1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 3%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,225miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 3% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,225 miles.
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.
“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“Upper dash panel cracking into 15 to 20 pieces and the pieces are falling into inside of the dash. I've used a dash cover that fits in the widow since the vehicle was bought new.”
NHTSA complaint #10268889, filed 2009-05, 58,000 miles“1997 Dodge RAM 1500 5.2l v8 single cab(laramie) dash is cracked right down the center, cruise control is not working anymore and air conditioning goes in and out with acceleration.”
NHTSA complaint #10166275, filed 2006-08, 63,000 miles“While driving at any speed and when the air conditioner is on a terrible smell permeated the vehicle. This smell occurred several times. Dealer was not able to find what was causing the odor.”
NHTSA complaint #10075761, filed 2004-06, 36,450 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 $900.00 on a tune-ep and diagnostics. Check engine light stays on. Doing since first owner. Dealer checks, charged hundreds of dollars and within 8 hours of use light comes back on and stays light. Occasionally it will blink then remain on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161737, filed 2006-07, 11,200 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10188700May 1, 2013Part Description: Filter Assy - Trans Oil Sump Issue Description: When replacing the filter: Use 52118789 filter with 52118780AD pan. Use 3515996 filter with 52118804 pan. The…
- 10188656Apr 17, 2013When replacing the transmission pan: Replace 52118804 pan with 52118780AD pan AND 52118789 filter. The 52118780AD pan is 0.59" deeper than the 52118804 pan and requires the…
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 11 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 13 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 0% |
| 2004 | 12 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 11 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 2% |
| 2000 | 14 | 3% |
| 1999 | 13 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 3% |
| 1997 | 12 | 3% |
| 1996 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
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 30, 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