1997 Dodge RAM 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 1500 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Dodge RAM 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500. Newest first.
Certain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, and 57-1530. also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. P5007069 and p5007070). all kits were manufactured from april 20, 1999, through september 23, 2004. these assemblies were…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
Remedy
K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. the recall began on april 20, 2006.
Owner complaints
361 complaints31 involved a crash14 involved a fire37 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Suspension
Noticed a high pitched whine coming from the rear of the vehicle about 30-40 seconds before the rear axle assembly locked up. Traveling on a secondary to a city street slowing to 30 mph. Axle assembly locked up at 45 mph causing a skid that was controlled. axle housing split, drive shaft detached, gear lube drained out and tires are severely flat spotted. Skid length was 115 ft.
- Unknown or other
My 97 RAM has about 95% of the dash missing. I have saved pieces of it and parts if the instrument panel IS broken off. I can be driving down the road,, hit a bump, and dash pieces will fall on the floor. Dodge needs to fix this.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 1500. While the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the cabin spontaneously filled with smoke and caught fire without warning. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
- Unknown or other
The dash IS completely busted and I think that it needs to be replaced and the reason why IS if I get into a wreck who am I going to blame whenever it short of my plastic dash comes to hit somebody in the face the neck or any other part of their body
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
While driving down the road the clip attaching the accelerator cable to the throttle body snapped causing a total loss of steering and effectivness of the brake. I had a 2 month old and my 3 year old in the truck as well.
- Unknown or other
The dashboard IS falling apart. There are numerous cracks and several pieces have broken off of it. I have contacted chrysler motor company. They have refused to replace the dashboard. They will not recall the dashboards on any RAM pickup even though this has been going on for over 20 years. If a…
The dashboard IS falling apart. There are numerous cracks and several pieces have broken off of it. I have contacted chrysler motor company. They have refused to replace the dashboard. They will not recall the dashboards on any RAM pickup even though this has been going on for over 20 years. If a piece comes off the dash and hits you in the face, it could cause you to swerve you truck and crash. There in lies the possibility for bodily injury.
- Air bags · Engine · Steering
"Takata recall" todays date 4-29-2016,i have a 1997 dodge RAM 1500 and I would like to know all the recalls on this truck.i have a few problems coming on with my truck.im needing a replacement air intake system its called engine and engine cooling. Suddenly I felt some shaking in front tires.i…
"Takata recall" todays date 4-29-2016,i have a 1997 dodge RAM 1500 and I would like to know all the recalls on this truck.i have a few problems coming on with my truck.im needing a replacement air intake system its called engine and engine cooling. Suddenly I felt some shaking in front tires.i still don't know what it was but my steering pump with out and now the steering gear box.everytime im finish working on one problem the next IS right behind.my dash board IS fall apart.dash board IS all in pieces.getting worst and worst everyday.last problem my air bag blew out and busted in my face.my truck was parked when it happened with the air bags,but I was driving down the road when the power steering with out. Please help me get my recalls on my truck and thank you so much.
- Wheels
In 3/8/2006 I was driving my 97 dodge RAM and suddenly I felt a shaking in rear tires and after that I tried to slow down braking but I lost the control of my truck and I saw my left rear tire passing beside me. The nuts were missing . I can see now that it's a manufacturer problem. How it can be corrected?
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
The hub went out on the vehicle and was replaced immediately with a new one. Drove approximately 10 miles and the brand new hub did the same exact thing. I can not figure out what keeps causing the issue nor can I afford to keep replacing them. I have had several dodge rams over the years and while…
The hub went out on the vehicle and was replaced immediately with a new one. Drove approximately 10 miles and the brand new hub did the same exact thing. I can not figure out what keeps causing the issue nor can I afford to keep replacing them. I have had several dodge rams over the years and while the hub does go out on them I have never had one go out right after putting it on. I have done my research and noticed this IS a very common occurrence with this year model truck. Something needs to be done.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Head lights go out when driving or sometimes flickers on/off when driving, traced wiring and noticed that wiring was burnt at pig tail connector which IS the head light switch at the part called bezel... Never had any trouble with it until this year and couldn't understand why wire burnt, the…
Head lights go out when driving or sometimes flickers on/off when driving, traced wiring and noticed that wiring was burnt at pig tail connector which IS the head light switch at the part called bezel... Never had any trouble with it until this year and couldn't understand why wire burnt, the plastic/bezel melted first rather than fuse tripping. This occurs when driving anywhere but it occurred first when I was headed to work at 3AM in highway 74 which IS mountainous and very curvy road... Extremely dangerous. I believe this IS a defective part and IS safety risk.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
The low beam headlights cut out while I was driving at night to the store a motorist flashed their lights at me while I was at a light.. Checked all fuses and had mechanic look it over. They narrowed it down to the steering column it will be 400$ to fix. The wire harness pin plug had overheated and…
The low beam headlights cut out while I was driving at night to the store a motorist flashed their lights at me while I was at a light.. Checked all fuses and had mechanic look it over. They narrowed it down to the steering column it will be 400$ to fix. The wire harness pin plug had overheated and melted. Almost caused a fire. I had smelled burning electric smell. Was only able to hold hi beam lever to keep hi beams engaged to be able to drive with lights till problem IS fixed.
- Steering · Structure › Body
When driving out of a hospital parking structure, when coming to the exit on the lowest level you must make a sharp right turn into the exit booth lane. When turning right, it was as if a "tooth" inside the steering gear broke off causing a collision with the rail while exiting the parking…
When driving out of a hospital parking structure, when coming to the exit on the lowest level you must make a sharp right turn into the exit booth lane. When turning right, it was as if a "tooth" inside the steering gear broke off causing a collision with the rail while exiting the parking structure. Now the steering has an excessive amount of play and while in the center of the (steering play) it IS as it binds or sticks at times where the "tooth" used to be on the steering gear. It has become quite dangerous to drive, especially at high speeds or on the interstate as the vehicle tends to wander now and follow the cracks in the road. I have owned dodge RAM pickups for the last 20 years since I bought my first brand new RAM pickup and let me tell you, they have all had issues with loose steering boxes, even the new one. But when they break, that IS a dangerous situation that people cannot see coming with a normal inspection as on the outside, wear IS undetectable. I have been an ase certified technician the better part of my adult life and this IS unacceptable. I am sure chrysler has investigated this issue already and found that it would just cost too much to recall all these vehicles to repair them but the least they could do IS sell a part priced at cost to share the burden with the consumer. It may save someone's life
- Air bags
I had been driving my 1997 RAM 1500 4X4 truck, I stop the vehicle, shut off the engine, opened the driver's door and started to step out of the vehicle. As I was half way out of the vehicle the driver's airbag went off, hitting my right shoulder as it deployed. I am very lucky it did not deploy a…
I had been driving my 1997 RAM 1500 4X4 truck, I stop the vehicle, shut off the engine, opened the driver's door and started to step out of the vehicle. As I was half way out of the vehicle the driver's airbag went off, hitting my right shoulder as it deployed. I am very lucky it did not deploy a second sooner. I wadded the bag up and taped the steering wheel back together, I guess the IS nothing else I can do. I worry now about my father, whom has a 1995 RAM 1500 4X4 truck. I looked up online and I see that only the 2003 RAM 1500 and newer trucks fall into the recall, but what are the chances that my father's truck might do the same thing as mine did last week, with his being 2 years older even.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Dash board IS all cracked and broken apart. With every bump in the road the dash shakes bad and worsens from the lack of no support holding it in place. With the a/c, heat, or defroster blowing out the vents plastic also blows out. Trying to clean out my eye when driving IS tough. Just waiting for…
Dash board IS all cracked and broken apart. With every bump in the road the dash shakes bad and worsens from the lack of no support holding it in place. With the a/c, heat, or defroster blowing out the vents plastic also blows out. Trying to clean out my eye when driving IS tough. Just waiting for the day I hit a bump and the dash falls to my feet. body would be the paint on roof and hood, discoloring and peeling off
- Power train · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 1500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the shaft and gear inadvertently detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
- Unknown or other
Dash board IS all in pieces. Getting worst and worst everyday. Going down the road the dash IS always shaking and bouncing around because there IS really nothing holding it in place now. I use to love this truck, bought it new in 1997, most of the time I don't like driving it anymore. updated 09/15/15*lj updated 11/07/2017*cn
- Air bags
While driving the vehicle the air bag light came on. After reaching my destination about 5 minutes or so later. I pulled into a parking space put the truck in park, turned off the ignition, opened the door and the drivers airbag deployed all by itself. Luckily I was sitting back in the seat…
While driving the vehicle the air bag light came on. After reaching my destination about 5 minutes or so later. I pulled into a parking space put the truck in park, turned off the ignition, opened the door and the drivers airbag deployed all by itself. Luckily I was sitting back in the seat starting to exit the vehicle when it deployed. Now I have been with this truck since it was purchased and it has never been in a accident. It actually set for a large part of its life because I drove a company vehicle for my job. I called the dodge dealer where we bought the truck and they said there was nothing they could do because of the age of the truck and told me I should contact dodge directly. I called dodge and explained what happened to the lady that answered and the first thing she asked was if I was injured. I told her luckily no but me or someone could have been killed if I would have been driving. She finished taking the report and said someone would contact me in 2-3 days. I received a letter from dodge about a week later stating that since there were no recalls or warranties listed for the truck per the serial number I should contact my insurance company and if they feel its a manufacturing responsibility ,they have subrogation rights. Now you would think dodge would want to know what made this happen for the safety of their customers. I have found that there was a recall on these trucks but my serial number was not involved in that recall. My truck IS in very good condition and I'm afraid the insurance company IS going to total it because of its age.someone needs to make these manufacturers stand behind their products especially when it involves the safety equipment. Any help in this matter you can provide would be appreciated.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, a strong fuel odor emitted from the cabin. An independent technician diagnosed that the fuel tank in house fuel line fractured prematurely causing the fuel to leak on top of the fuel tank and onto the ground. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, a strong fuel odor emitted from the cabin. An independent technician diagnosed that the fuel tank in house fuel line fractured prematurely causing the fuel to leak on top of the fuel tank and onto the ground. The mechanic advised that the fuel line need to be replaced but the parts needed were no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000. updated 5/29/15*cn updated 9/28/2017*cn
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that while trying to shift the vehicle out of park, it failed to shift. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an unspecified internal transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. The vin was not available.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
Dash starting cracking and falling apart, wires got messed up and some things don't work. Parts of the plastic of the dash come out the vents when you turn on the heat or air. Part with the vin went somewhere to parts unknown. *tr
- Structure
Bare bones of dash cracking/shattering cousins buttons/ instrument cluster/ switches to fall around and on me while driving. Cannot secure any thing in dash due to the cracking/ shattering of internal dash. Cannot secure bolts or clips to bare bones of dash . Cracking/ shattering has cause there to be no were to attach parts to.all of dash IS affected. *tr
- Air bags · Air bags › Frontal
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated after an un-related service to the vehicle. The warning light remained illuminated for several months. Later, while reversing from a service bay at approximately 5 mph, the driver side air bag…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated after an un-related service to the vehicle. The warning light remained illuminated for several months. Later, while reversing from a service bay at approximately 5 mph, the driver side air bag deployed without warning. The contact stated that the chemicals from the air bag caused burns to the face and eyes, which required medical attention. The contact jumped out of the driver side of the vehicle and was nearly run over by the vehicle that was still moving in reverse. The vehicle was diagnosed by a mechanic who advised the contact that the front air bag sensor failed and caused the inadvertent air bag deployment. The contact was also advised of nhtsa campaign number: 99v02300 (air bags: frontal). The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. Additionally, the manufacturer advised the contact that the parts needed for the recall repairs were no longer being manufactured. The contact was concerned because he had not been made aware of the recall until after the failure had been experienced. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. updated 12/09/14*lj
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 1500. While reversing at approximately 5 mph, the driver side air bag deployed independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the vin was included under nhtsa campaign ID number: 00v02300 (air bags). The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
- Structure
Alright so as I bought my truck and have asked around many places and all have the same type of rust and most of it IS where the idler arm bracket meets the frame at the front frame rail on the passenger side only and also the frame has been well taking care of you can look down the rest of the…
Alright so as I bought my truck and have asked around many places and all have the same type of rust and most of it IS where the idler arm bracket meets the frame at the front frame rail on the passenger side only and also the frame has been well taking care of you can look down the rest of the whole frame and its barely touched by rot and what happens IS it tends to rust out and then breaks and can cause a accident many people consider patching if its not too bad and many have junked it due to it being not replace able dodge has been contacted many times also and refuse to do anything about it something needs done about these cheaply made frames I've owned vehicles 9 years older and the frames where no where near rotted. *tr
- Structure
Dash started with small cracks, now huge holes and nothing really holding the dash up now!! *tr
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.
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.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10216005Part Description: Filter Assy - Trans Oil Sump Issue Description: When replacing the filter: Use 52118789 filter with 52118780AD pan. Use 3515996 filter with 52118804 pan. The 52118780AD pan is 0.59" deeper than the 52118804 pan and requires the 52118789 filter. Note: 52118780AD pan has the part number stamped into the pan, 52118804 does not. For Buzz, whining or moaning noise from cold transmission in Reverse reference TSB 21-08-99 For "Reverse Buzz (46RE) reference TSB 21-11-97
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10188700Part Description: Filter Assy - Trans Oil Sump Issue Description: When replacing the filter: Use 52118789 filter with 52118780AD pan. Use 3515996 filter with 52118804 pan. The 52118780AD pan is 0.59" deeper than the 52118804 pan and requires the 52118789 filter. Note: 52118780AD pan has the part number stamped into the pan, 52118804 does not. For Buzz, whining or moaning noise from cold transmission in Reverse reference TSB 21-08-99 For "Reverse Buzz (46RE) reference TSB 21-11-97
- 10188656When replacing the transmission pan: Replace 52118804 pan with 52118780AD pan AND 52118789 filter. The 52118780AD pan is 0.59" deeper than the 52118804 pan and requires the 52118789 filter.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 1013900968069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~
Every Dodge RAM 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.