1998 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2

Summary:

Nice truck, but expensive

Faults:

Glutton for punishment as I own a 1998 5.2L and a 1999 5.9L Dodge Ram 1500.

To date these are the problems I have experienced with the 1998 Ram Sport, extended cab.

55,000 - AC evaporator replaced Self Repaired $300, Dealer wanted $890+

57,000 - Back-up switch defective $28+ Self Repaired.

69,000 - Output speed sensor replaced, Dealer Repaired $200+

69,900 - Surge Problem, Occurs at any speed 40, 50, 60. Cruise Control On or Off. Occurs when engine is cold or hot, idle is good. Tachometer varies or surges 250 to 300 RPM, no detectable acceleration. Diagnostics indicate no faults found. Problem still exists and not corrected.

70,000 - Steering Column clicking when turning. Dealer says no problem, leave as it.

75,000 - Engine would not start. The Dodge dealer could not isolate problem. However, they did find that; (1) the thermostat had a leak and (2) the "Intake manifold gasket leaks oil into valley into the engine." I was aware that Technical Service Bullitin 18-48-98, 09-05-00 had been issued. Dealer repaired $583+

94,000 - Differential replace. Dealer repaired $980+

General Comments:

Truck has a lot of response and better than my 5.9L Ram. If anyone has experienced the surge problem and solved the problem I would like to know.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th October, 2003

28th Nov 2003, 11:45

I own a 5.9 L 98 Ram and also have a surge problem at higher speeds. It started for me only in cruise control, but now occurs in or out of cruise and at varying speeds... I find it incredible irksome and fear it may be a sign that the tranny is failing. I have read about ram's speed sensors failing and figure it may also be the throttle position sensor. That said, I am going to start by switching the fluid and see if that helps. I too wish someone knew what was causing this!

1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4 x 4 5.9L

Summary:

If it was reliable it would be a good truck, but I've run out of room for lemons on the dash board

Faults:

Truck was a lease return and looked and drove like a really good deal, 25000km on the clock.

Check engine first came on 6 months after warranty expired, 41000km.

Dealer scanned, misfire on #8 cylinder, re-programed PCM as per the service bulletin, changed the spark plugs, and cleaned the throttle body, everything seemed okay.

Check engine light back on, #8 plug wire had fallen off. Cleared fault code.

Check engine light back on, scanned misfire #8, cleared fault code.

Check engine light back on, misfire #8, plug green with antifreeze, cracked cylinder head @ 54000km. 1700.00 to replace. Dealer suggested that it was a warranty issue.

Contacted Chrysler Canada, too bad so sad, you should have bought the extended warranty.

Hit a pot hole at 80kph (50mph) and lost the speedometer, ABS, cruise control and got another check engine light. On holidays, 200 km past the end of the pavement. Speed sensor gone, only 150.00. Mileage 61000km.

Check engine light back on, misfire on #1. spark plug green with antifreeze, cracked cylinder head @ 64000km. 1700.00 to replace. Dealer suggested again that it was a warranty issue.

Contacted Chrysler Canada again, truck now well out of warranty time, and just over typical warranty mileage. ~ Reply -Don't call us again regarding your vehicle.

Truck is now in trans shop getting a rebuild / upgrade for about $2500.00. Trans wasn't assembled correctly from the factory.

General Comments:

It's a truck, no problem hauling gravel, firewood, pulling the boat hauling the camper.

Passes a gas station only because of the 130 liter gas tank.

City mileage about 10-12 mpg (imperial).

Highway mileage between 18 and 21 depending on if you are on and off the throttle or on cruise control.

ABS works well.

Cab fairly well laid out, seats comfortable, good view out except the door posts.

Truck has overload springs, with the tires pounded up you feel every pebble on the road.

This is the last Dodge I will ever buy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st May, 2003

5th Jan 2004, 13:38

I own a 1994 Dodge ram 4x4 and The only problems that I have encountered are

1. Water pump leak at 98000 miles

2. oil pressure sensor out at 80000.

Other than that the only problem that I have is I have been broken into 4 times in the last 4 years. The last one ripped the dash board up pretty bad and I have been waiting for a dash for over a month. When I get a new truck it will either be a new Dodge or Ford.

Kelly.

1998 Dodge Ram SLT 8.0 liter

Summary:

A total lemon!!!

Faults:

1. It is a gas hog with no power

2. It shakes when traveling down the road, and it shakes violently when coming to a stop. $2,000.00 worth of brake repair later and it still shakes bad. Dealer hesitates greatly to repair since they think it is bad brakes and brakes are not warranted after 12 months.

3. Rear seals leaked into rear brakes. That is when the shaking started.

4. Only 32,000 miles and the front u-joints were loose and the steering track bar and steering linkage was already worn. This truck has never left the road.

General Comments:

This truck is a serious piece of junk. I will never step foot inside a dodge dealer again!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st July, 2002

17th Apr 2003, 07:26

I find it difficult to believe that you don't know what size your engine is. You certainly can't be very aware of the mechanical condition of your vehicle. Get to know your truck and you can avoid some of the problems you've had before they become large, expensive issues.

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 360 V8

Summary:

Piece of junk

Faults:

Intake manifold gasket blew out.

Transmission problems - overdrive shuts off and the transmission overheats.

General Comments:

Very poor service by Chrysler and Dodge.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th November, 2000

24th Apr 2001, 19:17

I am having the same problems with my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. constant overheating; dealer is not even willing to find out what is wrong with the vehicle.

I was told that my truck running above 210 was normal, my truck when the dealer mechanic looked at it was sitting around 240, I was told this was normal. I feel that I also bought a piece of crap, and the Dodge Corp. doesn't care.