The 1998 Dodge Ram has 18 recalls, the most serious involving multiple fire risks, a brake rotor that can crack and shed a wheel, and airbags that can deploy without warning.
Several recalls involve fire hazards. On trucks with the 8.0L V-10 or 5.9L V-8 gasoline engines, an exhaust heat shield screw sits too close to the underbody fuel line and can wear through it, allowing fuel to leak near an ignition source. Trucks with the 5.9L 24-valve diesel engine have a low-pressure fuel supply tube in the engine compartment that can fracture and leak, with the same fire risk. On van variants, battery acid leaking onto the anti-lock brake module connector can cause a short circuit and fire. The airbag concern also applies to vans: a heavy impact on the airbag control module under the driver's seat can trigger unintended deployment.
On the structural side, brake rotors on certain trucks lack sufficient material strength and can develop hub cracks that spread around the wheel bolt circle, eventually separating the wheel. Trailer hitch side brackets can fatigue and fracture where they mount to the frame. Some trucks also have cab and heater core support bolts that were not properly hardened, which can reduce crash protection.
Seatbelt buckles on some Club Cab and Quad Cab models were not properly riveted to their support straps and may not hold full load in a crash. A vehicle speed sensor malfunction can cause an unexpected high idle, making the truck accelerate beyond what
At a glance
What can fail
Aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, damaging its sealing integrity on certain vans and wagons with 4-wheel antilock brake systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Trailer hitch side brackets may be made from material too weak to handle stress. Over time, the brackets can crack where the hitch connects to the frame, potentially causing the trailer to separate from the truck.
What the fix does
Technicians will inspect the hitch. If cracking is found, the hitch will be replaced. If no cracks exist, reinforcement plates will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer hitch side brackets are made from material that isn't strong enough and may crack over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hitch for cracks and replace it if found, or install reinforcement brackets if it's sound.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine's computer (PCM) wasn't programmed correctly, so the emission maintenance reminder light doesn't turn on when it should.
What the fix does
The engine computer will be reprogrammed with the correct settings to make the emission maintenance reminder light work properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel management system advances fuel injector timing to improve highway fuel economy, but this causes nitrogen oxide emissions to exceed legal limits.
What the fix does
The engine controller software will be reprogrammed to bring emissions into compliance.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control module under the driver seat can accidentally trigger air bag deployment if struck by a heavy object.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag control module with an updated version that has improved hardware and software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vehicle speed sensor can malfunction, causing the engine to idle at unexpectedly high speeds. This may make the vehicle harder to control.
What the fix does
The engine computer software will be updated to handle incorrect speed sensor signals.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low pressure diesel fuel supply tube in the engine compartment between the filter and high pressure pump can fracture and leak fuel, risking an engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
The steel low pressure diesel fuel supply tube will be replaced with a rubber isolated tube.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles have bolts connecting the passenger cab and heater core support to the frame that weren't properly hardened. These soft bolts may not protect the cabin during a crash.
What the fix does
The bolts attaching the core support and cab to the frame will be replaced with properly hardened bolts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure diesel fuel supply tube in the engine compartment, which connects the fuel filter to the high-pressure pump, can develop cracks and break.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the low-pressure diesel fuel supply tube with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vehicle speed sensor can malfunction, causing the engine to intermittently idle at an abnormally high speed.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine controller software to correct how it processes speed sensor signals.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On some vehicles, an exhaust heat shield screw sits too close to the fuel line underneath. Vibration and movement during driving may cause the fuel line to rub against the screw, eventually leading to fuel leakage.
What the fix does
The screw will be removed and replaced with rubber adhesive. Any fuel tubes showing wear damage will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An exhaust heat shield screw is positioned too close to the underbody fuel line. The fuel line can rub against the screw and develop a leak.
What the fix does
The heat shield screw will be removed and replaced with rubber adhesive. The fuel line will be inspected for wear and replaced if damaged.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On some Club Cab and Quad Cab vehicles, the front outer seat belt buckles may not be properly riveted to the support strap, which could weaken the seat belt assembly.
What the fix does
Front outer seat belt buckles will be replaced with properly riveted buckles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt buckles are not properly riveted to the support strap, which could cause them to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front outer seat belt buckles with properly riveted buckles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some brake rotors may have weaker material than designed, causing them to wear out faster and potentially crack around the wheel bolt holes, which could lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Brake rotors will be inspected and replaced with properly manufactured rotors if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake rotor material may not be strong enough, which can cause the hub to develop fatigue cracks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The emission control information label on your truck incorrectly identifies it as a 1997 model, causing non-compliance with emission standards.
What the fix does
Corrected labels and installation instructions will be mailed to you for replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
