4.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,736 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 Van 1500 suspension problems

suspension problem

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1998 Dodge Ram Van 1500 Owner Comments

problem #11

Jul 192013

Ram Van 1500 6-cyl

  • 161,000 miles

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

Some Dodge Ram vans have a latent defect in the frame that is very dangerous. As far as I can tell, there is no recall even though the internet is littered with complaints, incidents and accidents due to failure of the frame in one spot. I believe that the ac runoff is vented directly into the frame which, over time results in the eventual failure of the frame at the point where the suspension and steering are located - this results in loss of control of the vehicle. There is no easy way to correct this problem short of replacing the whole frame. Dodge denies that this is a problem and blames this defect on road salt and conditions. This would be a valid assertion if the rest of the vehicle had rot problems elsewhere on the vehicle. Including the much more volatile body parts, which are in some cases, still solid and in good condition. This problem is prevalent in several years of this model truck. This problem is easy to check for and needs to be addressed by Dodge simply because the vans are getting older and this problem will be occurring more frequently.

- Dunmore, PA, USA

problem #10

May 222011

Ram Van 1500

  • 100,101 miles
While backing out of my parking space and turning the steering wheel I heard a loud pop/thump. Subsequently while driving down the road at 15mph the steering went out and the vehicle was uncontrollable. I had the vehicle towed to a repair shop. The cause of the break down was the front passenger side frame had rusted and cracked. This is where the steering is connected to. No repair was possible. I have contacted alternate repair sources of dealers, body shops, welders and metal fabricators without any success to get anyone willing or able to repair the frame. The vehicle is considered non-drivable and non-fixable.

- St. Clair Shores, MI, USA

problem #9

Dec 012001

Ram Van 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumers vehicle ran into a trailer on his property and ABS was defective, also brake drums were rusted, dealership was aware of problem. Consumer stated that headache bar and fuel tank, tires, fuel filter, steering stabilizer, front shocks, rear shocks, air filter, rear axle seal and fluid, rear transfer case seal and U-joints in rear drive shaft failed and replaced.

- Tower Hill, IL, USA

problem #8

Jul 292001

Ram Van 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Vehicle was going 10-15mph onto an exit ramp and back end started swaying left and right. Road was dry. Consumer let off gas and tapped the brakes lightly, and shortly vehicle came to a stop.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #7

Oct 271999

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
Vehicle pulling to the right then to the left intermittently. Drl has been notified.

- Lake Habasu, AZ, USA

problem #6

Feb 011999

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Suspension failure.

- Placentia, CA, USA

problem #5

Jun 171999

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles

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

At 35-45 mph vehicle vibrates. The dealer has put 5 sets of tires on the vehicle.

- Rutledge, GA, USA

problem #4

Apr 141999

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
Vehicle vibration, some at 22mph, worst at 43mph, dealer balanced tires 1st time in, still vibrated. Took back in 4 weeks later, dealer said 3 tires were way out of balance. Balanced again, still vibrates. Vibration intensity changes when wheels are rotated.

- Boulder Creek, CA, USA

problem #3

Oct 091998

Ram Van 1500 4WD

  • miles
Loud poping in the front end when turning, been in the shop 7 times for repir still not fixed

- Dexter, MO, USA

problem #2

Sep 011998

(reported on)

Ram Van 1500 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle jumps causing consumer to experience control problems when vehicle is going 40mph or higher.

- Villa Grov, CO, USA

problem #1

Aug 201998

Ram Van 1500

  • miles
When driving at 40mph it vibrates. When brakes applied the truck will pull to the right, .on any pavement, dealer contacted three times and in shop for other reasons, the problem still exists. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

- Henderson, NV, USA

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