1998 Dodge RAM Wagon recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH POWER SEAT OPTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ATTACHING RISER WELDS WERE NOT CORRECT.
What could happen: THE SEAT ATTACHMENT STRENGTH WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER FRONT SEAT RISE WITH A RISER THAT WAS MIG WELDED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 RAM WAGON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V076000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH POWER SEAT OPTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ATTACHING RISER WELDS WERE NOT CORRECT.
Consequence: THE SEAT ATTACHMENT STRENGTH WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER FRONT SEAT RISE WITH A RISER THAT WAS MIG WELDED.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 1998. 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 CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1998 Dodge RAM Wagon owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Unknown Or Other (1), Steering (1), Brakes (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
03/28/2017 · Unknown Or Other · fire
AS WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE VAN STARTING MAKING WHIRRING SOUND AND STARTING LOSE SPEED. WE HEARD A LOUD POP. A CAR BEEPED AND MY HUSBAND LOOKED IN THE SIDE MIRROR AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE VAN. WE QUICKLY PULLED OVER AND JUMPED OUT. THE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING AND THE VAN ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WE TOTAL LOST THE VAN AND EVERYTHING IN IT. WE PUR…
01/16/2006 · Steering
I HAVE A DODGE RAM 1500 WAGON 1998, AND I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND KEEPS STALLING WHENEVER I TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THIS IS VERY WEIRD AND THE MECHANICS DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS COMPLAINT. THE ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR A WHILE AND NO ONE KNOWS WHY EITHER, BUT I DO NOT SEE ANY RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM E…
02/08/2001 · Suspension
SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED TWICE. SOMETIMES IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE. DEALER WOULD ADJUST IT. WHEN MAKING A HARD RIGHT TURN LEFT TIRE RUBBED AGAINST SWAY BAR. *AK
11/30/1998 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: DRIVE CLUTCH. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK