10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
18 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 2
Average Mileage:
802 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #86

Jan 242005

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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.

- Kenedy, TX, USA

problem #85

Apr 102004

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I had a problem with the right brake ever since I bought the truck. I took it into the Dodge dealer in victorville who told me that I did not have a recall so it would cost me to chnage the rotors since it was damaged. I just had my husband replace it with a new rotor which was very costly since I was not able to stop anymore because I had no brake pad on the inside of the right rotor since it has always been stuck and just finally wore out everything.

- Victorville, CA, USA

problem #84

Mar 162004

Ram 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles
Total loss on 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 pick-up. ABS did not work. Wheels locked, and skidded. Left road. Entire front end, right side, center and leftside, were destroyed. Air bags did not deploy. Photographs available, inside and outside of vehicle.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #83

Feb 162002

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

A knocing noise would sound when applying brakes in reverse, dealer notified.

- Niceville, FL, USA

problem #82

Jul 012001

Ram 1500

  • miles
ABS light stays illuminated when driving. Dealer has replaced clockspring. Please provide additional information.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #81

Feb 062002

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
While driving and then stopping front brakes make a grinding noise, and vehicle pulls to the left. Please provide any further information, and vehicle identification number.

- Sandwood, IL, USA

problem #80

Dec 012001

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Consumers vehicle ran into a trailer on his property and ABS was defective, also brake drums were rusted, dealership was aware of problem. Consumer stated that headache bar and fuel tank, tires, fuel filter, steering stabilizer, front shocks, rear shocks, air filter, rear axle seal and fluid, rear transfer case seal and U-joints in rear drive shaft failed and replaced.

- Tower Hill, IL, USA

problem #79

Nov 272001

Ram 1500

  • miles
The brakes didn't work and my wife crashed and the air bags didn't deploy.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #78

Nov 062001

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
While driving accelerator pedal stuck when brakes were applied. Pedal went to the floor and failed to stop vehicle, causing loss of control.

- Coal City, IL, USA

problem #77

Jun 011998

Ram 1500 Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
When applying brakes downhill and going over a bump on pavement ABS system releases. Will not grab again until vehicle is on level ground. Taken to dealer 3 times, said vehicle operated as it should, and ABS system was fine. Disconnecting speed sensor, eliminates the problem, but it is potentially dangerous.

- Woodenville, WA, USA

problem #76

Mar 011998

Ram 1500

  • miles

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

Brakes were failing to properly hold vehicle or slow vehicle down while attempting to stop at any speed. Dealership has examined vehicle, and could not determine cause. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #75

Jul 092001

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
Severe brake pull to the right. Worse when uneven or rutted road. Have taken the truck in 5 times and have been told that they can recreate the problem. Dodge needs to fix this safty hazard before it cause someone to be killed.

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #74

Jul 112001

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle was set on cruise control going 70 mph. Vehicle slowed down, and ABS lights/ air bag light/ speedometer went to zero/ gas gauge went to empty, and tank was full. Consumer took it into dealer, and clockspring needed to be replaced. Dealer has not stated if it will be covered.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #73

Apr 012000

Ram 1500

  • miles
Defect in front and braking system.

- Rowlett, TX, USA

problem #72

Apr 112001

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When driving at any speed and upon depressing brake pedal to make a normal stop, pedal traveled to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Also, vehicle has been in and out of dealer for repairs. Dealer was unable to determine cause of problem.

- Evansville, IN, USA

problem #71

Mar 302001

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When applying brakes they locked up, resulting in extended stopping distance, causing a collision. Minor injuries sustained.

- Water Valley, MS, USA

problem #70

Dec 012000

Ram 1500

  • miles
Brakes lock up while driving, pedal feels hard when pushing down. Has not contacted dealer ship yet.

- Ontonagon, MI, USA

problem #69

Jan 052001

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
I have just over 36,000 miles on the truck. I am on my third set of pads for the front and have replaced the shoes once. In addition, I've had the drums and rotors turned. The dealer responds by charging me to adjust the rear brakes. I have had this done but continue to eat up the front brakes. The manufacturer changed to bigger pads and rotors shortly after my truck was made but dealer & manufacturer are not responsive. Also, the rear antilock doesn't work right.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #68

Jan 222001

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was backing out of parking space when front brake pads fell off, and brake pedal went to floor, causing loss of brakes. Manufacturer sent out tsb for new brake design.

- Watertown, WI, USA

problem #67

Dec 012000

Ram 1500

  • miles
I was driving along when the car stopped hard I proceeded to slam on my brakes, when I noticed I was not stopping. The truck has been inspected by 4 outside personal and they all say the same thing. That I have a sever problem with my rear brakes, but they can not find the problem including chrylser.

- Golden, CO, USA

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