1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 4%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500, 4% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 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.
“Heater core replacement needs done and worried about the dash cracking when put back in, it was a problem with a prior 97' ram I owned and know it's a chrysler problem and concerned about my dash on the 01' I now own.”
NHTSA complaint #10226412, filed 2008-05, 62,000 miles“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“The failure of the driver's side rear view mirror appears to be a manufacturer's defect. The mirror would not remain stable once the vehicle was placed in motion. As you drive the mirror would be pushed towards the driver's side window. After having the mirror replaced at my expense ($359.41), the invoice is received stated mirror clips broken, replaced mirror with housing . The manufacturer should absorb these costly repairs because I believe the instability of the mirrors is a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10045677, filed 2003-11“Both exterior mirrors would fold in while driving, causing blind spot and almost a vehicle crash. Dealer was notified, and replace mirrors, but problem still reoccurring. Dealer refuses any more assistance. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #882388, filed 2001-03“Both side mirrors move back and forth as you drive or when wind changes, dealer inspected said yes they are bad, new ones, $600.00, at only 15,000 miles at time of failure.talked to three others ,same type truck, who have this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #747014, filed 2001-06Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 56 | 8% |
| 2008 | 26 | 5% |
| 2007 | 24 | 5% |
| 2006 | 65 | 8% |
| 2005 | 37 | 3% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 33 | 3% |
| 2002 | 53 | 7% |
| 2001 | 13 | 1% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 1% |
| 1998 | 14 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 3% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
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 29, 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