10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,466 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 body / paint problems

body / paint problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 5 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #9

Dec 312005

Ram 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. The dash cracked in several places a couple of years ago along with the bezel. Also have a problem with horn, it is very hard to activate when pushed. These items are a concern being near or part of the air bag deployment if in a crash. I believe the dash and bezel are cheaply made and Dodge needs to replace these at what ever cost to prevent possible injury if persons are in a crash while operating or riding in their vehicles.

- Lindale, TX, USA

problem #8

Oct 012005

Ram 1500 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 157,500 miles
Hit a curb going around a corner at about 15 mph with the rear tire of truck. This caused the dash to crack from windshield all the way to the airbag enclosure. I was told this could cause an airbag failure if the passenger airbag deployed.

- Rydal, GA, USA

problem #7

May 152004

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles
I purchased my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 in the spring of 1998 and have been th only owner. Currently, the paint is coming off the metal on the hood and roof of the truck. The Dodge rep in the area has indicated that Dodge would pay 1/3 of the cost to fix the problem. I have done nothing to cause this problem and do not believe Dodge is standing behind their product.

- Warner Robins, GA, USA

problem #6

Apr 102000

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had my Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 for only 2 years before the paint started fading on the hood, top of cab & top of bed. Now it is 2004 and the trucks looks terriable. Embarrassing to drive. Dealership said there is nothing they can do, no recalls on paint for 1998 truck and no warranty. After you pay all that money for a truck and expected the best quality due to the price. I have spoke with several dealerships and this seems to be a common problem. I cannot afford to have it painted, considering how much it costs to replace the emblems and purchase the paint. Is there any thing that can be done about this? please help!

- Liberty, SC, USA

problem #5

Mar 212003

Ram 1500

  • miles
From the day I saw that 96 Dodge truck rolling down the street I fell in love. I saved every way possible to purchase the big bad 1500 4X4 5.9(98)with every option avail. Had everything and from week 1 had problems. Front windshield cracked while driving "due to frame stress" it about 2 weeks into it. Brake failure cause serious assault on guard rail, and Dodge said I must have been driving to fast (@ 30 mph). They refused any warranty because "nothing can touch the wheel" and since the incident occurred after 93 days lemon laws did not apply so after (2) $900 brake jobs two weeks apart everything was fine. Not to mention damage to body I paid for out of pocket. Now I just go through an entire set of brakes every 6 months. But I stop until then.. I replaced the transmission at 38 K miles, note the warranty on that is 36 K miles. I have had steering linkage become so loose instantaneously (or 3 separate occasions) that it felt like I was running over my own axle, which is another $1000 each time. For the past three emissions inspections the on board computer fails so I have to take it to the dealer while they charge $200 to fix it, but will not give straight answer to what is problem. And to night as I type, I spread the grime of engine crud across my keyboard as I try to figure out why the fuel filter suddenly stopped. Amazingly I have had this truck for 5 years because it has kept me too broke to buy something else. Any "legal" suggestions on what can be done would be appreciated. I recognize I have spent more than $15,000 trying to keep this thing running right, and that is too much for a "late model" truck. I would love to blame a dealer but I have been to just about all of them around here and with the smiles on there faces I hear "that will be another $950 sir".. good grief.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #4

Dec 182000

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
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

- Cordova, TN, USA

problem #3

Nov 222000

Ram 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Albuquerque, MN, USA

problem #2

Sep 081999

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Cab bolts recall.

- Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

problem #1

Nov 241998

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
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.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

Not what you are looking for?