1998 Dodge Ram: recalls and complaints

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• 04V18500012 Apr 2004Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module
• 02V16100014 Jun 2002Vehicle Speed Control
• 01V1530008 May 2001Air Bags
• 01V04000012 Feb 2001Latches/Locks/Linkages / Hood / Latch
• 00V10700011 Apr 2000Trailer Hitches
• 99V1150006 May 1999Power Train / Clutch Assembly
• 99V0020007 Jan 1999Air Bags
• 98V2080008 Sep 1998Structure
• 98V2090008 Sep 1998Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel
• 98V2070008 Sep 1998Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel
• 98V1820006 Aug 1998Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
• 98V10500014 May 1998Seat Belts / Front / Buckle Assembly
• 98V0750008 Apr 1998Service Brakes, Air / Disc / Rotor

1. 04V185000Received 12 Apr 2004. 44,588 units.

   Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. Manufacturer campaign number D20. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Sep 2004.

2. 02V161000Received 14 Jun 2002. 97,500 units.

   Vehicle Speed Control

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. Manufacturer campaign number B15. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 29 Jul 2002.

3. 01V153000Received 8 May 2001. 216,100 units.

   Air Bags

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. Manufacturer campaign number 982. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 Jun 2001.

4. 01V040000Received 12 Feb 2001. 701,000 units.

   Latches/Locks/Linkages / Hood / Latch

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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."

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   If the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. Manufacturer campaign number 973. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 Sep 2001.

5. 00V107000Received 11 Apr 2000. 357,000 units.

   Trailer Hitches

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with optional trailer hitch. The trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material with insufficient strength.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Brackets built without proper material could fatigue and fracture in the area where the trailer hitch mounts to the frame.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. Manufacturer campaign number 872. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 24 Apr 2000.

6. 99V115000Received 6 May 1999. 8,883 units.

   Power Train / Clutch Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.

   Report filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. Manufacturer campaign number 828. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Dec 1999.

7. 99V002000Received 7 Jan 1999. 46,193 units.

   Air Bags

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will replace the aecm with a module that incorporates revised hardware and software on all affected vehicles.

   Report filed by DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. Manufacturer campaign number 816. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 15 Feb 1999.

8. 98V208000Received 8 Sep 1998. 12,400 units.

   Structure

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.

   Report filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Sep 1998.

9. 98V209000Received 8 Sep 1998. 30,747 units.

   Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   This creates a signal which is misinterpreted by the engine control software, causing a high idle speed condition.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Dealers will replace the engine controller software to correct erroneous speed sensor signals.

   Report filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 28 Sep 1998.

10. 98V207000Received 8 Sep 1998. 25,014 units.

    Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    This condition can allow fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will replace the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube.

    Report filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 14 Sep 1998.

11. 98V182000Received 6 Aug 1998. 8,144 units.

    Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Report filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 Aug 1998.

12. 98V105000Received 14 May 1998. 4,200 units.

    Seat Belts / Front / Buckle Assembly

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front seat belt buckles were not properly riveted to the support strap.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat belt assembly would have reduced strength, increasing the risk of personal injury.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will replace the front outer seat belt buckles with buckles that have been properly riveted.

    Report filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 1 Jun 1998.

13. 98V075000Received 8 Apr 1998. 1,550 units.

    Service Brakes, Air / Disc / Rotor

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    This fracture can result in crack propagation around the wheel mounting bolt circule ultimately resulting in a wheel separation.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and if necessary, replace these rotors.

    Report filed by CHRYSLER CORPORATION. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 25 May 1998.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.

• 1998 Dodge Ram
• All 1998 vehicles

The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 26.

Complaints that report a crash

79

Complaints that report a fire

6

Injuries in the complaints

52

Deaths in the complaints

3

Date of the newest complaint

28 Jan 2012

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

The NHTSA investigation file has no investigation that names this model year.

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

1. 19760
2. 19770
3. 19790
4. 19810
5. 19830
6. 19840
7. 19850
8. 19860
9. 19870
10. 19880
11. 19890
12. 19900
13. 19912
14. 19921
15. 19930
16. 199418
17. 199512
18. 199610
19. 19977
20. 199813
21. 19999
22. 20006
23. 20019
24. 20022
25. 20032
26. 20041
27. 20050
28. 20060
29. 20071
30. 20082
31. 20095
32. 20105
33. 20114

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

• Dodge Ram: all model years
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• NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
• NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
• NHTSA page of the 1998 Dodge RamThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 1998 Dodge Ram?

1,553,319 units in 13 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.

How many recall campaigns does the Dodge Ram have for all model years?

NHTSA lists 63 recall campaigns for the Dodge Ram, model years 1976 to 2011. 13 of them name the 1998 model year.

Which component do the complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram name most often?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 129 of 644 component mentions, or 200.3 per 1,000. For all 1998 vehicles the figure is 107.5 per 1,000.

Is an NHTSA investigation of the 1998 Dodge Ram open?

The NHTSA investigation file has no investigation that names this model year.