1997 Dodge RAM 2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 2500 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Dodge RAM 2500. 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 2500. 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
213 complaints9 involved a crash14 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
While driving truck down road air bag exploded for no apparent reason , no large bumps or impacts to vehicle..Cab filled with dust and smoke Luckily was able to stop although my hearing is greatly impaired now..
- Tires
While driving a dodge RAM 2500, without any load and at a speed of 35 mph on a straight smooth road the rear right tire burst for no apparent reason. A local firestone dealer believes that the tire was punctured and at a low pressure. I do not believe that as a visual inspection prior to the trip which resulted in the blowout did not indicate a low pressure.
- Unknown or other
Frame rusting through and cracked near starring gear box and stabilizer bar bushing mounts.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the entire dashboard was cracked, to the point that pieces detach when going over a bump. The contact also stated that the front-end suspension was fractured, making it impossible for the vehicle to drive in a straight line. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the entire dashboard was cracked, to the point that pieces detach when going over a bump. The contact also stated that the front-end suspension was fractured, making it impossible for the vehicle to drive in a straight line. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. the failure mileage was not available. updated 03/09/16*lj *cn
- Tires
Dean mud terrain radial sxt lt265/75r16 manufactured january 2006. Tire's with 22,000 miles. Tread separated from casing causing a bubble, tire replaced. Second tire had a blowout three weeks later after tire inspection.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Travelling at night with high beams engaged when all lights went out. I made an emergency stop by the side of the freeway and the lights came back on. I proceeded and a few minutes later it happened again. Eventually I determined that it I left the high beams off it would not happen. took truck to…
Travelling at night with high beams engaged when all lights went out. I made an emergency stop by the side of the freeway and the lights came back on. I proceeded and a few minutes later it happened again. Eventually I determined that it I left the high beams off it would not happen. took truck to dealership and they diagnosed and replaced the multi function switch. Problem recurred about 1 month later. Replaced multi function switch on my own this time. Problem recurred again after about 6 months, this time hot/burning wires could be smelled. Took vehicle to independent mechanic and they finally diagnosed and replaced light switch in dash. By this time one of the wires had nearly burned all the way to the main harness. Replaced switch and all fine for about 2 years then it happened again. Been living with no high beams waiting for time to rig a relay to take load off switch. Chrysler has a recall for this problem but will not honor it due to my vin not being one of the targeted models... Complete [xxx]! *js
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the when adjusting the steering wheel, certain functions failed on the vehicle. The specifics on the functions that failed were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 225,000.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the headlight switch had failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that when driving at any speed and traveling over a road bump or pothole, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably. the contact replaced the front end tracking bar several times however the failure was not corrected. The contact also…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that when driving at any speed and traveling over a road bump or pothole, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably. the contact replaced the front end tracking bar several times however the failure was not corrected. The contact also stated that he had to shut the engine off in order to regain control of the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 3,500 and the current mileage was 119,600. updated 1/14/14*cn
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the pedal remained depressed even after contact removed their foot. The contact had to open the hood and physically engage the throttle cable in order for the pedal to…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the pedal remained depressed even after contact removed their foot. The contact had to open the hood and physically engage the throttle cable in order for the pedal to return to normal position. The contact noticed that the throttle cable was frayed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The vin was not available. The failure and current mileage was 142,000.
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked for several weeks and approximately one quarter tank of gasoline evaporated. The failure recurred fifteen times. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers but neither could determine the cause for the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked for several weeks and approximately one quarter tank of gasoline evaporated. The failure recurred fifteen times. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers but neither could determine the cause for the failure. Fifteen years passed and the contact began to smell gasoline when exiting the vehicle. He also noticed gasoline fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was leaking and based on the components that were surrounding the fuel pump, had been leaking for quite some time. The pressure relief roll over valve was identified as the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 6 and the current mileage was 43,385. updated 6/14/13 *cn
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Headlights stopped working while driving at night. Headlight switch IS not safe to handle load of electricity from the headlight and marker light wires. I have replaced switch 4 times and still same problem. Lights stop working because the switch melts and begins to burn. The recall for 1997 dodge RAM headlight switch should have been extended for all models built in that year. *tr
- Tires
Bought a set of b.f. Goodrich all terrain t/a ko lt235/85r16 lre dot bforuh21 on nov.21, 2011. My truck IS a 1997 dodge 2500 4X4 5.9L diesel. Had 217,260 miles on it. On wednesday, apr. 4, 2012 at about 10:30 p.m. My husband was driving us home. The rear passenger tire tread came completely off in…
Bought a set of b.f. Goodrich all terrain t/a ko lt235/85r16 lre dot bforuh21 on nov.21, 2011. My truck IS a 1997 dodge 2500 4X4 5.9L diesel. Had 217,260 miles on it. On wednesday, apr. 4, 2012 at about 10:30 p.m. My husband was driving us home. The rear passenger tire tread came completely off in one piece and all that was left on the rim was the perfect sidewalls. I see b.f. Goodrich has recalled this same tire before for the same problem. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
1997 dodge RAM 2500, with overheating head lamp switch. Concerns with the potential for fire! *tr
- Structure
1997 dodge RAM 2500 with dash disintegration. I believe the material used in this part to be defective and now poses safety issues! *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact stated that the fuel tank detached from the vehicle as a result of the straps being corroded. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop who diagnosed that the straps were broken due to corrosion. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 108,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact noticed an overpowering gasoline fuel odor in the vehicle. He later discovered a fuel leak and contacted the manufacturer in regards to the failure. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact noticed an overpowering gasoline fuel odor in the vehicle. He later discovered a fuel leak and contacted the manufacturer in regards to the failure. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 97v199000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) and any repairs would be at the contacts expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
- Structure
I have a 1997 dodge 2500 dodge RAM pickup. The dashboard began cracking in 2008. The problem began as hair line cracks at the base of the windshield. Over the past two years the dashboard has increasingly gotten worse. Now the entire dash has cracked with large gaping holes. A section approximately…
I have a 1997 dodge 2500 dodge RAM pickup. The dashboard began cracking in 2008. The problem began as hair line cracks at the base of the windshield. Over the past two years the dashboard has increasingly gotten worse. Now the entire dash has cracked with large gaping holes. A section approximately 6" x 11" has completely broken loose and IS lying inside the panel. Many of the other segments have cracked and separated creating knife like points. The failure of the dash creates a safety concern during a collision as well as a fire hazard due to wiring becoming exposed to the sunlight. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
On all dodge RAM trucks, specifically 2500 models, have a death wobble that occurs all the time. what happens IS, when you hit a bump or a crack in the road, the truck starts wobbling out of control. it has to do with the front suspension and there's no way to fix it. it's horrible because it…
On all dodge RAM trucks, specifically 2500 models, have a death wobble that occurs all the time. what happens IS, when you hit a bump or a crack in the road, the truck starts wobbling out of control. it has to do with the front suspension and there's no way to fix it. it's horrible because it usually occurs when you're on highways at high speeds and it can cause a serious accident. more details include severe truck shaking and loss of control of the vehicle. to see this happen on camera, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6h5eh261gw. Millions of people are having this problem!! It has even been reported with jeep wranglers. please sent out a recall for all dodge RAM trucks and jeep wranglers!!! *ln
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact noticed small cracks in the instrument control panel cluster. The cracks manifested into large, triangular, sharp, plastic chunks that are falling inward into the vehicle and also flying through the window when he was driving. The vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. The contact noticed small cracks in the instrument control panel cluster. The cracks manifested into large, triangular, sharp, plastic chunks that are falling inward into the vehicle and also flying through the window when he was driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated there are no recalls or warranty on the vehicle and he would have to pay for the repairs. He notified the manufacturer who stated they had calls in regards to the failure, but they did not provide any assistance. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage 100,000.
- Structure
My 1997 dodge 2500 dash board has cracked leaving two piece that look like shards of glass. I am very concerned in a collision that these pieces could cause serious injury. This has been an on going issuewith dodge and they have refused to take ownership of the problem. This situation IS very…
My 1997 dodge 2500 dash board has cracked leaving two piece that look like shards of glass. I am very concerned in a collision that these pieces could cause serious injury. This has been an on going issuewith dodge and they have refused to take ownership of the problem. This situation IS very dangerous with the way the dash cracks. The dash splits from front to back creating dagger type pieces. Please help fix this problem. *Tr
- Air bags · Steering · Visibility
Dodge pickup 1997 tilt wheel, wires in steering column broke, disabled air bag, electric windows and other stuff. 4X4 steering IS loose lots of steering wheel play to keep vehicle strait on road, like that since new. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. while driving 55 mph, the air bag suddenly deployed without an impact or crash. the contact maintained control of the vehicle, although his hand was injured. he steered the vehicle to the side of the road, tied the air bag to the steering wheel, and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 2500. while driving 55 mph, the air bag suddenly deployed without an impact or crash. the contact maintained control of the vehicle, although his hand was injured. he steered the vehicle to the side of the road, tied the air bag to the steering wheel, and drove to his residence. he then drove to the dealer and was advised to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated that they could not assist because the previous owner ignored the recall notice. the nhtsa campaign ID number was unknown. the failure mileage was 175,000.
- Tires
The tire tread separated and the tire ripped apart while driving home from work at 65 mph. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
I purchased this 1997 dodge 2500 diesel pickup brand new from the dodge dealership in oregon. the worst vehicle that I have ever owned regarding being able to see at night with their headlight design. I have had many close calls trying to see the road as it IS almost impossible to see even the…
I purchased this 1997 dodge 2500 diesel pickup brand new from the dodge dealership in oregon. the worst vehicle that I have ever owned regarding being able to see at night with their headlight design. I have had many close calls trying to see the road as it IS almost impossible to see even the road directly in front of the pickup with this style of headlamps that dodge engineered for this year pickup night driving. At night. I have taken it to several dodge dealerships to see if they can help. they have not been able to remedy this to this day. very dangerous to drive at night. help! *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.
- 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.
- 10148823This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10148822This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at the crimp.
- 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.~
- 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.
Every Dodge RAM 2500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.