Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Typical complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip — is about in line with the fleet median for that category across the 2075 model-years tracked on this site.
225Complaints
2Recalls
19Crashes
3Fires
20Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip (7.6% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
17 · 7.6%
not available
—
Structure
14 · 6.2%
not available
—
Air Bags:frontal
13 · 5.8%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
13 · 5.8%
not available
—
Electrical System:horn
11 · 4.9%
not available
—
Tires
11 · 4.9%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP17 · 7.6%
STRUCTURE14 · 6.2%
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL13 · 5.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13 · 5.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN11 · 4.9%
TIRES11 · 4.9%
STEERING10 · 4.4%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION10 · 4.4%
Unspecified / other7 · 3.1%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7 · 3.1%
Percentages are the share of the 225 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
IF THIS CONDITION REMAINS UNDETECTED, THE BOLT CAN EVENTUALLY UNSEAT COMPLETELY, CAUSING THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“RIGHT REAR WHEELS INTERMITTENTLY LOCKED UP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED OF A ABS SENSOR AND HYDRO BOOSTER FAILURE. FEEL FREE TO…”NHTSA complaint 894624 — filed 08/17/2001 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
“WHEN DRIVING ON WET PAVEMENT AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A NORMAL STOP VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP, POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE CAUSED…”NHTSA complaint 873716 — filed 10/24/2000 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
“REAR (ABS) BRAKES WOULD CAUSE A SHIMMYING EFFECT WHEN APPLIED. PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED TWICE BEFORE. FRONT (ABS) BRAKES WERE THREE TIMES REPLACED, INCLUDING PADS AND…”NHTSA complaint 863114 — filed 06/06/2000 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500?
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip issues are the most-reported category, cited in 17 of 225 NHTSA complaints (7.6%), followed by structure (14), air bags:frontal (13), vehicle speed control (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 have?
225 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 19 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 20 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 08E027000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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