1998 Dodge B3500

1998 Dodge B3500

The 1998 Dodge B3500 is a full-size van offered with various engine and transmission options. It is known for its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and towing capabilities, but it also has some notable issues that owners have reported.

Engine

• 5.2L V8
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: Premature failure of the intake manifold gasket leading to coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and rough idling. Replacement of the gasket and associated parts is required. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Timing chain failure: Premature stretching or breaking of the timing chain, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced power, and eventual stalling. Replacement of the timing chain and related components is necessary. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3000+
• Spark plug blowout: Failure of the spark plug threads in the cylinder head, causing the spark plug to blow out under pressure. Symptoms include misfiring, rough idling, and loss of power. Repair involves extracting the broken spark plug and installing a thread repair kit or replacing the cylinder head. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
• PCV valve failure: Premature failure of the PCV valve, leading to excessive oil consumption and sludge buildup in the engine. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust, rough idling, and reduced power. Replacement of the PCV valve is typically sufficient to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200

• Head gasket failure: Premature failure of the head gasket, resulting in coolant and oil leaks between the cylinder head and engine block. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and white smoke from the exhaust. Replacement of the head gasket and associated parts is required. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+

• 5.9L V8
  • Engine knocking: Excessive knocking or tapping noise from the engine, particularly when under load. Symptoms may include reduced power, increased oil consumption, and eventual engine failure. Common causes include worn or damaged rod or main bearings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3000+
  • Valvetrain noise: Excessive noise from the valvetrain, such as ticking or tapping. Symptoms may include reduced power and poor engine performance. Common causes include worn or damaged lifters, camshaft, or rocker arms. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Oil pan gasket leak: Premature failure of the oil pan gasket, leading to oil leaks. Symptoms include oil spots under the vehicle and a noticeable drop in oil level. Replacement of the oil pan gasket is typically sufficient to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Fuel pump failure: Premature failure of the fuel pump, resulting in insufficient fuel delivery to the engine. Symptoms include difficulty starting, stalling, and reduced power. Replacement of the fuel pump is required to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic (46RE)
  • Transmission slipping or shuddering: Transmission hesitates or shifts erratically, causing a slipping or shuddering sensation. Symptoms may include reduced power, delayed engagement, and eventually transmission failure. Common causes include worn clutches or a faulty transmission control module (TCM). Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Torque converter failure: Premature failure of the torque converter, leading to transmission overheating and slipping. Symptoms include a burnt odor, reduced power, and eventually transmission failure. Replacement of the torque converter and associated parts is required. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Valve body issues: Internal problems within the transmission valve body, such as faulty solenoids or worn valves. Symptoms may include delayed or harsh shifting, loss of gears, and transmission overheating. Repair involves replacing or rebuilding the valve body. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
• 5-speed manual (NV4500)
  • Transmission noise: Excessive noise from the transmission, such as grinding or whining. Symptoms may include difficulty shifting and eventually transmission failure. Common causes include worn gears or bearings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Clutch issues: Premature wear or failure of the clutch components, such as the clutch disc, pressure plate, or throw-out bearing. Symptoms include difficulty shifting, slipping, or chatter. Replacement of the affected clutch components is required. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Synchronizer issues: Worn or damaged synchronizers, leading to difficulty shifting gears smoothly. Symptoms include grinding or clashing noises when shifting. Replacement of the synchronizers is typically necessary to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

Suspension

• Front suspension:
  • Worn ball joints: Premature wear of the ball joints, leading to reduced steering precision and excessive tire wear. Symptoms include clunking noises, vibrations, and a loose or unstable steering feel. Replacement of the ball joints is required to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Worn tie rod ends: Premature wear of the tie rod ends, resulting in reduced steering precision and excessive tire wear. Symptoms include a wandering or loose steering feel, and uneven tire wear. Replacement of the tie rod ends is typically sufficient to fix the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Failing shocks or struts: Worn or damaged shocks or struts, leading to reduced ride quality and handling. Symptoms include excessive bouncing, poor cornering stability, and a rough ride. Replacement of the shocks or struts is necessary to improve handling and ride comfort. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Rear suspension:
  • Worn leaf springs: Premature wear or breakage of the leaf springs, leading to reduced load capacity, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Symptoms include sagging in the rear, a rough ride, and potential contact with the axle or frame. Replacement of the leaf springs is required to restore proper ride height and handling. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Worn bushings: Premature wear of the suspension bushings, leading to increased noise, vibration, and reduced handling. Symptoms may include clunking noises, poor alignment, and a loose or unstable feeling in the rear end. Replacement of the bushings is typically sufficient to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Electrical

• Alternator failure: Premature failure of the alternator, resulting in insufficient charging of the battery. Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights, and eventually a dead battery. Replacement of the alternator is typically sufficient to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Battery drain: Excessive battery drain, leading to a dead battery even after short periods of non-use. Symptoms include difficulty starting, dim headlights, and a rapid loss of battery charge. Common causes include faulty electrical components or a parasitic drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Wiring harness issues: Premature failure or damage to the wiring harness, leading to electrical malfunctions. Symptoms may include non-functioning lights, gauges, or other electrical components. Repair involves identifying and repairing or replacing the affected wiring. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
• Fuse panel issues: Premature failure or damage to the fuse panel, leading to electrical malfunctions. Symptoms may include non-functioning lights, gauges, or other electrical components. Repair involves identifying and replacing the blown fuse or repairing the faulty fuse panel. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust or corrosion: Premature rust or corrosion on the body panels, frame, or undercarriage. Symptoms include bubbling paint, rust spots, and eventually holes in the metal. Repair involves removing the rust, treating the affected area, and applying protective coatings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the severity and location of the rust.
• Door handle failure: Premature failure of the door handles, making it difficult or impossible to open the doors. Symptoms include broken or loose handles and difficulty engaging the latch mechanism. Replacement of the door handles is typically necessary to resolve the issue. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Tailgate issues: Premature failure of the tailgate components, such as the latch, hinges, or cables. Symptoms may include a loose or rattling tailgate, difficulty opening or closing the tailgate, and eventually tailgate failure. Repair involves replacing or repairing the affected components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Interior

• Dashboard cracks: Premature cracking or warping of the dashboard, particularly on models exposed to excessive heat or sunlight. Symptoms include visible cracks or distortions on the dashboard surface. Repair involves replacing the dashboard or applying a dash cover. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ *