Sell your 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 for cash

The 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 is a pickup truck that came with a choice of 3.9L 6-cyl, 5.2L 8-cyl and 5.9L 8-cyl engines. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1998 Dodge Ram 1500 at a glance

Body styleStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines3.9L 6-cyl, 5.2L 8-cyl, 5.9L 8-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
DriveRear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy11–14 city / 15–20 highway / 12–16 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$4,200–$5,600 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂555–741 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA9 configurations: Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD
Age28 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 Ram 1500's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a pickup truck, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the structure, typically around 91,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 1998 Ram 1500 problems

Owners have filed 520 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with NHTSA. 66 reports involved a crash and 16 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 56 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Structure83
  • Power Train34
  • Air Bags33
  • Air Bags29
  • Unknown or Other24
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic22

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Structure91,000 mi
  • Power Train92,000 mi
  • Air Bags103,000 mi
  • Air Bags110,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other89,000 mi
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic69,000 mi

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 17 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Structure5
  • Equipment4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling3
  • Electrical System2
  • Air Bags1
  • Electrical System1

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · 08-049-20

    Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging system

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 2020 · DOR-X6W2U-06

    This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the elec

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Selling a 1998 Ram 1500: questions

How much is a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1998 Ram 1500 that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1998 Ram 1500s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 Ram 1500?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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