4.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,175 miles

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problem #4

May 222002

Ram 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 46,700 miles
I was driving my 1998 Dodge Ram 4X4 extended cab 1500slt 318 motor on the freeway doing 70-75 mph when I lost all power. I had no power steering or power brakes and was stuck in the fast lane on the interstate. I was finally able to get to the shoulder by cutting off another vehicle. I had my truck towed to lithia Dodge of roseburg and they said the intake manifold gasket was leaking. They also said this was a common problem with this model. It caused oil to blow down my exhaust and plug my catalytic converter which choked off my motor and caused the engine to die. They would not warranty this because the truck has 46000 miles on it. I don't understand why this wasn't recalled as I was lucky I didn't get in a wreck. I know two other people this same problem has happened to.

- Roseburg, OR, USA

problem #3

Sep 222003

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • 50,000 miles
Intake manifold gasket leaks which causes a mixture of oil and gas. As a result vehicle loses power and consumes excessive oil. There is a tsb 1001522 on this issue.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #2

Aug 242002

(reported on)

Ram 1500

  • miles
I have an ongoing problem with preignition (spark knock) in my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 318 cid/5.2L motor..at 24,896 miles, my dealer re-programmed the PCM and re-routed the spark wires. The spark knock continued. At 35,067 miles, the dealer adjusted the timing; I didn't think this could be done. The spark knock continued. At 43,281 miles, the dealer replaced the intake plenium gasket. The spark knock continued. At 45,093, the dealer replaced both engine heads. The spark knock continued. At 57,452 miles, I installed a colder thermostat and this helped somewhat, but the spark knock returned. And, today at 74,834 miles I installed a set of truck spark plugs to see if that will help. The bottom line is that this truck has an inherint defective design in the engine which is being prematurely worn out due to spark knock. I would like the NHTSA to investigate, and help me in securing a replacement for my problem plagued lemon. Thank you!

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #1

Apr 242002

Ram 1500

  • miles
While on a busy highway consumer heard a rattling noise coming from engine. Consumer thought noise was coming from fuel that was put in earlier, changed fuel, but the rattling noise was still present. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated intake manifold was leaking.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA