1997 Dodge RAM Van
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM Van › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Dodge RAM Van. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
16 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
This van was a great running vehicle, and had never had any problems other than the normal for a van of this year. My grandson and I were headed out of our neighborhood and I started smelling gas. I thought maybe one of the neighbors had some gas poured out or something. I continued to drive about…
This van was a great running vehicle, and had never had any problems other than the normal for a van of this year. My grandson and I were headed out of our neighborhood and I started smelling gas. I thought maybe one of the neighbors had some gas poured out or something. I continued to drive about 2 blocks and noticed that I still smelled the strong odor of gas. I looked into my rear view mirror and saw that flames were pouring out from under the van from under the front area where my grandson and I were sitting. We jumped out of the van and called 911. By the time the fire department showed up my van was completely burnt up. The firemen said that evidently the fuel line had fell off. *tr
- Steering · Structure › Body · Suspension
The front frames rot out on steering side and it isn't 1 of them it IS almost all of them. Toyota recalled tacomas for this and I want my frame fixed or replaced. This happens early in the life of the vehicles. They have almost gotten away with it . But these are still on the road and could kill…
The front frames rot out on steering side and it isn't 1 of them it IS almost all of them. Toyota recalled tacomas for this and I want my frame fixed or replaced. This happens early in the life of the vehicles. They have almost gotten away with it . But these are still on the road and could kill people .they need to buy the ones that are still on the road or trade for safe vans or trucks. The service life of these were cut short and almost every junkyard has these and they all look good but they aren't safe. They need to clean up their mess and take them back to be held accountable as they cant be repaired .i think the drain holes in the frames were in the wrong place or not there at all. *Ln
- Tires › Tread/belt
Traveling on interstate right rear tire tread completely separated from tire and bent fender. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices
Headlight lens increasingly cloudy to the point of extremely impaired vision. I have contacted chrysler corp and they are not interested in correcting the problem. this IS 1997 dodge RAM van, [xxx]. *Jb updated 07/18/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Please note this was a rented 15 passenger dodge van I'm 90% sure it was a 97 if not it was from 1995 to 2000 in model year I reported it to dodge. Just recently I became aware of your site and decided to report it to you also.*ak 1 normal driving boston to eastern kentucky 2 front disc…
Please note this was a rented 15 passenger dodge van I'm 90% sure it was a 97 if not it was from 1995 to 2000 in model year I reported it to dodge. Just recently I became aware of your site and decided to report it to you also.*ak 1 normal driving boston to eastern kentucky 2 front disc brake hose severed due to proximity of other suspension components consequence loss of all braking capability. 3 local mechanic installed new hose he connected it to the font disc brake and routed it away from suspension components to prevent it from happening again. he stated this IS a common problem he's seen in the dodge 15 passenger van
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering · Tires
Steering column destroyed stalling not running if gas IS not applied we can't get anyone to fix it, so we are stuck with a messed up van tire blew on us, firestone tires are still on it. I can't drive it anyway cause it wont stay started and I still pay bank 450 a month for a van that doesn't run.
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt came unlatched. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
While driving at 65 mph accelerator became stuck. consumer was not able to control vehicle and it collided with the vehicle in front. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that a new accelerator cable was needed, but none were available. manufacturer claimed that that this type of cable was no longer manufactured. *ak *mr
Problems with ac/heater wiring harness. the blower motor for the ac/heater system in the van continues to overload and burn out components for this system. the van has been put into repair on four seperate occasions. it has now once again burned out. here IS some information: turned in on…
Problems with ac/heater wiring harness. the blower motor for the ac/heater system in the van continues to overload and burn out components for this system. the van has been put into repair on four seperate occasions. it has now once again burned out. here IS some information: turned in on 6/18/99. replaced blower motor resistor. mileage 24010 turned in on 9/16/99. replaced blower motor resistor, repaired wiring harness and sleeve. mileage 26434 turned in on 12/14/99. replaced control head and blower switch. mileage 29880. turned in on 8/15/02. replaced blower motor switch. replace blower motor harness when switch failed. turning in again next week for repairs. chrysler headquaters and the dealership state that this IS my problem. my concern IS that if the underling problem IS not fixed, then a potential fire hazard exists when the wiring harness or other parts once again burn out.
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Consumer called complaining about having problem with both outside rear view mirror, has been replaced 7 times. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts *tr
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery exploded while starting vehicle. Dealer / manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion) · Suspension › Front · Vehicle speed control
The steering box IS faulty and IS causing the vehicle to wander and wobble within it's lanes. nlm
- Suspension › Front › Shock absorber · Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber
Shocks failed. nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
When the front brakes get hot and warped, the car veers to the left when brakes are applied. Dealer also replaced rear brakes. The problem still exists. *ak
- Vehicle speed control
Cruise control fails to disengage while driving at normal speed. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Main drive belt binded up and broke off. Took vehicle to dodge dealer/manufacturer. belts have been replaced three times prior to this incident. Will be contacted . *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.…
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate IS low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue IS unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation IS being closed.
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.
- 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.
- 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.~
- 10016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089030This bulletin involves reverse buzz (46RE) *nlm
- 6089000Information on transmission cooler reverse flushing with cooler bypass kit installed. *Nlm
- 6088991This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation, inhibitor programming. *Nlm
- 6088935Concerns with erroneous mil illumination with hex code $94. *Nlm
- 6088886Concerns with erroneous mil illumination. Drivability improvement. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088845Vehicle may experience remote keyless entry transmitter batteries discharge prematurely. *Nlm
- 6088814Vehicle may expereience inoperative cd player sales code raz radio. *Nlm
- 6088803Information regarding no start - engin failed to crank. *Nlm
- 6088763Concerns with clunking noise in front suspension. *Nlm
- 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 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.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 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.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 607913Subject regarding spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak.
- 607905Experiencing squeaking noise from rear leaf springs.
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