1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems: 4 Known Issues
1998 model year · 1,350+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,350+ owner reports, the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 5.9L Magnum Plenum Gasket Failure ($150-$500 repair) and 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure ($150-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 5.9L Magnum Plenum Gasket Failure with 500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls18 recalls
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 28, 2004, to August 3, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized spline on the pinion gear.
AIR BAGS
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
+ 13 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Dodge Ram 1500 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,350+ owner reports, the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 5.9L Magnum Plenum Gasket Failure, 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure, Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage (V8 Engines). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?
The 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 has 4 known issues documented across 1,350+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 5.9L Magnum Plenum Gasket Failure and 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram 1500 problems?
Repair costs for known Dodge Ram 1500 issues range from $150 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 5.9L Magnum Plenum Gasket Failure, typically costs $150-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1994-2003 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L Magnum Plenum Gasket Failure?
The 5.9L Magnum V8 intake manifold plenum gasket is a well-known failure point. The factory gasket degrades and allows engine oil to be drawn into the intake, causing oil consumption, misfires, and loss of power. The plenum pan sits atop the intake manifold and the gasket between… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: high.
What is the 1996-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure?
The 46RE (V8 gas) and 47RE (diesel) 4-speed automatic transmissions in Ram 1500 trucks are prone to premature failure, particularly the overdrive unit, governor pressure solenoid, and torque converter lockup. These transmissions are based on the venerable A727/A518 Torqueflite de… Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1994-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage (V8 Engines)?
Exhaust manifold bolts break due to heat cycling, causing exhaust leaks with a ticking sound on cold start that diminishes as the engine warms up. The 5.7L Hemi and 5.9L Magnum are both affected. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Dashboard Cracking and Warping?
The dashboard on 2nd generation Ram trucks (1994-2002) is notorious for developing severe cracks and warping, especially in hot climates. The ABS plastic used deteriorates from UV exposure and heat cycling. Cracks typically begin around the defroster vents and spread across the e… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.