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1997 Dodge RAM 3500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 125 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

51
CarFlaw IndexSolid year3% below the RAM 3500 median · #11 of 20 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints12521 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage43kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 25, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 has problems

125 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
Power train263
Exterior lighting255
Service brakes, hydraulic173
Steering102
Fuel system, gasoline92
Suspension80
Vehicle speed control60
Electrical system61
Engine and engine cooling61
11 other systems254

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

1 recall

1997 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Headlights: switch

Recall 99V-024 · Feb 5, 1999 · 79,366 vehicles

Risk. IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other RAM 3500 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 3500 median. How we score

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

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Dodge RAM 3500, and the recalls they led to.

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

What RAM 3500 owners report

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

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…
Complaint 10745392 · Jul 31, 2015 · 70,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 1997 DODGE RAM 3500, HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 1997. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE ONE IT COMES TO A STOP, AND IF HE APPLIES TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE ENGINE ENGAGES TOO QUICKLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN…
Complaint 10178459 · Jan 11, 2007
VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO PULL ADEQUATE TRAILER WEIGHT. VEHICLE WILL NOT EXCEED 55 MPH IN SPEED, IT WILL START DECREASING SPEED AND JERK FORWARD WHEN IT GETS TO 55 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT LOCATE CAUSE.*AK
Complaint 10029714 · Jul 21, 2003 · 15,000 miles

Own a 1997 RAM 3500?

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