1998 Dodge RAM Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the 1998 Dodge RAM, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 93,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “applying brakes” (13% of reports).
- 107service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- 93,500median miles at failure
- 15mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Applying brakes: mentioned in 14 of 107 complaints (13%)
- Brake pull: mentioned in 7 of 107 complaints (7%)
- Stopping distance: mentioned in 7 of 107 complaints (7%)
- Anti lock: mentioned in 7 of 107 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 4 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 107 complaints, 15 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury.
Dodge RAM service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 RAM | 3 | 12% | 14,100 |
| 2007 RAM | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2005 RAM | 5 | 13% | 11,000 |
| 2004 RAM | 5 | 9% | 23,000 |
| 2003 RAM | 4 | 8% | 10,000 |
| 2002 RAM | 13 | 11% | 33,000 |
| 2001 RAM | 32 | 10% | 30,000 |
| 2000 RAM | 23 | 16% | 72,000 |
| 1999 RAM | 82 | 22% | 60,497 |
| 1998 RAM | 107 | 22% | 93,500 |
| 1997 RAM | 78 | 20% | 82,500 |
| 1996 RAM | 170 | 27% | 112,725 |
| 1995 RAM | 147 | 24% | 52,688 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram van with aftermarket bendix brakes (model number: 13481).the contact was driving 10 mph when the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond, causing the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. There were no injuries.the contact did not call…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed. The brake indicator light also illuminated. The brakes also failed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for a…
While driving,the consumer tried to avoid another vehicle that was coming inside of the lane. When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and hit a guard rail and flipped into a ditch. Both air bags did not deploy…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1998 Dodge RAMs have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 107 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the 1998 Dodge RAM (22% of the 483 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Dodge RAM service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 1 safety recall list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems start?
The median reported mileage is 93,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the 1998 Dodge RAM?
The most frequent phrase is “applying brakes”, in 14 of 107 complaints, followed by “brake pull” (7).
Other 1998 Dodge RAM problems
- Power Train problems (80)
- Air Bags problems (66)
See all 1998 Dodge RAM problems or service brakes, hydraulic problems across all RAM years.