Known Recalls

Model year record

1998 Dodge RAM

13 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 644 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V185000

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
44,588
Reported to NHTSA
2004-04-12
Owners notified
2004-09-27

Defect description

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

Safety risk

THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V161000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
97,500
Reported to NHTSA
2002-06-14
Owners notified
2002-07-29

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.

Safety risk

THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROD ENDS AND BALL STUDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V153000

Air bags

Component
Air bags
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
216,100
Reported to NHTSA
2001-05-08
Owners notified
2001-06-18

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Safety risk

WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V040000

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
701,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-02-12
Owners notified
2001-09-17

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."

Safety risk

IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V107000

Trailer hitches

Component
Trailer hitches
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
357,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-04-11
Owners notified
2000-04-24

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH.

Safety risk

BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V115000

Power train: clutch assembly

Component
Power train: clutch assembly
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
8,883
Reported to NHTSA
1999-05-06
Owners notified
1999-12-27

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.

Safety risk

THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V002000

Air bags

Component
Air bags
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
46,193
Reported to NHTSA
1999-01-07
Owners notified
1999-02-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND VANS USED FOR CONVERSION. IF A HEAVY OBJECT IMPACTS THE METAL CASING OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT, THE MODULE COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY THE AIR BAGS.

Safety risk

UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AECM WITH A MODULE THAT INCORPORATES REVISED HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V207000

Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
25,014
Reported to NHTSA
1998-09-08
Owners notified
1998-09-14

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.9L - 24 VALVE DIESEL ENGINE. THE LOW PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BETWEEN THE FILTER AND THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP CAN FRACTURE.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOW PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V209000

Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
30,747
Reported to NHTSA
1998-09-08
Owners notified
1998-09-28

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.9L - 24 VALVE DIESEL ENGINE. AN INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE CONDITION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR.

Safety risk

THIS CREATES A SIGNAL WHICH IS MISINTERPRETED BY THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE, CAUSING A HIGH IDLE SPEED CONDITION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT ERRONEOUS SPEED SENSOR SIGNALS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V208000

Structure

Component
Structure
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
12,400
Reported to NHTSA
1998-09-08
Owners notified
1998-09-21

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH BOLTS THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED. THE BOLTS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE CAB AND THE CORE SUPPORT TO THE FRAME.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE CAB TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BOLTS WITH PROPERLY HARDENED BOLTS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V182000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
8,144
Reported to NHTSA
1998-08-06
Owners notified
1998-08-17

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EITHER A 8.0L V-10 ENGINE OR A 5.9L V-8 HEAVY DUTY GASOLINE ENGINE. AN EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELD ATTACHING SCREW IS TOO CLOSE TO THE UNDERBODY FUEL LINE. THE LINE CAN RUB AGAINST THE SCREW, POSSIBLY CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE.

Safety risk

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD ATTACHING SCREW AND REPLACE IT WITH RUBBER ADHESIVE. THE CHASSIS FUEL LINE WILL BE INSPECTED FOR SIGNS OF WEAR AND ANY TUBES INDICATING WEAR WILL BE REPLACED.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V105000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
4,200
Reported to NHTSA
1998-05-14
Owners notified
1998-06-01

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE NOT PROPERLY RIVETED TO THE SUPPORT STRAP.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE REDUCED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT OUTER SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH BUCKLES THAT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY RIVETED.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V075000

Service brakes, air: disc: rotor

Component
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
1,550
Reported to NHTSA
1998-04-08
Owners notified
1998-05-25

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE BRAKE ROTOR MATERIAL STRENGTH IS NOT SUFFICIENT CAUSING A HUB FATIGUE FRACTURE.

Safety risk

THIS FRACTURE CAN RESULT IN CRACK PROPAGATION AROUND THE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLT CIRCULE ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE ROTORS AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE ROTORS.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip64—
Air bags: frontal4775,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission4067,500 mi
Electrical system: horn34—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc22—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline20—
Vehicle speed control18—
Air bags16119,800 mi
Unknown or other1348,000 mi
Trailer hitches12—
Suspension: front11—
Tires11—
Power train: manual transmission10—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components10—
Engine and engine cooling: engine942,103 mi
Suspension9—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor8—
Seat belts: front: retractor7—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar7—
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs7—
Power train663,898 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic690,000 mi
Steering672 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)6—
Structure674,000 mi
Wheels6—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch5150,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery5—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly5—
Power train: axle assembly5—
Power train: driveline: differential unit5—
Suspension: rear599,000 mi
Visibility: windshield5—
Electrical system4115,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling450,100 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner4—
Fuel system, gasoline4—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump4—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings460,000 mi
Fuel system, other4—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft4—
Seat belts450,100 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper4—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads4—
Structure: body: door4—
Tires: sidewall420,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal4—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior4—
Air bags: side/window3—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3—
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system3—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch3—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)3—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift3—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch3—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft356,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum3—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections3—
Suspension: front: shock absorber3—
Tires: tread/belt3—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control369,013 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices3—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer3—
Electrical system: ignition2—
Electrical system: ignition: module2—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2—
Exterior lighting: back up lights2—
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch2—
Interior lighting2132,216 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter2—
Power train: driveline2—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2—
Service brakes, air: antilock2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum2—
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device2—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly2—
Structure: body: bumpers2—
Structure: frame and members2—
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs2—
Suspension: front: wheel bearing2—
Suspension: rear: shock absorber2—
Visibility: glass, side/rear2—
Wheels: rim2—
Child seat: base1—
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1132,216 mi
Electrical system: wiring1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system132,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1110,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1—
Equipment adaptive/mobility190,000 mi
Equipment: electrical150,100 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1—
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1—
Exterior lighting1—
Exterior lighting: brake lights1132,216 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights1—
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch1—
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1—
Parking brake: conventional1—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)1—
Power train: axle hubs1—
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1—
Power train: driveline: universal joint1—
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Seat belts: front: webbing1—
Seat belts: rear/other159,900 mi
Seats1—
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1—
Seats: front assembly: recliner1—
Seats: mid/rear assembly1—
Service brakes, air1—
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module1—
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: differential proportional valve1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1—
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1—
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting1—
Structure: body1—
Structure: body: tailgate1—
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments1—
Structure: body: trunk lid1—
Suspension: front: control arm1—
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1—
Suspension: multiple axle1—
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1193,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core1—

The 1997 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.