1997 Dodge RAM 2500 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 213 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500, 4% of the 213 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“While driving truck down road air bag exploded for no apparent reason , no large bumps or impacts to vehicle..Cab filled with dust and smoke Luckily was able to stop although my hearing is greatly impaired now..”
NHTSA complaint #11420515, filed 2021-06“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge RAM 2500. While driving 55 MPH, the air bag suddenly deployed without an impact or crash. The contact maintained control of the vehicle, although his hand was injured. He steered the vehicle to the side of the road, tied the air bag to the steering wheel, and drove to his residence. He then drove to the dealer and was advised to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist because the previous owner ignored the recall notice. The NHTSA campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 175,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10259754, filed 2009-02, 175,000 miles“Dodge pickup 1997 tilt wheel, wires in steering column broke, disabled air bag, electric windows and other stuff. 4x4 steering is loose lots of steering wheel play to keep vehicle strait on road, like that since new.”
NHTSA complaint #10341381, filed 2010-07“Consumer was involved in a in head on collision traveling at very high speed in which the driver's side air bag did not deploy, resulting in injuries to the driver's side occupant. Also vehicle totaled. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #827568, filed 1998-09“Consumer was sitting further than 12 inches from the driver's airbag when it deployed, causing severe burns, burning through layers of skin on his left arm and wrist.”
NHTSA complaint #841013, filed 1999-06Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 11 | 4% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 16 | 7% |
| 2008 | 30 | 9% |
| 2007 | 46 | 13% |
| 2006 | 77 | 11% |
| 2005 | 76 | 18% |
| 2004 | 90 | 15% |
| 2003 | 138 | 21% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 18 | 4% |
| 2000 | 10 | 5% |
| 1999 | 18 | 6% |
| 1998 | 18 | 8% |
| 1997 | 9 | 4% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 7% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsTires
26 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500
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