1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500?
The 1998 Dodge Ram 2500, especially with the legendary Cummins diesel, is a powerhouse of a truck, offering exceptional capability and durability if properly maintained. However, it's notorious for its Achilles' heel in the front suspension and steering, alongside significant rust susceptibility, demanding a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a commitment to ongoing maintenance.
Biggest Strengths
- 5.9L Cummins engine longevity and torque
- Heavy-duty chassis and impressive towing capacity
- Simple, robust mechanicals amenable to DIY repair
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
AFFINIA IS RECALLING 5,700 AFTERMARKET CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 28, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 17, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 1998 AND 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE DUST SEAL SUPPLIED WITH THE CHASSIS TIE RODS WERE MANUFACTURED TO THE WRONG SPECIFICATION. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE DUST SEAL MAY PREVENT THE BALL STUD OF THE CHASSIS TIE ROD FROM PROPERLY SEATING INTO THE TAPER OF THE VEHICLE STEERING KNUCKLE DURING AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
What breaks on the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Dodge Ram 2500 by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Dodge Ram 2500. Click any year for its full report.
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Relevant Products for Your 1998 Dodge Ram 2500
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