1997 Dodge RAM
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1997 Dodge RAM. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1997 Dodge RAM. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. these headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall began on august 1, 2006. owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines only, the throttle linkage joints can corrode and cause the throttle to bind or stick.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rod ends and ball studs. owner notification began july 29, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. note: the RAM pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11TH vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11TH vin position) from may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. the driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. owner notification began june 18, 2001. also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the primary latch IS not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. owner notification began september 17, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, V10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Vehicle description: van and wagon model passenger vehicles. if water/road salt gets on the interior floor of the vehicle in the proximity of the air bag electronic control module (aecm), the aecm can corrode. the resulting corrosion can cause the driver side air bag to deploy inadvertently.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash and personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers wil replace the aecm with an aecm that IS sealed from moisture intrusion.
Vehicle description: light duty trucks equipped with diesel engines. the exhaust pipe contacts or IS in close proximity to the outer dash panel silencer pad.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the exhaust pipe generates sufficient heat, the pad material can smolder and ignite adjacent materials resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the dash silencer pad adjacent to the exhaust pipe and replace this pad with a thermal heat shield on the exhaust pipe.
Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
Risk and remedy
Risk
When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
Owner complaints
398 complaints42 involved a crash18 involved a fire33 injuries7 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Cracked dash.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM. The contact stated that the fuel tank fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by normal wear and tear. The dealer stated that the contact should have paid more…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM. The contact stated that the fuel tank fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by normal wear and tear. The dealer stated that the contact should have paid more attention to the straps because they are designed to eventually wear out. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 109,000.
- Parking brake · Power train › Automatic transmission
Park position with ignition key in the lock position, vehicle shifter moved out of park , knocked owner down and ran over me, continued to roll back hit second car, continued to keep going until it hit a curb. This was a very dangerous and could have caused other accidents. Consumer sent in a fax copy of the internet voq. *kb *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM. after stopping the vehicle, the engine and oil lights illuminated. the dealer diagnosed the failure on three occasions and stated that the compressor sensors were low and advised the contact to add two quarts of oil per week. however, the oil light continued…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM. after stopping the vehicle, the engine and oil lights illuminated. the dealer diagnosed the failure on three occasions and stated that the compressor sensors were low and advised the contact to add two quarts of oil per week. however, the oil light continued to illuminate intermittently. the contact did not confirm if the vehicle had antilock brakes. the vin was confirmed, but appears to be invalid. the failure mileage was 133,200 and current mileage was 134,400.
- Tires › Tread/belt
1997 dodge RAM left front tire had tread separation. *kb the separation caused damaged to the vehicle. Ohio traffic crash report. *Jb
- Electrical system · Structure
97 dodge RAM customer states that the dash has many cracks and the front speakers are not working and with several unexplained electrical issues**cc *tr
- Structure
The 1997 doge RAM dashboard started cracking, and now there was a large hole in the center of the dashboard. *Ak
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM. the contact stated that the vehicle's dashboard has begun to crack. the crack travels from the windshield down to the front of the dashboard. the dashboard has continued to crack into tiny pieces. the engine size and number of cylinders are not available. The current mileage IS 169,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. the dealer contact information IS also unavailable.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* - the contact stated that approximately 2- 3 days after purchasing the vehicle had difficulties inserting the key into the ignition. the contact stated the key became stuck ,and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the steering column was replaced for the third time . the contact stated…
TL* - the contact stated that approximately 2- 3 days after purchasing the vehicle had difficulties inserting the key into the ignition. the contact stated the key became stuck ,and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the steering column was replaced for the third time . the contact stated that she did not get the vehicle back from the repair shop between the second and third replacement. the repair shop put the steering column in wrong position , and advised her they would need to order a new one. also, they cut the air bag when replacing the steering column. the vehiclewas a 1997 dodge RAM . *Ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
TL*- the contact has a 1997 dodge RAM with an odometer reading of 70000. on 12-18-06 while driving in dry weather conditions at 25 mph the hood unlatched. The contact was able to move to the side of the road without a crash. The contact found that there was recall (01v040000). he then took the…
TL*- the contact has a 1997 dodge RAM with an odometer reading of 70000. on 12-18-06 while driving in dry weather conditions at 25 mph the hood unlatched. The contact was able to move to the side of the road without a crash. The contact found that there was recall (01v040000). he then took the car to the dealer, and they took pictures of the vehicle and sent them to the manufacturer. They told the contact that they were no longer liable for the recall because they notified him, and he did not have it repaired.*ak updated 1/29/2007 -*nm the consumer would like a response to his complaint. Updated 04/19/07. *Jb updated 05/23/07
- Tires › Tread/belt
Dt: the contact stated two of continental contitrac tires have defects. the tire size IS lt23585r16. the front passenger tire blew out while driving, causing damage to the fender, door, and bumper. he sent the tire to the manufacturer for inspection. they denied the claim for…
Dt: the contact stated two of continental contitrac tires have defects. the tire size IS lt23585r16. the front passenger tire blew out while driving, causing damage to the fender, door, and bumper. he sent the tire to the manufacturer for inspection. they denied the claim for reimbursement of the damage done to the vehicle. The manufacturer insisted that the tire defect was caused by running over something on the highway. this tire was replaced. one month later,the contact was looking at the front of driver's side tire and a foot long air bubble appeared, and the metal cord came out of the tire. this tire has not been replaced. he contacted the manufacturer, and asked the contact to send back the first tire. he did not tell the manufacturer about the defect with the second tire. he planned on taking both tires to the dealership for inspection. *ak
- Suspension › Multiple axle
Dt: the contact stated while driving 55 mph the axle broke, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and hit a chain link fence, then go to the other side of the road and jump a ditch. the contact was able to tow the vehicle to his house himself. the axle snapped off at the bearing where it…
Dt: the contact stated while driving 55 mph the axle broke, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and hit a chain link fence, then go to the other side of the road and jump a ditch. the contact was able to tow the vehicle to his house himself. the axle snapped off at the bearing where it bolts to the hub. the wheel was not damaged when this happened. the dealership stated if he had hit something the wheel would be damaged. the contact has not yet been to a physician, but was experiencing back pain. the vehicle has not yet been repaired. *ak
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
Nar 1/15/2003. The consumer discovered a design flaw with the fuel tank metal support straps. The flaw may cause the fuel tank to drop from the truck onto the ground and start a fire or explosion. The fuel tank support problem was due to metal stress based on the poor design of the holding straps.…
Nar 1/15/2003. The consumer discovered a design flaw with the fuel tank metal support straps. The flaw may cause the fuel tank to drop from the truck onto the ground and start a fire or explosion. The fuel tank support problem was due to metal stress based on the poor design of the holding straps. The consumer this problem when he went to look under the vehicle and noticed the rear portion of the fuel tank was hanging low at the same time he noticed the metal strap was hanign loose, he crawled under the truck ans saw the rear tak strap was broken allowing the entire fule tank to be supported only by the front tank strap.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Front hood flew open while driving 40-50 mph, causing damages to the hood and the hood hinges. Dealer was not notified.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
The consumer states the front brakes have failed completely. The dealer states the vehicle was riding only on the caliper and the left rotor has cracked. . Please provide additional information. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Consumer stated that while driving headlamps went out, and they won't come back on. he checked the fuses and other parts and nothing worked. this happened on friday. all the inside panel lights were on. He was not able to drive vehicle at night.*ak
- Unknown or other
Paint began peeling off on the roof of the truck approzimately 1 year ago. since then the all of the paint on the roof has peeled off and now the hood of the vehicle has started peeling.
- Unknown or other
My 1997 dodge RAM 1500 truck has severe paint delamination that began in 2001 and continues to get worse every year. I am in the process of going through small claims court because chrysler refuses to help me. They say that my vehicle IS out of warranty. I understand that chrysler had paint…
My 1997 dodge RAM 1500 truck has severe paint delamination that began in 2001 and continues to get worse every year. I am in the process of going through small claims court because chrysler refuses to help me. They say that my vehicle IS out of warranty. I understand that chrysler had paint problems with a defect at that time. Can you please send me some info on this? A manufacturers paint job should last more than five years. Please help.
- Power train
Would not shift, shifting roughly, check engine light stays on, high rpms
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Suspension · Unknown or other
- Power train · Unknown or other
The paint on my 1997 dodge RAM 1500 truck turned a milky white color on the hood and the top of the cab. estimated cost of repair to paint the truck IS $3,400. mileage on the truck IS 138,400 miles.
- Unknown or other
Paint peeling, of course
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering
Bad plenum gasket. Fuel and oil mix. and steering output shaft leaks a the gear box. And truck wont idle in the cold
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Passenger exterior mirror will not stay locked in position and folds back when pulling off from a stop. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
While driving, the consumer smelled a fuel odor inside of the vehicle. The consumer inspected the vehicle and saw fuel leaking from the fuel rail. *ak the fuel lines were cracked. the original fuel rails were plastic and the replacement rails were metal with different connectors. *sc *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat back failure
Odi has identified 30 incidents where it IS alleged the seat back collapsed in a rear impact crash.these incidents are alleged to have contributed to 23 injuries and two deaths.the data presented to odi show that the seat back strength of the front seats comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207.…
Odi has identified 30 incidents where it IS alleged the seat back collapsed in a rear impact crash.these incidents are alleged to have contributed to 23 injuries and two deaths.the data presented to odi show that the seat back strength of the front seats comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207. Seating system.according to daimlerchrylser the front seats were designed to collapse rearward in rear impact crashes as part of the energy absorptioncapabilities of the seating system to reduce the chance of serious injury to the occupant.rates of occurance were compared to peer vehicles, and it was shown that the performace of the subject vehicle was comparable to those vehicles.in view of the forgoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification remedy of a safety defect in the subject vehicles as defined by the petitioner at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therfore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's mission, the petition IS denied.for further details, refer to odi's response to the petition published in the federal register vol.69, no. 60 , dated march 29, 2004.
- Hood latch
Onmarch 20, 1995, daimlerchrysler filed a defect report for 181,008 1994 and 1995 dodge RAM trucks manufacturedc from january 21, 1994 - october 25, 1994 at the dodge city assembly plant and from march 26, 1994 - december 8, 1994 at the lago alberto assembly plant.the secondary hood latch rod could bind on the guide…
Onmarch 20, 1995, daimlerchrysler filed a defect report for 181,008 1994 and 1995 dodge RAM trucks manufacturedc from january 21, 1994 - october 25, 1994 at the dodge city assembly plant and from march 26, 1994 - december 8, 1994 at the lago alberto assembly plant.the secondary hood latch rod could bind on the guide bracket and prevent engagement of the secondary latch.if this occurs when the primary latch IS not engaged, the hood could fly up when the vehicle IS being driven and obstruct the drier's vision increasing the potential for a crash.the recall remedy was to replace the sedcondary hood latch.owners were notified in august of 1995.this recall rate as of 2/97 was 68%
- Transmission quick connectors
On april 17, 1997, the chrysler corporation filed a defect information report concerning approximately 800,000 1994 through 1997 dodge RAM pickups equipped with V6 or V8 engines and automatic transmissions, 1995 through 1997dodge RAM pickups equipped with the V10 engine and automatic transmission, and the 1995 and…
On april 17, 1997, the chrysler corporation filed a defect information report concerning approximately 800,000 1994 through 1997 dodge RAM pickups equipped with V6 or V8 engines and automatic transmissions, 1995 through 1997dodge RAM pickups equipped with the V10 engine and automatic transmission, and the 1995 and 1996 dodge RAM van/wagon equipped with automatic transmission.odi has received eleven reports concerning transmission leakages from the quick connector joints resulting in eight fires.the reported vehicles included are the 1994 and 1995 jeep wrangler, 1995 and 1996 cherokee, 1993 through 1996 grand cherokee, and 1994 and 1995 dodge dakota.the purpose of this investigation IS to examine the scope of recall 97v-084.closing summary: further investigation of consumer reports revealed that some of the transmission leakage was due to other connections along the cooling lines.in the fire incidents, there were indications that some of these vehicles were either used beyond the vehicle's towing capability or had improper transmission repair.in addition, the recalled RAM pickup trucks, 98v-084, have an exhaust manifold near the plastic quick connector joints which effectively presents a heat source to ignite the hot transmission fluid in the event of a leakage.the subject vehicles' quick connector joints are either too far, or positioned completely away, from a heat source or exhaust components.consequently, the fire reports of the subject vehicles are significantly less than those of the dodge RAM pickup trucks.based on the available information, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
- Clutch hydraulic line
Alleged plastic clutch tube may fail from exposure to exhaust heat, resulting in loss of clutch function and possible vehicle fire.
- Clutch hydraulic line failure
Alleged clutch line may melt and leak hydraulic fluid in the vicinity of the exhaust manifold.leaked hydraulic fluid could ignite and cause a vehicle fire.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10018993Illuminated mil as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have failed a california smog or state i/m test but without an illuminated mil, or a rattling sound from the underside of the vehicle. Catalytic converter extended warranty to replace the catalytic converter.
- 6089735This bulletin mentions that the front wheel bearing grease IS evident on the bearing seal area.
- 6089142Concerns with vehicle bucking. *Nlm
- 6089112This bulletin involves oil canning noise coming from box area. *Nlm
- 6089062Concern with water leaking through rear window. *Nlm
- 6089058Exhibiting windnoise (whistle) around grille area. *Nlm
- 6089056This bulletin involves driver's side wiper blade contracts a -pillar. *Nlm
- 6089032This bulletin involves transfer case shifter buzz or rattle. *Nlm
- 6089030This bulletin involves reverse buzz (46RE) *nlm
- 6088991This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation, inhibitor programming. *Nlm
- 6088972This bulletin involves lower steering column noise and/or mino lower steering column movement. *Nlm
- 6088962Customer may complain of steering wander. *Nlm
- 6088951Concern with clunk/rattle felt in steering column/wheel. *Nlm
- 6088941Information on shift linkage component identification. *Nlm
- 6088930Concerns with egr system failure with hex code $2E on 5.9L diesel. * nlm
- 6088886Concerns with erroneous mil illumination. Drivability improvement. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088882Information on diesel fuel injection pump tampering. *Nlm
- 6088863Concerns with whine or wowl while driving at hignway speeds. *Nlm
- 6088852This bulletin involves moaning noise coming from the accessory drive. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088814Vehicle may expereience inoperative cd player sales code raz radio. *Nlm
- 6088803Information regarding no start - engin failed to crank. *Nlm
- 6088789Concerns with high coolant tamperatures or overheating with snowplow attached. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 6088765Concerns with accelerated brake lining wear, front versus rear. *Nlm
- 6088754Subject regarding rear of vehicle sitting too low. *Nlm
- 6088539Severe paint chipping because the above vehicles may have been painted without using a full body anti-chip primer in the painting process.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 628237Customer may complain of high oil consumption, grey oil smoke coming out of the exhaust or breather tube, or mechanical knocking.
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620066Subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles.
- 618392Some customers may experience a situation in which the rear of the vehicle sits too high to attach their fifth wheel or goose neck trailer to the trailer hitch turnable.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612607Subject pertaining to air filter service.
- 612606Concerns with a buzz noise coming from the front door speaker(s).
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610616Some customers may comment on a squeaking / clicking noise from rear leaf springs.
- 610005Experiencing spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak.
Every Dodge RAM model year
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