1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 8%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 8% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle leaks from the top of the tank. I have had it repaired once by a Dodge dealership but it has started leaking again around the fuel pump. I had the fuel pump replaced and it has started leaking again. I have had it checked by another dealer and the tank itself is cracking. They noted no damage around tank or to other components. They tested the original pump and it did not leak. The leak came back once the fuel pump seal began to dry out.”
NHTSA complaint #10442765, filed 2012-01, 100,000 miles“I have a 1997 Dodge RAM 1500. I noticed a strong gas smell and found that the plastics fuel rail was spraying gas onto the intact manifold. This was located on the drivers side by the firewall. I took it to the dealer and I was told that the part was superseded by a new design and it would take a week to get the parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10054981, filed 2004-01, 73,000 miles“I own a Dodge RAM 1500 pick up, 1997, 4-wd, automatic. I had to replace the fuel pump this week. The cost including labor was $750.00. I feel that with only 67,000 miles on a 1997 vehicle, the fuel pump should not need replacing. The tow truck driver's first reaction was that he felt I needed on of those lousy Dodge fuel pumps . I have a friend who also needed one replaced last week, again a Dodge ram p/u. I had my work done at neighborhood auto, in new bedford, ma. When I found out the cost of the job, I felt it was on the high side. …”
NHTSA complaint #10033115, filed 2003-08, 67,000 miles“Upon exiting vehicle after short trip (2 miles), noticed strong fuel odor. Looked under truck and observed fuel streaming down over hot exhaust pipe beneath engine compartment. Inspection of engine revealed burst line connecting fuel rails, causing fuel to spray over hot engine/exhaust, extreme fire hazard. Cannot be driven due to fire hazard. Line is not rubbing on anything or flexing to cause failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10622216, filed 2014-08, 95,000 miles“Driving truck in town at app 30mph when fuel tank fell from truck striking pavement. Opened a 5inch hole in tank letting fuel escape onto road & vehicle. Tank fell between truck frame at angle making contact with road. Fuel spray on road & truck until able to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10566121, filed 2014-02, 159,770 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 126 | 18% |
| 2011 | 142 | 21% |
| 2010 | 39 | 8% |
| 2009 | 43 | 6% |
| 2008 | 64 | 12% |
| 2007 | 38 | 7% |
| 2006 | 23 | 3% |
| 2005 | 40 | 3% |
| 2004 | 62 | 6% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 17 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 21 | 4% |
| 1997 | 29 | 8% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1991 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500
70 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
56 complaintsBrakes
53 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 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 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