1998 Dodge RAM Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (abs), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the abs control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.

Risk: This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the abs control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.

Risk: This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. Owner notification began july 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th vin position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.

Risk: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

Fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Problem: On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri. Corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could cause the mechanism to bind in the "release position."

Risk: If the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.

Fix: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. Owner notification began september 17, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with optional trailer hitch. The trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using material with insufficient strength.

Risk: Brackets built without proper material could fatigue and fracture in the area where the trailer hitch mounts to the frame.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the trailer hitches and replace any trailer hitch showing signs of fatigue cracking. If no evidence of cracking exists, the dealer will install two reinforcement brackets.

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.

Risk: The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.

Problem: Vehicle description: vans and vans used for conversion. If a heavy object impacts the metal casing of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), located under the driver seat, the module could inadvertently deploy the air bags.

Risk: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the aecm with a module that incorporates revised hardware and software on all affected vehicles.

Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9l - 24 valve diesel engine. The low pressure diesel fuel supply tube located in the engine compartment between the filter and the high pressure pump can fracture.

Risk: This condition can allow fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube.

Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. These vehicles may have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. The bolts were used to attach the cab and the core support to the frame.

Risk: This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.

Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9l - 24 valve diesel engine. An intermittent high engine idle condition can occur due to a malfunction of the vehicle speed sensor.

Risk: This creates a signal which is misinterpreted by the engine control software, causing a high idle speed condition.

Fix: Dealers will replace the engine controller software to correct erroneous speed sensor signals.

Problem: Vehicle description: light duty trucks equipped with either a 8.0l v-10 engine or a 5.9l v-8 heavy duty gasoline engine. An exhaust system heat shield attaching screw is too close to the underbody fuel line. The line can rub against the screw, possibly causing fuel leakage.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will remove the underbody heat shield attaching screw and replace it with rubber adhesive. The chassis fuel line will be inspected for signs of wear and any tubes indicating wear will be replaced.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front seat belt buckles were not properly riveted to the support strap.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat belt assembly would have reduced strength, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front outer seat belt buckles with buckles that have been properly riveted.

Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.

Risk: This fracture can result in crack propagation around the wheel mounting bolt circule ultimately resulting in a wheel separation.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and if necessary, replace these rotors.