3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,201 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 Van 1500 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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

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

1998 Dodge Ram Van 1500 Owner Comments

problem #6

Feb 152003

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,100 miles

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

My husband ordered this truck in late 1997. We purchased it new and have had numerous problems with the vehicle. The biggest problem we have faced is the transmission. Mid-April 1998 the first problems occured with slippage, the transmission cooling lines were replaced, one month later the torque converter went and repairs were made. Now at 51,000 miles and very little driving for the last 2 yrs (since my husband has been sick with cancer) it has blown again. The front seals are leaking profusely. The rear window was leaking so badly at one point the entire ceiling inside was soaded. The ABS computer went wacky on us early on also. The seatbelt has been twisted since we purchased the vehicle and we have not successfully fixed it. The extended warranty we purchased has gone out of business. I will not likely buy another Dodge ever again. Mercedes takes the cake.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #5

May 152003

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,210 miles
The transmission failed due to lack of lubrication. Just go to jasper.com. They say that 1995 to 2001 Dodge truck transmissions have a high rate of failure due to lack of lubrication. Seems that Dodge put to low a volume pump in all these transmissions. Local transmission rebuilders tell me that you can not let the truck idle because the tranny gets no lubrication at low RPM's. so during the winter while you are waiting for the windsheild to clear off to drive in the northeast where it snows. You are damaging your tranny. The tranny over heat light never came on just the service engine light.Dodge says there is nothing wrong. I have a list of other people who have had Dodge tranny problems. One is my brother-in-law.

- Cropseyville, NY, USA

problem #4

Jul 152001

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,898 miles
The transmission failed at roughly 64,000 miles and I had it repaired at a Dodge dealership. In September of 2003, the transmission failed again at 108,000.

- Valley City, ND, USA

problem #3

Dec 012001

Ram Van 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 #2

Jul 112001

Ram Van 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 #1

May 262000

Ram Van 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Speedometer was not registering properly. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that the speedometer could be off by 10% and still be within vehicle's specifications. Speedometer checked, and found to be only off by 1 mph.

- Ovid, MI, USA

Not what you are looking for?