1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 6%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 6% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The low beam headlights cut out while I was driving at night to the store a motorist flashed their lights at me while I was at a light.. Checked all fuses and had mechanic look it over. They narrowed it down to the steering column it will be 400$ to fix. The wire harness pin plug had overheated and melted. Almost caused a fire. I had smelled burning electric smell. Was only able to hold hi beam lever to keep hi beams engaged to be able to drive with lights till problem is fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10811460, filed 2015-12, 155,000 miles“I have a 97 Dodge ram that started cracking around 2004 and has steadily gotten worse and worse. As a result I have a terrible looking interior and I believe my electrical problems are a testament of the dashboards exposing my electrical wiring to the sun. The only way to halfway fix it I've found is to mount formica squares(not cheap mind you) over the wholes with mounting squares, though it looks terrible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267173, filed 2009-04, 40,000 miles“My report is not necessarily concerning a specific incident. Approximately the date and time specified above I noticed my dash cracking, since that time the entire dash of my truck has cracked and broken. I have had the cupholders break and spill on me and now my dash backlight has stopped functioning. It is only a matter of time until it completely falls apart. I have applied adhesive to a dash cover to prevent further degradation of the plastic. From what I see on my truck and my father-in-laws 2003 Dodge ram it is a fundamental flaw in the material the dash components are made from. …”
NHTSA complaint #10566561, filed 2014-02, 98,000 miles“I bought a 1997 Dodge ram slt 1500. It is used and has 135,000 miles on it. However, I like the truck and I don't want to sell it because it is not safe for my family and I to be in. It has cracks all in the dashboard...and they are getting worse every day. I can actually see wires and the internal part of my dash components. It squeaks and I can also see steel mounting post that look really dangerous for a sudden stop or even I miner fender bender. It is actually caving in....and completely deteriorating. Nothing has been done to correct this problem by Dodge as far as I know. …”
NHTSA complaint #10268312, filed 2009-05, 130,000 miles“Dash starting cracking and falling apart, wires got messed up and some things don't work. Parts of the plastic of the dash come out the vents when you turn on the heat or air. Part with the VIN went somewhere to parts unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10659345, filed 2014-11, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 175 | 25% |
| 2011 | 214 | 31% |
| 2010 | 71 | 15% |
| 2009 | 97 | 14% |
| 2008 | 52 | 9% |
| 2007 | 62 | 12% |
| 2006 | 125 | 16% |
| 2005 | 63 | 5% |
| 2004 | 99 | 9% |
| 2003 | 62 | 5% |
| 2002 | 93 | 11% |
| 2001 | 81 | 7% |
| 2000 | 35 | 7% |
| 1999 | 36 | 6% |
| 1998 | 32 | 6% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 26 | 9% |
| 1995 | 31 | 15% |
| 1994 | 22 | 19% |
| 1991 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500
70 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
56 complaintsBrakes
53 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology