1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 225,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 1% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 225,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall todays date 4-29-2016,I have a 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 and I would like to know all the recalls on this truck.I have a few problems coming on with my truck.im needing a replacement air intake system its called engine and engine cooling. …”
NHTSA complaint #10862332, filed 2016-04, 200,000 miles“While driving down the road the clip attaching the accelerator cable to the throttle body snapped causing a total loss of steering and effectivness of the brake. I had a 2 month old and my 3 year old in the truck as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10971257, filed 2017-04“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge RAM 1500. While the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the cabin spontaneously filled with smoke and caught fire without warning. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11058073, filed 2018-01, 250,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 163 | 23% |
| 2011 | 151 | 22% |
| 2010 | 62 | 13% |
| 2009 | 50 | 7% |
| 2008 | 35 | 6% |
| 2007 | 35 | 7% |
| 2006 | 33 | 4% |
| 2005 | 76 | 6% |
| 2004 | 74 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 2% |
| 2002 | 22 | 3% |
| 2001 | 5 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsTires
16 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