVER BROKE IN PIECES. A WHILE LATER I NOTICE THE TWO FRONT SPEAKERS STOP WORKING, THE SPEEDOMETER STOP WORKING, EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE THE DASH LIGHTS GO CRAZY, THE TOP 12 VOLT ADAPTER STOPS WORKING, ETC. ALSO SEAT BELTS DON'T RETRACT CORRECTLY, AND DRIVER SIDE BUCKLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
DEFECTIVE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT, IN 98 DODGE RAM. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DODGE HEADQUARTERS, WHEN THE SEATBELTS FAILED THE FIRST TIME TWO YEARS AGO, HQ STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR LABOR ONLY, AND NOT REPLACE THE PART. DODGE REPLACED THE SEATBELT SENSOR WHICH IS ELECTRONIC UNDER THE SEATS, THE WIRES GET PINCHED OFF, WHEN THE SEATS ARE MOVED FORWARD AND BACK THEREFORE CREATING A SHORT IN THE WIRES, AND THUS THE SEATBELTS FAIL B/C THEY ARE ON AN ELECTRONIC WEIGHT SYSTEM. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY IT TAKES TO CONTINUALLY REPLACE THESE EVERY TWO YEARS, I THINK THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO SINCE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON MARCH 8,2002 A SHORT TIME AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF USED 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE VIN # G WITH ONLY 41,950 MILES. IN FEBRUARY ,2002 THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD PRONOUNCED TAPPING SOUND. AFTER I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER PLAZA MOTORS OF BROOKLYN INC.(AKA) PLAZA DODGE LTD. AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACE. AND THE DEALER ABOVE INSTALLED A USED ENGINE FROM VIN#R WITH 58,310 MILES AND LESS THEN 12 MONTHS THE SECOND ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAIL. THEN THE TRANSMISSION. BASE ON THE INFORMATION ABOVE AND THE REPORTS FROM OTHER CONSUMERS NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THESE DEFECTS AS A REAL TIME SAFETY PROBLEM. *NM
NOTICE A OIL RESDUE ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. POSSIBLE COMING FROM THE A/C SYSTEM, SECOND OPINION SAID IT WAS COMING FROM THE EVAPERATOR COIL. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER A LOT OF SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE DASH AND THE A/C STOP COOLING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON MARCH 8,2002 A SHORT TIME AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF USED 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE VIN # G WITH ONLY 41,950 MILES. IN FEBRUARY ,2002 THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD PRONOUNCED TAPPING SOUND. AFTER I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER PLAZA MOTORS OF BROOKLYN INC.(AKA) PLAZA DODGE LTD. AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACE. AND THE DEALER ABOVE INSTALLED A USED ENGINE FROM VIN#R WITH 58,310 MILES AND LESS THEN 12 MONTHS THE SECOND ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAIL. THEN THE TRANSMISSION. BASE ON THE INFORMATION ABOVE AND THE REPORTS FROM OTHER CONSUMERS NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THESE DEFECTS AS A REAL TIME SAFETY PROBLEM. *NM
ENGINE NOCKING IN LOWER BOTTOM OF ENGINE REPEATED RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAY NORMAL SOUND;;;AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEAK ON PAN GASKET AND O-RING SEAL,RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS,TO NO AVAIL WAS IT FIX CORRECTLY,HAD TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALER IT WAS FIX RIGHT,FOR NOW,A/C WAS RECHARGE AT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN 1998 DODGE SPORT FULL SIZED PICKUP THAT HAS A LOUD BANG WHEN TURNING CORNERS. THE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF THE TRUCK IS COVERED UNDER SOME RECALL THAT WAS POSTED IN THE PAST. *BF *NM THE SHAKING WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING. *SC *TC *JB
AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON MY 1998 DODGE DAKOTA. MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT BEFORE CHANGE THE BALL JOINTS THAT I SHOULD TAKE MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP AND SEE IF THEY WOULD COVER THE COST. THEY RESPONDED BY TELLING ME THAT MY BALL JOINTS WERE FINE. THE REASON I WENT TO MY MECHANIC WAS BECAUSE I HAD HAD MY VEHICLE ALIGNED FOUR TIMES IN THE FIRST 30,000 MILE AND MY TRUCK STILL PULLED TO ONE SIDE. THAT WAS WHEN I WENT TO AN UNBIASED PARTY TO TELL WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I HAD THIS REPAIR WORK DONE IN LATE 2002 OR EARLY 2003. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS WHEN ITS NOT SUPPOSED AND DOES NOT LET UP SLACK WHEN PULLED. *YC
POOR DESIGN OF HORN CAUSES DRIVER TO USE EXCESSIVE EFFORT IN AN ATTEMPT TO SOUND THE HORN, SOMETIMES WILL NOT ACTIVATE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PRIMARY TRANSFER PUMP HAS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN IN THE ROTARY VANS FILTER WIRE MESS. THE ENDS ARE NOT WELDED. THE WIRE MESS WEAVE ENDS ARE UNDO DUE TO NORMAL DIESEL VIBRATION. THE WIRE MESS FILTER ENDS ARE HITTING ROTARY VANE PUMP. THE RUBBER SEAL MATERIAL IS VERY HARD WITH NO ELASTIC SPRING TO IT. THIS VERY DANGEROUS PUMP DESIGNED. THE MAIN INJECTION WILL LOSE POWER WITH NO WARNING. THE PUMP UNIT IS MADE BY CARTER PART#43188C27B 12 VDC IS POWER SOURCE. THE PUMP IS SOLD THROUGH MOPAR BY CUMMINS ENGINE. THE NEW PUMP #05080885AA PUMP FUEL SECOND #14073001. THE REPLACEMENT COST IS $160.88. ITS DEALER ITEM ONLY. THE LABOR TIME TO INSTALL IS 1 HOUR 65$ TO $75 IS STANDARD CHARGE TO INSTALL THIS UNIT. THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT COME WITH NEW COPPER GASKETS IT REQUIRE AT LEAST FOUR TO SEAL THE FUEL FITTING. THE PART IS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT COVER IT DUE TO NO ROAD SIDE TOW. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,740 MILES VID [XXX]. I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD FOUR MAJOR FUEL INJECTION PUMPS REPLACED DUE TO ELECTRONIC BOARD FAILURE. IN ALL CASES THE PROBLEM HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING. GMC HAS EXTENDED THEIR 6.5L DIESEL PUMP TO 120,000 MILES OR 12 YEAR TIME PERIOD. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ENGINE NOCKING IN LOWER BOTTOM OF ENGINE REPEATED RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAY NORMAL SOUND;;;AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEAK ON PAN GASKET AND O-RING SEAL,RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS,TO NO AVAIL WAS IT FIX CORRECTLY,HAD TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALER IT WAS FIX RIGHT,FOR NOW,A/C WAS RECHARGE AT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ANTI LOCK BRAKES DOES NOT ENGAGE. THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUES TO GO DOWN AND BRAKING ACTION IS SEVERALLY DOWNGRADED REQUIRING A SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL DISTANCE IN WHICH TO BRING THE VECHILE TO A COMPLETE STOP.
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN 1998 DODGE SPORT FULL SIZED PICKUP THAT HAS A LOUD BANG WHEN TURNING CORNERS. THE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF THE TRUCK IS COVERED UNDER SOME RECALL THAT WAS POSTED IN THE PAST. *BF *NM THE SHAKING WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING. *SC *TC *JB
GREAT WEST VAN DODGE MOTOR HOME (CLASSIC SUPREME) WE DISCOVERED, LAST WEEK THAT THIS VAN SOLD TO US AS A 97(CHASSIS)/98(ALL OTHER) DEMO HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. HAD WE KNOWN THIS BEFORE, WE WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED. WE FELT WE WERE PAYING FOR A NEW VAN - THE $10,000 MILES PUT ON IT BY THE GREAT WEST VAN SALES REP." FOR DRIVING ONLY FROM RV SHOW TO RV SHOW ON WEST COAST." THE ACCIDENT REPORTEDLY OCCURRED IN TEXAS. WE'VE HAD SOME PROBLEMS, MOST OF WHICH WE REPAIRED OURSELVES AS WE DO NOT TRUST THE TECHNICIAN EMPLOYED BY THE DEALER. STILL HAVE A WATER LEAKAGE PROBLEM, BUT MAIN CONCERN IS THE ACCIDENT, AND THE FACT THAT NO HEADRESTS ARE ON THE SEATS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE NOCKING IN LOWER BOTTOM OF ENGINE REPEATED RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAY NORMAL SOUND;;;AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEAK ON PAN GASKET AND O-RING SEAL,RETURN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS,TO NO AVAIL WAS IT FIX CORRECTLY,HAD TO TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALER IT WAS FIX RIGHT,FOR NOW,A/C WAS RECHARGE AT
AIR CONDITIONER REFRIGERANT HOSE FAILED. MJS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND ROAD HAD ICY SPOTS. HIT ONE ICY SPOT, BUT RETAINED CONTROL. THEN, HIT ANOTHER ICY SPOT AND LOST CONTROL/ WENT INTO A DITCH ON PASSENGER'S FRONT. VEHICLE WENT AIR BORNE AND HIT FRONT OF VEHICLE ON GROUND. IT THEN ROLLED TWICE. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE LANDED ON ITS PASSENGER SIDE. DRIVER WAS STRAPPED IN. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
WHILE TRAVELING 45MPH IN A DODGE DUALEY, OVER A HILL, HIT A COW. UPON IMPACT, FRONT END WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAB OF VEHICLE & NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDSHIELD CRACKED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDSHIELD CRACKED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DEFECTIVE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT, IN 98 DODGE RAM. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DODGE HEADQUARTERS, WHEN THE SEATBELTS FAILED THE FIRST TIME TWO YEARS AGO, HQ STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR LABOR ONLY, AND NOT REPLACE THE PART. DODGE REPLACED THE SEATBELT SENSOR WHICH IS ELECTRONIC UNDER THE SEATS, THE WIRES GET PINCHED OFF, WHEN THE SEATS ARE MOVED FORWARD AND BACK THEREFORE CREATING A SHORT IN THE WIRES, AND THUS THE SEATBELTS FAIL B/C THEY ARE ON AN ELECTRONIC WEIGHT SYSTEM. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY IT TAKES TO CONTINUALLY REPLACE THESE EVERY TWO YEARS, I THINK THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO SINCE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
LARGE PIECE OF RUBBER CAME OUT OF TIRE DOWN TO THE STEEL CORDS. (MICHELIN LT 215/85 R16). MJS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .