1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems: 5 Known Issues
1998 model year · 1,100+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 has 5 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel ($150-$5,000 repair), Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure ($400-$1,200 repair), Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP) ($15-$8,000 repair), "Death Wobble" Front End Shimmy ($300-$1,200 repair) and Cummins Diesel Lift Pump Failure ($400-$900 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel with 400 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $15 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls16 recalls
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.
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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Dodge Ram 2500 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel, Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure, Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?
The 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 has 5 known issues documented across 1,100+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel and Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure and Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP) and "Death Wobble" Front End Shimmy and Cummins Diesel Lift Pump 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 2500 problems?
Repair costs for known Dodge Ram 2500 issues range from $15 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel, typically costs $150-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 47RE/48RE Automatic Transmission Failure Behind Cummins Diesel?
The 47RE (1994-2003) and 48RE (2003-2007) 4-speed automatic transmissions are the weak link in Cummins-powered Ram 2500 trucks. The factory transmissions were not designed to handle the massive torque output of the Cummins diesel, especially when tuned or used for heavy towing. O… Repairs typically run $150-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1994-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Front End Ball Joint Premature Failure?
Ram 2500 4x4 trucks are notorious for premature front end ball joint failure due to the heavy weight of the Cummins diesel engine and the demands of off-road and towing use. Both upper and lower ball joints wear out significantly faster than expected, sometimes as early as 30,000… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 5.9L 12-Valve/24-Valve Killer Dowel Pin (KDP)?
The 5.9L Cummins diesel engine has a potentially catastrophic design flaw known as the 'Killer Dowel Pin' (KDP). A small steel dowel pin in the timing gear housing can vibrate loose and fall into the timing gears, causing catastrophic engine damage including destroyed timing gear… Repairs typically run $15-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 "Death Wobble" Front End Shimmy?
Violent front end oscillation triggered by hitting a bump at highway speed, commonly called "death wobble." Caused by worn track bar bushing, ball joints, or steering stabilizer working in combination with the solid front axle. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 1998-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel Lift Pump Failure?
The factory mechanical lift pump (1998.5-2002) or electric lift pump (2003+) fails, causing the VP44 or CP3 injection pump to run dry and suffer premature wear. The injection pump costs far more than preventive lift pump maintenance. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: high.
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.