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1997 Dodge RAM 1500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 361 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, most often about the structure. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

61
CarFlaw IndexSolid year36% below the RAM 1500 median · #16 of 19 years by complaints
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints36169 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage100kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 21, 2020. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 has problems

361 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure702
Power train563
Service brakes, hydraulic437
Fuel system, gasoline262
Air bags2414
Steering235
Electrical system234
Suspension211
Engine and engine cooling204
16 other systems11817

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

0 recalls

1997 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Mileage at failure

When do structure problems start?

100kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 36 structure complaints. 47% were reported before 100,000 miles.

Only 40% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
3under 30k miles17under 100k miles19100k miles or more
Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other RAM 1500 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM 1500 median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'14
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT BACK FAILUREDP03006 · closed Apr 8, 2004
    No recall
In owners' words

What RAM 1500 owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10761814 · Sep 5, 2015 · 174,387 miles
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…
Complaint 10759349 · Aug 26, 2015 · 85,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10654108 · Nov 11, 2014 · 167,000 miles

Own a 1997 RAM 1500?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.