1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 6%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 6% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was drving down the road when the truck caught on fire, the front cab only. Me and my children jumped out just in time before it was engulfed in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #10096460, filed 2004-10, 26,500 miles“While driving, the vehicle would stall. The consumer managed to pull over, but was unable to restart the vehicle and had it towed. The dealership mechanic informed the consumer that the problem was due to the fuel pump module. He tried to repair the vehicle 3 times, but was unable to resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10050110, filed 2003-12, 31,000 miles“While driving, the vehicle would stall. The consumer managed to pull over, but was unable to restart the vehicle and had it towed. The dealership stated the problem was due to the fuel pump module. He tried to repair 3 times,but was unable to resolved the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10050109, filed 2003-12, 31,000 miles“Seats will not recline nor flip forward. This has caused a back seat passenger to fall getting out of the 1997 Dodge ram becoming injured. Vehicle misses, stutters and engine pulses at 50 MPH. Has been doing this since first onwer. Transmission rebuilt and still does it. Dealer can not find problem after spending $900.00 on a tune-ep and diagnostics. Check engine light stays on. Doing since first owner. Dealer checks, charged hundreds of dollars and within 8 hours of use light comes back on and stays light. Occasionally it will blink then remain on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161737, filed 2006-07, 11,200 miles“The automobile shop that repaired my truck said that when the dealer replaced my rear main seal the job was done improperly. That was most likely the reason the engine failed. The also noticed that when the new parts came in the new oil pick up tube screan was a lot larger than the old one.”
NHTSA complaint #717629, filed 2000-01Related service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% |
| 2005 | 77 | 7% |
| 2004 | 116 | 11% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 7% |
| 2001 | 51 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 6% |
| 1998 | 35 | 7% |
| 1997 | 20 | 6% |
| 1996 | 32 | 11% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 29% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsSuspension
21 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 27, 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