1998 Dodge RAM VAN
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Dodge RAM VAN is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 139 on record.
1998 Dodge RAM VAN at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1998 Dodge RAM VAN recalls 1
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH POWER SEAT OPTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ATTACHING RISER WELDS WERE NOT CORRECT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER FRONT SEAT RISE WITH A RISER THAT WAS MIG WELDED.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1998 Dodge RAM VAN common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE Closed
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT. WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K). THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE E…
NHTSA #PE02082 · Seat Belts · opened Nov 2002 · closed Apr 2003An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 84
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 84.
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…
Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…
Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Bulletin 31-005-19 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
Bulletin 68332810A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2016Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM VAN. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Dodge RAM VAN. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Brakes
On certain vehicles, aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector and compromise the sealing integrity of the connector. This may allow development of a high resistance short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire. Correction: Dealer will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage, and replace the…
Transport Canada #2004129 · Apr 2004Engine
Certain Ram trucks equipped with a diesel engine. The potential is for the throttle control linkage joints to corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick, which could result in a loss of throttle control. Correction: Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs.
Transport Canada #2002107 · Jul 2002Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, impacts directly on the cover of the airbag electronic control module (AECM) located under the driver's seat could cause the airbag to deploy inadvertently. These impacts can be caused by tossing items under the driver's seat. Correction: Airbag control module will be replaced with a current production module that incorporates revised hardware and software…
Transport Canada #1999008 · Jan 1999Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the driver's side front power seat may not have adequate structural strength. The seat attaching welds were not made to specification, and as a result, the seat attachment strength is compromised. Correction: The driver's side power front seat riser will be replaced with a riser that is magnesium inert gas (mig) welded.
Transport Canada #1998100 · May 1998Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Dodge RAM VAN
The Dodge Ram Van is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. The B series replaced the forward control Dodge A100, transitioning to a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that shared components with the D series pickup truck and had a conventional exterior hood for engine access. The model range consisted of a cargo van, a passenger van marketed as the Dodge Ram Wagon after introduction of the Ram nameplate for model year 1980, and a cutaway van chassis which was dropped in 1979.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1998 Dodge RAM VAN vehicles on record
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M5WU513727
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M7WU513812
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M4WU549389
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M4WU546783
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7MXWU549347
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M8WU515942
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M0WU549194
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M1WU544182
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M9WU549100
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M7WU516063
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M0WU516082
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7BXWU549671
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M4WU546105
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7MXWU534945
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7MXWU513576
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M7WU549614
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7B2WU513540
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7MXWU543645
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M7WU515902
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M6WU546106
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M2WU549262
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7M1WU543680
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYN7B1WU549638
1998 Dodge RAM VAN1C4GYB7B4WU549034