7.7

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,101 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 1500 suspension problems

suspension problem

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

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

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments

problem #19

Dec 202010

Ram 1500

  • 115,920 miles

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

The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 quad. The contact noticed that the front lower ball joints could not be lubed, causing the vehicle to make a loud scrapping noise when driving. Both the dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure who informed the contact that there were no recalls. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired for the failure. The current and failure mileage was 115,920.

- Bakersville, CA, USA

problem #18

Jul 142002

Ram 1500

  • miles
While driving vehicle pulls to left, which as a result of a design flaw. Axle wheel base is not the same measurement.

- Woodbridge, IL, USA

problem #17

Dec 042001

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
The vehicle vibrates (up/down) severely in the 40-45mph and 60-65mph range. Since the original tires were fairly worn, new tires were purchased and were force balanced by the dealership. The problem still persists with no solution in sight. Correspondence with daimler/Chrysler has not raised any concern or interest on their part. There is currently one other complaint in the ODI database identical to this one.

- Senoia, GA, USA

problem #16

Apr 012000

Ram 1500

  • miles

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

Defect in front and braking system.

- Rowlett, TX, USA

problem #15

May 232001

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
While driving at any speed and without prior warning vehicle sways all over the road, pulling extremely to right or left, cause unknown. Dealer replaced track bar.

- Rockford, MA, USA

problem #14

Nov 281998

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
This vehicle has displayed front end alignment problems, and parts in the front end keep loosening, after purchase noticed left front wheel is shimmed out further away from vehicle than the other wheels. I was told this is a normal procedure to "balance" the vehicle after manufacture. In light of all the front end problems I need to know if this truck is safe for my family to be driving. Has testing been done after the "balancing" proceedureto insure this vehicle complies to handling and safety specifications" do bolts loosening in the front end constitute a safety hazard" I have noticed the vehicle pulls right and sometimes seems to react with a rapid pull right to some road surface defects and has almost pulled the steering wheel from my hands. I have been working with Chrysler and the dealerships since day 1 and have gone through their dispute settlement process and was told my defects to not inflict any detriment to the value, safety or usefulness of the vehicle!

- Upton, MA, USA

problem #13

Aug 312000

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles

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

Vehicle pulls hard to the right when braking. The dealer and a local repair shop claims it is due to a worn front track bar, failing U-joints, and sway bar links. These parts should not be wearing out at this low of mileage. I am concerned with the upcoming winter driving conditions that loss of control is possible due to the poor handling with the defective parts.

- Baraboo, WI, USA

problem #12

Aug 032000

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
Truck pulls/tracks to right, causing excessive wear of right front tire. This is the same problem I had with the 1995 Dodge Ram 4X4 I owned. The problem was never fixed. Sold the 95 and bought the 98, the salesman, service manager, and sales manager assured me prior to purchasing the 98 the problems with the front ends pulling to the right were fixed. I currently have the vehicle in the dealers service department for a front end inspection. At first they told me it was an alignment problem without properly inspecting the suspention. Additionally they told me I would have to pay to have the front inspected. If an alignment was needed I would have to pay for that also due to the alignment is covered only to 12000 miles. I have done quite a bit of research myself talking with other consumers and viewing information available on the web concerning the front end problems on these vehicles and there substantial evidence that indicates a large amount of consumers are experiencing the very same problem.

- Panama City Bch, FL, USA

problem #11

Mar 121999

Ram 1500

  • miles
Vehicle out of alignment, caused excessive wear to tires. Mjs

- Hesperia, CA, USA

problem #10

Dec 011998

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
My 1998 Dodge Ram equipped with an automatic transmission shifts into neutral when hitting hard bumps in the road. Chrysler district manager says all Dodge Ram do this and I ought to drive a little slower. The ABS brakes have also fairled on a steep decline. The noise from the front end was horrendous and the wheels continued to roll with no effort to stop. Also the front end of this truck cannot be aligned. Dodge has attempted to correct the problem by installing aftermarket ball joints, however problem still exists and I have gone thru 3 sets of tires. If all Ram trucks shift into neutral then all should be off the road as mine is. I have received several calls from other owners having the same problem.

- Carson City, NV, USA

problem #9

Feb 011999

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Trucks front end oscillates when driving on concrete surface or grooved highway causing steering problems and vibration due to poor stability.

- Spring Val, CA, USA

problem #8

Jul 091999

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
Consumer hears noises coming from the front end when turning. Dealer says that the tires are worn because vehicle needs an alignment.

- Union Grove, NC, USA

problem #7

Feb 151999

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Everett, PA, USA

problem #6

Dec 121998

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
The defect is in the alignment of the truck and the engine. With the alignment set to manufacturer's specifications the truck still pulls out of the driving lane. Within ten seconds the truck will completely vacate the lane. The second problem is the engine has a "stumble" or miss-fire at idle. Again the manufactures states the engine is also within guidelines. The dealer claims there is an industry standard for alignment, but provides no written documentation on what the standards are or what the manufacturer's acceptable tolerances are specifically. Do you have anything which indicates alignment standards and engine timing.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #5

Sep 021998

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer expriencing on going problem with transmission jumping out of gear intermittently. Vehicle been in/out dealer shop on five occasions and problem still occurs. Dealer/mfr. Notified. The front right spring failed. The relay rod and the camber malfunctions.

- Carten City, NV, USA

problem #4

Feb 011998

Ram 1500

  • miles
Found suspension bolts loose on vehicle.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #3

Nov 241998

(reported on)

Ram 1500 4WD

  • miles
Suspension in front bounces violently on freeway causing temporary loss of control.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

problem #2

Jul 011998

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Front end suspension vibration.

- West Fork, AR, USA

problem #1

Aug 121998

Ram 1500

  • miles
The front wheels went into a tramble and vehicle was not controllable. Also seemed that the disc brake rotors had warped or cracked. No warranty. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

- Daviston, AL, USA

Not what you are looking for?