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.

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.

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!!!

Faults:

Intake manifold gasket blew out.

Transmission problems - overdrive shuts off and the transmission overheats.

General Comments:

Very poor service by Chrysler and Dodge.