1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 3%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,497miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 3% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,497 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.
“A long list is available at humes of waterford,pa. The most amazing failure of the vehichle was when the driver's door flew open while driving around the bend and I was lucky thaat no oncoming traffic was coming. Humes(dealer) fixed it by a horrible weld on the latch.”
NHTSA complaint #10116859, filed 2005-04, 40 miles“Driving on a local highway I-70 east bound, the hood latch released without warning. The hood flipped backwards onto the windshield. Nothing has been done or replaced yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10104936, filed 2005-01, 140,770 miles“Driving on a local highway I-70 east bound, the hood latch released without warning. The hood flipped backwards onto the windshield. Nothing has been done or replaced yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10104935, filed 2005-01, 140,770 miles“While driving 55 MPH hood latch failed. As a result, the driver's visibility was impaired and the vehicle went into an embankment. No injuries reported.”
NHTSA complaint #10083671, filed 2004-08, 112,497 miles“My fiance is the owner of a 1997 Dodge 1500 4x4 pickup. The problem is that we have had the transmission repaired/change 4 times since we have taken possession of the vehicle in 2002. I check the defects for that vehicle on your defect information & sure enough there it is. We have had nothing but trouble with this truck since we purchased it. The hood latch is always loose & finally cause the hood to fly up while driving down the road with me & my 2 children. The tail gate has fallen off in the middle of traffic. The drivers door has been replace because the it sags. …”
NHTSA complaint #10176049, filed 2006-12Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 11 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 26 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% |
| 1998 | 17 | 3% |
| 1997 | 10 | 3% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
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 31, 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