1997 Dodge RAM 3500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM 3500 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Dodge RAM 3500. 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 3500. Newest first.
Vehicle description: model 3500 light duty trucks only. operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit.
Owner complaints
125 complaints4 involved a crash12 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 3500. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Callaway chrysler dodge jeep RAM (809 s westminster ave, fulton, mo 65251, (855) 486-1440) diagnosed that the headlight switch was melted. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 3500. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Callaway chrysler dodge jeep RAM (809 s westminster ave, fulton, mo 65251, (855) 486-1440) diagnosed that the headlight switch was melted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 253,363.
- Exterior lighting
There IS no relay to headlight switch causing pigtail to melt multiple times. Could cause fire while driving.... Pigtail melts and headlights shut off during drive.
- Unknown or other
I purchased this vehicle used approx in 2007 but have not receive any notice on recalls. There was something one time I took into fear let about window I think. recently I was talking with previous owner and found out they were still getting info on truck occasional but threw away as they'd sold…
I purchased this vehicle used approx in 2007 but have not receive any notice on recalls. There was something one time I took into fear let about window I think. recently I was talking with previous owner and found out they were still getting info on truck occasional but threw away as they'd sold and assume I was getting same recall notices. I've had replace transmission cause burn out on long trip from fairbanks approx 1 1/2 year ago lost most fluid just as I pull in to wasilla. Paint has peaked in area or two and my headlights started working intermittent yesterday. Had issues with power boast as well in past along with lack of heat in winter. Replaced injectors same year I purchased
- Unknown or other
A passenger sat an item on the dash, the dash shattered and piece flew in my eye while driving, I almost wrecked the truck on busy interstate 75. Item wasn't very heavy and should not have broken the dash, it's like the whole dash rotted at once & came apart, very dangerous.
- Exterior lighting
While driving in heavy rain, water entered and nearly filled the headlamp enclosure causing the halogen lamp to burst.
- Power train · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 3500. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact stated that the when the transmission was shifted into reverse, it failed to engage. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Was driving and headlights unexpectedly went out. Turned switch off and back on and lights would come back on each time, but would immediately go back off. Did so three consecutive times. Turned on emergency flashers to get home. They went off a total of 6 times in a 3 mile trip. I found a recall…
Was driving and headlights unexpectedly went out. Turned switch off and back on and lights would come back on each time, but would immediately go back off. Did so three consecutive times. Turned on emergency flashers to get home. They went off a total of 6 times in a 3 mile trip. I found a recall on light duty only, but nothing on my truck. They need to be included in the recall. This IS very hazardous , almost wrecked the truck because this happened at 1130 at night when I went to pick up my son from a football game. I was on very dangerous switch-back curves when they went out the three consecutive times. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Fluid · Steering
Power steer/brake fluid master cylinder leaked into cab of truck saturating the carpets before it could be discovered. safety fear of carpet soaked with power steering fluid. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the fuel tank collapsed twice within a nine year time frame. the fuel tank was replaced by the dealer each time. The dealer advised the contact that the fuel tank was setup like a vacuum and the fuel cap allowed air to enter into…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the fuel tank collapsed twice within a nine year time frame. the fuel tank was replaced by the dealer each time. The dealer advised the contact that the fuel tank was setup like a vacuum and the fuel cap allowed air to enter into the tank, causing it to collapse. The contact stated that the fuel tank was manufactured with plastic and did not have a vent. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 175,000.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns 1997 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current mileage 200,000.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
TL* the driver owns a 1997 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph with the running lights on, the instrument panel lighting shut off. The interior light switch also began to smoke. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed. The contact…
TL* the driver owns a 1997 dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph with the running lights on, the instrument panel lighting shut off. The interior light switch also began to smoke. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed. The contact replaced the headlight switch. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags › Frontal
Owner/driver was making a righthand turn into a parking lot and was going about three miles per hour. as he was turning with his arm across the steering wheel, the airbag suddenly deployed. driver's arms were pushed to the back window by the impact. the truck filled with smoke. driver's right…
Owner/driver was making a righthand turn into a parking lot and was going about three miles per hour. as he was turning with his arm across the steering wheel, the airbag suddenly deployed. driver's arms were pushed to the back window by the impact. the truck filled with smoke. driver's right wrist was fractured and owner suffered tear in right rotator cuff that required surgery to correct. he will now need physical therapy. driver IS currently experiencing pain in left rotator cuff and wants to have it examined. dodge will inspect the vehicle. *tt
- Suspension › Front
I have owned a 1995 dodge 2500 and a 1997 dodge 3500. I have some concerns with a steering problem with these models. If a pothole or railroad tracks are hit at a speed of at least 55 mph the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably. When this happened with my 1995 I spent over $400.00 in just parts…
I have owned a 1995 dodge 2500 and a 1997 dodge 3500. I have some concerns with a steering problem with these models. If a pothole or railroad tracks are hit at a speed of at least 55 mph the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably. When this happened with my 1995 I spent over $400.00 in just parts replacing almost all of the steering parts. Now this IS happening with the 1997. This issue needs to be brought to the attention of the public and in my opinion IS very dangerous and could end up resulting in death if not corrected. I have yet to have this checked out yet on the 1997. While I understand that parts wear out on trucks it should not peoples lives in danger when this happens. The only time this happens IS when a bump of some sort starts the process. *tr
- Child seat
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge RAM 3500 that secures a cosco touriva overhead shield child restraint, model number unknown, manufactured june 1, 2009. The contact stated that a metal component of the restraint harness fractured and the child was able to exit the seat. The manufacturer was not contacted in regards to the failure.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet impala. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph and changing lanes when the steering wheel and brake pedal exhibited an unusual clicking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed the failure within the intermediate shaft, which would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 36,700.
- Electrical system · Structure
Dash started to brake on my 1997 dodge 3500 truck leaving sharp edges, I have lost approx 50% of the top of dash exposing electrical wiring at present unable to use a/c as small pieces of plastic fly up occasionally I have a dash mat at the present time and still cannot use a/c something needs to…
Dash started to brake on my 1997 dodge 3500 truck leaving sharp edges, I have lost approx 50% of the top of dash exposing electrical wiring at present unable to use a/c as small pieces of plastic fly up occasionally I have a dash mat at the present time and still cannot use a/c something needs to be done concerning the safety of people no-one in florida IS comfortable driving with no a/c and I don not think I should drive with a mat covering the dash for the next 5 or so years I have complained to dodge and they just ignore the fact they use defective material. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
I own a 1997 dodge RAM 3500 and the headlights go out on it after half an hour or less of headlight use and sometimes it blows a fuse and no tail lights are on and I have to pull over and change the fuse so I can continue my course. I sometimes have to pull down on the headlight switch to get…
I own a 1997 dodge RAM 3500 and the headlights go out on it after half an hour or less of headlight use and sometimes it blows a fuse and no tail lights are on and I have to pull over and change the fuse so I can continue my course. I sometimes have to pull down on the headlight switch to get lights to stay on. Another thing IS that the dashboard IS cracked and the plastic IS falling apart and this needs to get corrected before some accident happens to all dodge owners who might not have the knowledge of this problem. *Tr
- Structure
The top of my dashboard started cracking and stick out, it snapped of easy as it was very brittle. I have approx 40% of my dash missing. If the florida sun did this- what will it do to the wiring that IS showing this I believe IS a material defect and dodge needs to do something about it. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
At engine oil change, serviceman noticed fuel tank hanging by aft fuel hanger strap only. first failure of the fuel tank hanger strap assembly. had the tank completely failed on the road, the 35 gallons of diesel fuel could have caused a burned up vehicle and or injury/ loss of life.*dt
- Structure
Dash cracking. *Tr
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge 3500. the vehicle has falcon tires, size lt24575r16 (na). on july 3, 2009, while driving approximately 60 mph, the tread separated from the rear passenger side tire. the contact replaced the tire with a spare. the tire had approximately 5,000 miles at the time…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge 3500. the vehicle has falcon tires, size lt24575r16 (na). on july 3, 2009, while driving approximately 60 mph, the tread separated from the rear passenger side tire. the contact replaced the tire with a spare. the tire had approximately 5,000 miles at the time of the failure. the tire manufacturer filed a report. the vehicle's vin and mileages were unknown. updated 08/04/09 *bf updated 08/06/09.*jb
- Trailer hitches
1997 dodge RAM 3500 truck has a problem with the trailer hitch. consumer states that the trailer hitch IS defective and wants to be reimbursed for the cost of the replacement hitch. *nj when the consumer applied the brakes, the hitch on the truck literally broke and the trailer hit the…
1997 dodge RAM 3500 truck has a problem with the trailer hitch. consumer states that the trailer hitch IS defective and wants to be reimbursed for the cost of the replacement hitch. *nj when the consumer applied the brakes, the hitch on the truck literally broke and the trailer hit the ground. The consumer was told about a recall, however when she contacted chrysler, they told her there was no recall for her vehicle identification number. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Head lights go out wires get hot. There was a recall for the headlight switch on my model truck ( 1997 dodge RAM 3500 ) but I was told my truck was not included in this recall. *tr
- Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge 3500. the contact stated that the exterior lighting failed while driving on two occasions. the contact has not taken the vehicle to be inspected. the speed was unknown. the current mileage was 67,592 and failure mileage was 53,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge 3500. the contact stated that the exterior lighting failed while driving on two occasions. the contact has not taken the vehicle to be inspected. the speed was unknown. the current mileage was 67,592 and failure mileage was 53,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf the consumer stated headlight switch and plug melted causing all lights except headlights to fail. The consumer stated replaced switch and plug but can't find park relay. Updated 12/12/07 *tr
- Air bags · Steering
Incident occurred at home/vehicle was not in motion. Got in driver seat to move vehicle and the airbag deployed for no reason/. No accident had occurred. Owner was injured by blow to the head, causing bruising and headaches. No parts replaced due to insurance company and manufacturer not feeling responsible for the problem. Airbag) no longer in use, and all functions on steering wheel did not work.*ak
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 3500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.