1997 Dodge Dodge Truck Problems
- Complaints
- 18filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck. The part named most often is electrical system, with 3 complaints (17% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and steering (3). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 130,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system3 17%
- Engine cooling3 17%
- Steering3 17%
- Suspension3 17%
- Air bags1 5.6%
- Brakes1 5.6%
- Exterior lighting1 5.6%
- Other or unknown1 5.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “For several years I have been experiencing a sudden loss of my headlights while driving my 1997 Dodge ram 1500 with 82000 miles on it. I noticed that I experienced this problem much more often when operating the high beams for 10-15 minutes. I took it in to a service shop on two occasions but they could never diagnose the problem. On 12/28/08, I began smelling an electrical smell in the cab and the headlights suddenly went out. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the truck off. After 10-15 minutes, the headlights worked again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10253113, filed 2008-12, 82,000 milesEngine cooling: “Engine will randomly stall. Only discernible pattern is the vehicle is operated more than 45 minutes, however episodes are very sporadic. Engine will restart only after a wait period of 20-30 minutes (then runs fine). Engine code is a misfire, however after diagnostics multiple shops and dealer unable to diagnose problem. Will continue to trouble shoot, as sporadic engine stalls are disconcerting due to its safety impact.”
NHTSA complaint #10018326, filed 2003-05, 134,000 milesSuspension: “It was requested that Dodge dakota owners log information as to if they have excessively worn ball joints and / or failures. I am an engineer at an equipment manufacturer and believe this is a failure due to excessive wear at low mileage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10096268, filed 2004-10Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 82,000 and 134,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck.
Other model years of the Dodge Dodge Truck
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 15 | 22,428 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 22 | 31,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 39 | 68,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 20 | 66,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 51 | 86,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 28 | 58,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 18 | 130,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 35 | 36,038 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 16 | 120,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 19 | 95,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 14 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 10 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge Dodge Truck model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck have?
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 3 complaints (17% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 130,000 miles and the middle half falls between 82,000 and 134,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.