1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 19%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 19% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dash board is all cracked and broken apart. With every bump in the road the dash shakes bad and worsens from the lack of no support holding it in place. With the A/C, heat, or defroster blowing out the vents plastic also blows out. Trying to clean out my eye when driving is tough. Just waiting for the day I hit a bump and the dash falls to my feet. Body would be the paint on roof and hood, discoloring and peeling off”
NHTSA complaint #10759349, filed 2015-08, 85,000 miles“The dash board on my 97 Dodge ram has cracked in several places. One major concern is the dash cracked over the air bag, I can see electrical components inside the dash area. The local Dodge dealership refuses to repair the damaged dash board. Consumer wanted to know the outcome to the many complaints involving the cracking of the dashboard. Updated 11/01/11.”
NHTSA complaint #10425471, filed 2011-09, 98,000 miles“Dashboard and all other interior plastic deteriorating, cracked, broken, falling into firewall area. While driving at night on I-95, large piece of dashboard broke off and fell into area behind speedometer and caused dash lights to go out. This scared me terribly and I was able to pull off the road and reconnect the wire coupling to get my dash lights back on.”
NHTSA complaint #10217838, filed 2008-02, 92,500 miles“I own a 1997 Dodge RAM 1500. The dash started cracking by itself and is caving in. My research on the internet and research by local tv (wkmg) indicate that this is happening all over- every dash on a Dodge pickup will crack and fall apart. This creates a safety hazard with the wiring. Dodge refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10189475, filed 2007-05, 10,500 miles“I own a 1997 Dodge 1500 pickup truck and the dashboard is literally falling in pieces. This truck has been treated with a lot of care and has been detailed frequently to keep its appearance like new. It surprised me to see a small crack and I immediately sealed the crack to avoid it getting larger. I was amazed that larger cracks started appearing in various areas of the dashboard and soon it started to fall in pieces.”
NHTSA complaint #10315006, filed 2010-02, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 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.
- 10220099Nov 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…
- 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.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 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…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 3% |
| 2010 | 26 | 5% |
| 2009 | 41 | 6% |
| 2008 | 11 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% |
| 2006 | 17 | 2% |
| 2005 | 24 | 2% |
| 2004 | 50 | 5% |
| 2003 | 237 | 20% |
| 2002 | 278 | 34% |
| 2001 | 548 | 49% |
| 2000 | 248 | 48% |
| 1999 | 240 | 39% |
| 1998 | 102 | 20% |
| 1997 | 70 | 19% |
| 1996 | 35 | 12% |
| 1995 | 36 | 17% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500
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 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